purpose

September 30, 2014

Do Something Extraordinary

God wants ordinary people like you and me to do extraordinary things for His glory. Extraordinary incidents testify God is working through us. Our steps of faith show the people around us how great HE is. It really is not about us. Our attitude needs to match John the Baptist who declared about Christ, “He must increase; I must decrease.” Stay humble and let God do His thing.

“The people who KNOW THEIR GOD shall prove themselves strong and shall stand firm and do exploits [for God].” (Daniel 11:32b AMP)

Relationship with God opens the door for exploits – not in your own might, but in His power. When you know your God, you display great STRENGTH. When you know your God, you take quick ACTION. When you know your God, you act valiantly. When you know your God, you STAND FIRM. When you know your God, you prosper. When you know your God, you battle against kingdom of darkness. When you know your God, you DO EXPLOITS.

If you are thinking “I can’t do that”, you are the exact one to whom God is calling today. God works through ordinary people. God doesn’t quit on His projects until the job is completed, and He isn’t finished making you into what He wants. The worst thing you could do is disqualify yourself by giving up.

You are qualified to do something – simply because you are a believer. God has a plan and purpose for you. The enemy desires to stop or steal what God wants to give to you. Don’t let the devil steal it! Accept the reality Christ’s forgiveness. You blew it in the past, okay, but the blood of Jesus cleanses. God forgives. You can do exploits, not because you are perfect, but because you are in Christ. Don’t worry if its messy, you can do something significant.

God saved you to serve. Saved people serve people. Find a need and fill it; find a hurt and heal it. The bigger the need you fill the bigger the glory God receives. Do something extraordinary for the Lord. Serve Him by serving others at work, at home, at church.

God works through ordinary people. Let Him work through you. Do something extraordinary for His glory.

September 20, 2014

4 Simple Ways to Experience Joy in Life

God designed us for His joy and has promised an inner supply of joy by His Spirit. God fills us with joy that is separate from any circumstance.

Jesus Christ lived without much of the stuff we associate with temporal happiness. Jesus endured the cross for the joy set before Him (Hebrews 12:2) and never lost His joy despite betrayal, loneliness, slander, pain, suffering, and even death. Christ displayed joy on earth and wanted His disciples to experience joy for themselves. Jesus said, “”I have told you these things so that you can have the SAME JOY I HAVE and so that your joy will be the FULLEST POSSIBLE JOY.” (John 15:11 NCV)

C. S. Lewis wrote of this joy beyond the pleasures of earth. “You might as well offer a mutton chop to a man who is dying of thirst as offer sexual pleasure to the desire I am speaking of. … Joy is not a substitute for sex; sex is very often a substitute for Joy. I sometimes wonder whether all pleasures are not substitutes for Joy.” (Surprised by Joy)

Joy in suffering is observed as Paul and Silas are in a Philippi jail, praying and singing hymns at midnight (Acts 16:25). Later in life while in prison chains, Paul writes, “Rejoice in the Lord always and say it again rejoice.” (Philippians 4:4) God’s clear command is joy. To not rejoice is sin against God’s distinct directive.

“The bottom line for you and me is simply this: grimness is not a Christian virtue. There are no sad saints. If God really is the center of one’s life and being, joy is inevitable. If we have no joy, we have missed the heart of the Good News and our bodies as much as our souls will suffer the consequences.”
(Bruce Larson, “There’s a Lot More to Health Than Not Being Sick”)

How can we have God’s joy invading our lives?

1. Experience God for yourself.

If you want joy, seek to have a genuine encounter with God. In God’s presence, there is fullness of joy (Psalm 16:11). Once you have been with God, your world is transformed. You can experience God’s presence on a daily basis and keep yourself from melting down. Put yourself in a position where we can meet Him – read the Bible, pray, listen to God-honoring music, attend a worship service.

Enter into His presence. How about this? Spend five minutes in authentic worship – right where you are, right now. Why delay? Our joyful attitude is harnessed to the Lord’s unfailing presence. The Psalmist praised, “The One enthroned in heaven laughs.” (Psalm 2:3) Joy is a by-product of life with God (Psalm 9:2; 16:5-11).

“Joy is the surest sign of the presence of God.” (Pierre Teilhard Chardin)

2. Allow God’s promises to change the way you think and and the way you live.

Find one verse to memorize, meditate, and live out. Apply God’s Word every day. Let God’s Word be the stable foundation for your life. Make the Bible the solid bedrock for your life, a stable foundation for successful living. The Bible provides security and strength for your life, but I am not suggesting just reading as a daily discipline or a historical exercise. The goal of Bible reading is NOT just to read the Bible to look good or because its expected. The ultimate goal is to let the WORD and God’s presence transform me. God’s Word produces joy.

“The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart.” (Psalm 19:8a NIV)
“Your covenant laws are your gift to me forever. They fill my heart with joy.” (Psalm 119:111 NIRV)
“I find joy in your promise like someone who finds a priceless treasure.” (Psalm 119:162 GW)
“When I discovered your words, I devoured them. They are my joy and my heart’s delight, for I bear your name, O Lord God of Heaven’s Armies.” (Jeremiah 15:16 NLT)

3. Pursue your purpose, the reason you are alive.

Be who God made you to be. “Are the things you are living for worth Christ dying for?” (Leonard Ravenhill) Uncover the reason God put you on this planet.

Louis L’Amour was an American author famously known for his many western novels. He revealed his secret to writing so many stories, “Start writing, no matter what. The water does not flow until the faucet is turned on.” There is wisdom in that. Practice God’s plan for your life. Do something bigger than the mess of your current circumstances.

If you need joy in your life, tell another person of who Jesus is. Soulwinning is part of the work Christ has appointed you to do, “Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone.” (Mark 16:15 NLT) If you aren’t a fisher of people, you’ll miss out on the joy God has in mind for life.

Life is tough, but you have something in your life that is BIGGER than all your JUNK. If you don’t discover why you are breathing on this planet, you won’t be fulfilled or satisfied with life.

“The Christian owes it to the world to be supernaturally joyful. In this day of universal apprehension when men’s hearts are failing them for fear of those things that are coming upon the earth, we Christians are strategically placed to display a happiness that is not of this world and to exhibit a tranquillity that will be a little bit of heaven here below.” (A.W. Tozer)

4. Lift up your eyes beyond the trial and trust God’s process.

Allow the Lord to change your perspective. God uses dark days to develop our character. Impossibly difficult circumstances are the setting for amazing God-sized miracles that release joy.

“Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we CONFIDENTLY and JOYFULLY look forward to sharing God’s glory. We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation.” (Romans 5:2-4 NLT)
“Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” (2 Corinthians 4:16-18)
“And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.” (Romans 8:28 NLT)
“And God has reserved for his children the priceless gift of eternal life; it is kept in heaven for you, pure and undefiled, beyond the reach of change and decay. “And God, in his mighty power, will make sure that you get there safely to receive it because you are trusting him. It will be yours in that coming last day for all to see. So BE TRULY GLAD! There is WONDERFUL JOY AHEAD, even though the going is rough for a while down here.” (1 Peter 1:4-6 TLB)

Guess what? Earth was never designed to be your stopping point. If you are thinking life on earth will bring you joy, you surely will be disappointed. You are passing through with wonderful joy ahead! There is joy still waiting for you. There’s hope for you. There’s freedom for you. There’s healing for you. There’s peace for you. There’s JOY for your life.

September 30, 2013

Beyond Aimless Living

You Have A PURPOSE. You are not an accident. You were created by God’s design, plans He had made up long before you were ever born.

With no mind, will, or emotions, toothbrushes don’t have to consider the reason for their existence. You and I, however, do have a mind, will, and emotions, and we need to seriously consider why God placed us on earth.

You were saved FROM something FOR something. In a sense, every Christ-follower should have two testimonies. The first should be about how God saved them; the second, about how God is using them.

Heavenly Father did not meet you for the first time on the day you came to Christ. He did not find out who you are when you accepted Him as Savior and Lord. There was no shocking heavenly surprise, “Wow, Mike, just came into my Kingdom! How about that? What am I going to do with him?”

Consider what the following verses reveal about God’s purpose.

“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.” (Jeremiah 1:5 NIV)
“For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.” (Psalm 139:13-16 NIV)
“The Lord will fulfill His purpose for me. Lord, Your love is eternal; do not abandon the work of Your hands.” (Psalm 138:8 HCSB)
“being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 1:6 NIV)
“For it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.” (Philippians 2:13 NIV)
“Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them.” (John 14:23 NIV)
“I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last.” (John 15:16b NIV )

September 1, 2013

Vision Motivates Action

Redemptive revelation from God motivates us to significant action. “Where there is no vision [no redemptive revelations of God], the people perish; but he who keeps the law of God, which includes that of man, blessed, happy, fortunate and enviable is he” (Proverbs 29:18 AMP).

Have you ever been fired up in the church building, only to lose your victory in the parking lot? Worship services and anointed preaching certainly can motivate, but Christians often lose momentum because of failure to remain focused on God’s vision and purposes. Daily life is drained by the distraction and busyness provided by a thousand good things that sidetrack us. Regularly focusing on vision spurs you to the “God” things to do.

The Lord affirms, “Write down the revelation and make it plain on tablets so that a herald may run with it” (Habakkuk 2:2 NIV84). Write it down! Why? First, it allows other people to understand the map of direction, and secondly, writing it down allows other people to join with you.

Once vision is clear, correct decisions seem to be highlighted among the many choices.

I had a vision to be married to a Godly woman of God, and that vision motivated me to action. When I identified Patti as the woman for me, I was spurred to action! I pursued her. I called her. I wrote notes. I got up early in the morning to be able to walk her to her car (for her student teaching assignment). I don’t really enjoy shaving my face, but I remember several days when we were dating that I shaved TWO times. I bet you already know why! Patti didn’t like my stubble, and I wasn’t going to let a little facial hair keep me from possibly being close to her!

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When people really want something, it is amazing what lengths they will go trying to obtain it. Vision will motivate you to action, as well. Vision provides a focus that invigorates, and vision gives persistence to right direction.

Realizing how Valley Fellowship Church has progressed excites me, but seeing unfinished areas also propels me forward. You have not yet seen all that God wants from Valley Fellowship. Keep on watching! God isn’t finished. I believe that God will fulfill His purpose, but I also understand that God’s purposes are always accomplished in God’s time.

The Lord says in Habakkuk 2:3 (NIV), “For the revelation awaits an appointed time; it speaks of the end and will not prove false. Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay”. The Living Bible paraphrases, “But these things I plan won’t happen right away. Slowly, steadily, surely, the time approaches when the vision will be fulfilled. If it seems slow, do not despair, for these things will surely come to pass. Just be patient! They will not be overdue a single day!”

God-given vision, a redemptive revelation with motivation, provokes Lord’s plans and purpose for your life. Focus on vision and see it fulfilled.

August 29, 2013

God’s Vision for YOUR Life

In June, our family enjoyed God’s beauty during a day at the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania – animals, flowers, trees, and oh-what-a-sunset!

Heavenly Father creates masterpieces – of landscapes, horizons, AND lives! Everything that God makes is good. We are God’s handiwork, His work-of-art, His creatively-designed art that should bring glory to Him. We are “created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do” (Ephesians 2:10 NIV). God designed and gifted each of us to accomplish something significant during our time here on earth. God has something for you to do, something unique to the way He shaped you, something that He wants you to do.

Do you have a vision of what God wants for your life? Effective vision shouldn’t be just a human goal you determine within yourself. It is not just something you think would be fun or something that just popped into our head, successful vision needs to be revealed by God.

It is reported that when Abraham Lincoln was asked whether he was sure God was on this side, he responded, “I do not know: I have not thought about that. But I am very anxious to know whether we are on God’s side.” When you are sure what God wants you to do, you have confidence that God is on your side and you are not wasting your time, energy, or finances. A God-given picture of a preferred future motivates you to action. That “vision” from God allows you to persist today knowing that a better, brighter tomorrow awaits.

“Where there is no vision [no redemptive revelations of God], the people perish; but he who keeps the law of God, which includes that of man, blessed, happy, fortunate and enviable is he.” (Proverbs 29:18 AMP)

How diabetes causes ED? Diabetes is a metabolic disorder which does not produce or properly uses insulin in the human cost levitra body. Your healthcare needs are viagra generic discount unique. Though we are not short of diseases in fact admitted a kind of condition, which can affect purchase female viagra anyone. Now permit me to talk about the attitude of the people that you need buy levitra online http://djpaulkom.tv/category/crakd/ to deal with, especially men and their spouse. Fulfilling a vision from God bears evidence of God’s work, establishes the Kingdom of God in righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. Some proudly display a vision statement that sounds good but isn’t God’s, and then wonder at completion why there is little kingdom joy. Psalm 127:1 answers, “Unless the Lord builds the house, its builders labor in vain.” As you follow divine direction, you will walk in divine blessing. Proverbs 19:21 (NIV) instructs, “Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails”. Seek the Lord’s purpose. Ideas, opinions, and suggestions come and go, but God’s desires remain true and constant. If your vision is of God, it will prevail.

Motivating vision must be a revelation of God for your life. Never surrender your potential to something for which you were not intended. Never delegate the direction for your life to someone else. Take responsibility for yourself. You are liable for seeking God for yourself. “Don’t be stupid. Instead, find out what the Lord wants you to do” (Ephesians 5:17 CEV). Godly men and women give good advice, but you are responsible for doing what God has called you to do.

God’s vision must be a personal revelation to your heart and spirit. There is little satisfaction in fulfilling another person’s vision. Complacently following the crowd brings little gratification. Contentment will only be found in undertaking what you are called to do. You must personally own the vision God has given.

For a local congregation to be successful, individual members must own the vision for themselves and for that house. Each person must be individually aware that the purpose of the church is from God and must be individually responsible for owning up to what part they are to play. The Lord is really interested in what you are doing in a local church body. The puzzle piece of your life is necessary in order to complete the puzzle and fulfill God’s vision.

August 28, 2013

Do You Have Vision?

Do you recognize the important role that vision plays in your life?

Do you have a redemptive revelation from God? What has the Lord given you a vision to do? What desired picture or destination has He placed upon your heart? Are you working hard at accomplishing what He desires? Vision, a redemptive revelation of God that motivates you, is essential for enjoying the fullness of the Kingdom of God.

Jesus Christ redeems lives! Real life is available through His sacrifice. We, as Christ-followers, are redeemed by the precious blood of Jesus (1 Peter 1:18-19), bought back by Christ. Through sin, humankind sold out to satan, but the price for our salvation was paid in the heavenly court (Hebrews 9:24-26). No negotiation, no rebate, no half-price sale – Jesus paid the full price for total deliverance. Through His sacrifice, we can know and have a personal relationship with God.

Jesus Christ purchased us to have that personal walk with God, not just so we could make it to heaven. If all He desired was your company in heaven, you might as well pull a stupid stunt and kill yourself. He has a vision and purpose for your life while you are still living on this earth, a purpose you can know and fulfill with His help and guidance!

God has a purpose for you because He loves you. One thing of which you can be absolutely certain is that He has a great plan for your life. Correspondingly, satan hates you and has an evil plan for your life – to abort God’s plan. But, through His mighty power, the Lord works out His purpose. The enemy’s plan cannot succeed when you daily exchange your weakness for God’s strength. Even though the enemy attacks, the Lord brings restoration.

Paul declared, “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” (Philippians 4:13 KJV) God cannot and will not fail. “But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ.” (2 Corinthians 2:14 NIV)
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Involving the Redeemer’s mighty power in your quest to fulfill God’s plan requires reliance upon God. Divine direction for your life will always include you trusting in Him. Jesus declared, “Apart from me you can do nothing (John 15:5 NIV), so why do some people think that they can fulfill God’s vision solely through their own strengths and abilities?

Revelation is a necessity. Have you ever noticed that you can know something, without really knowing it? Maybe that is why the word “revelation” has been defined as “something you always knew, but never realized.”

If you are not sure where you are going, you probably will not like where you end up. You are not to walk aimlessly, but to progress in the straight path of God’s calling. There is a purpose to fulfill. You are called to grow and mature – growth and maturity in line with God’s purpose for your life.

You are not just called to grow older, but you should grow more like the revelation of God. You need and want life. For the kind of life God wants for you, you must allow the Lord to melt you, mold you, and make you into what He desires. You and I need a revelation of His purpose and plan for our lives, coupled with determination to use His power to fulfill it.

We CAN have a revelation of God that is real and powerful! The ultimate revelation of God is in Jesus Christ. He is not only Lord; He is our role model. Believers are to become more like Him each day, but in that growing process, the Lord also prepared in advance good works (Ephesians 2:10). We are here by divine design and by divine timing.

August 26, 2013

For To Me To Live Is ____________

“For to me, to live is ____________.” What word did you put in the blank?

Paul fills it, “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21 NIV).

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For what are you living?

April 8, 2013

Run the Race to Win

Are you vigorously giving everything you have to accomplish God’s purpose for you life on earth?

Your “race” is not something to be run in a half-hearted, complacent manner. Keep your eye on the goal, the target, the finish line! Without a focus on the mission, you will not accomplish all that God has for you. The Apostle Paul frequently uses athletic metaphors to depict the disciplined lifestyle of a believer.

“Do you remember how, on a racing-track, every competitor runs, but only one wins the prize? Well, you ought to run with your minds fixed on winning the prize! Every competitor in athletic events goes into serious training. Athletes will take tremendous pains—for a fading crown of leaves. But our contest is for an eternal crown that will never fade.” (1 Corinthians 9:24 PHILLIPS)

Run the race of your life to win the greatest prize, the Father’s “Well done!” Get up; dust yourself off; RUN TO WIN!

My talented great-nephew Jaydan Urwin recently wrote a poem with a fantastic message. I am so thankful that Jaydan agreed to let me post it today. That’s Jaydan in the middle of my sister-in-law Rosalyn and my nephew Tony.

Why do we begin the race?

Many would say so we can win

I say so we can reach the finish

I say so we can pick others up who fall along the way

Why is there a battle cry before a war?

Some would say to hype up the soldiers

I say it is to mark the beginning

I say it is so we can affirm courage in our own hearts

Why do we fall?

Many would say so we can get back up

I say so we remember we’re not immortal
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I say so we can remain humble

Why are there obstacles along the way?

Some would argue that they are satan’s footfalls

I say some are God’s tests

I say they measure our strength and faithfulness

Why does it feel like every devil is on your back?

Some say it is because the Devil is trying to hold you back

I say it is because you looked behind

I say it is because you forgot to focus on the finish line

Why is the race so difficult to finish?

Some say because you are tired

I say it is because the hardest times will be when he have to dig deeper

I say it is so we can SHINE when we FINALLY FINISH

March 11, 2013

Do Something Awesome

Every time I visit Tulsa, Oklahoma, I am inspired by the audacity of a Pentecostal preacher who believed God to establish a world-class university. Oral Roberts keep this motto on his desk: “Make No Little Plans Here”! Last weekend, my daughter Kimberlyn went with a group of students to visit Oral Roberts University. Yes, Patti and I would like for her to go to ORU; we met there! No, we are not forcing her to go, but she is feeling like God wants her to continue her education at ORU. I was happy when Kimberlyn said, “Dad, they are putting that statement all over the place.”

Here are four suggestions to help you accomplish something great for God’s Kingdom!

#1 PLAN PURPOSEFULLY

Forethought is important. Jesus says, “Don’t begin until you count the cost. For who would begin construction of a building without first calculating the cost to see if there is enough money to finish it?” (Luke 14:28 NLT)

Even when God specifically spoke, “You are NOT the one to build me a house (1 Chronicles 17:4-12),” David planned for a gorgeous temple (1 Chronicles 22:2-19). David gathered materials, selected skilled laborers, and saved enormous quantities of gold and silver. He opened the door for Solomon to walk through successfully.

#2 PREPARE PRAYERFULLY

Today’s prayers release tomorrow’s miracles. Prayers can’t be answered until they are prayed. “In every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” (Philippians 4:6b NIV)

“Planning and prayer should be intimately related. Through prayer, our plans are expanded with God’s wisdom, ennobled by God’s holiness, and empowered through God’s providence. Planning that honors the Lord needs to be based on a prayerful recognition of God’s grace, sovereignty, and resources.” (What Does the Bible Say About, p. 301)

Karl Albrecht suggests replacing the word “planning” with the word “futuring” because you can only really plan when “you have certainty about the situation in which the actions will take place and nearly full control of the factors that ensure success in achieving your outcome.” (The Northbound Train, 1994, p.60-63) Only the Lord knows what tomorrow holds, so do your “futuring” with lots of prayer.

#3 PROCEED POSITIVELY

Attitude affects outcomes. Learn from the example of ancient Israel (1 Corinthians 10:6). Don’t grumble or you just might miss your Promised Land!

“Positive thinking must be linked to positive behavior for success to be the outcome. Positive behavior is diligent, honest, truthful, loving, kind, generous, persistent, and joyful. You can think you are wonderful—even righteously so—but if you fail to work, or to do what the Lord has put before you to do, you will never succeed.” (Success God’s Way, 2000, Charles Stanley)

#4 PURSUE PERSISTENTLY

Keep your feet on the ground but keep them moving forward.

“Therefore we do not give up. Even though our outer person is being destroyed, our inner person is being renewed day by day.” (2 Corinthians 4:16 HCSB)
“Whatever turns up, grab it and do it. And heartily! This is your last and only chance at it, For there’s neither work to do nor thoughts to think In the company of the dead, where you’re most certainly headed.” (Ecclesiastes 9:10 MSG)
“Live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light.” (Colossians 1:10b-12a NIV)

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January 25, 2013

“THE CLAW!” I Have Been Chosen

“I have been chosen!” The three-eyed green aliens in Toy Story wanted so badly to be chosen. If you saw Toy Story, you certainly remember The Claw! Our family enjoyed all of the Toy Story franchise. We laughed and cheered the dramatic rescue by The Claw and the aliens in Toy Story 3.

“To be chosen” is a great feeling. Do you remember how you felt as an elementary student when you were picked as teams were divided? Do you recall the sensation of knowing someone liked you as a teenager? How about the excitement of being picked for that first real job? All of those events evaporate in the significance of being chosen by God.

We have been chosen – chosen to be adopted by God, chosen to be co-laborers with God, chosen to be blessed by God, chosen to declare His praise and give Him glory.

God loves you and has chosen you as his own special people. (Colossians 3:12a CEV)
But you are a chosen people. (1 Peter 2:9a NIV)
We know, dear brothers and sisters, that God loves you and has chosen you to be his own people. (1 Thessalonians 1:4 NLT)
But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God. (John 1:12 NLT)
God also decided ahead of time to choose us through Christ according to his plan, which makes everything work the way he intends. He planned all of this so that we who had already focused our hope on Christ would praise him and give him glory. (Ephesians 1:11-12 GWT)

A scene near the end of the original Toy Story shows crestfallen Buzz Lightyear pessimistically confessing, “I’m just a toy. A stupid little insignificant toy.”

Woody earnestly disagrees, “Whoa, hey, wait a minute. Being a toy is a lot better than being a Space Ranger.” Buzz sardonically challenges him, but Woody continues, “No, it is. Look, over in that house is a kid who thinks you are the greatest, and it’s not because you’re a Space Ranger, pal, it’s because you’re a toy! You are his toy.”

We have been chosen! Not by fat or by chance or by The Claw, but we were chosen by God. We are much more than just a toy to our Heavenly Father. We enjoyed the full benefits of adoption into heaven’s family. That makes us special. We are His!