You Are Chosen

Posted on September 30, 2026 by Arrow

Rejection hurts! We all remember the pain of not getting the job or promotion we’d hoped for, not getting a date with you-know-who, or a positive response to that Friend Request. For authors (like me), it’s a manuscript being turned down . . . again . . . for the umpteenth time! For those doing auditions or tryouts, it’s not receiving a Call Back.

This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY

As children, we may have been rejected by a parent. Or as parents, we may be rejected by our child. (Rejections from teenagers don’t count!) Everyone experiences rejection of some kind.

Think about all the people who rejected Jesus. Even after hearing His incredible teaching and witnessing miraculous healings, many would not believe that He was the Son of God.

But here’s the good news. There is One who always chooses you. He always chooses you to be on His team. He always chooses you to be His friend. And, He has chosen you to do a special work for Him. In Isaiah 41:9, God says, “I took you from the ends of the earth, from its farthest corners I called you. I said, ‘You are my servant’; I have chosen you and have not rejected you” (NIV).

The Apostle Paul writes to believers saying, “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience” (Colossians 3:12 NIV).

Imagine being face-to-face with Jesus. He points directly at you and lovingly says, “I choose you!”

Smile and look up! YOU have been chosen, my friend!

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Fall ~ Not a Season

Posted on September 23, 2026 by Arrow

I remember trying to land my bike after attempting my one and only jump on a neighborhood homemade ramp. Instead, I landed on my knees and still have the scars!

Many have fallen for scams or claim to have fallen in and out of love. But there is one thing we all fall into . . . temptation.

Giving into temptation is called “sin.” When we sin—or disobey God’s command—we need to acknowledge it. We need to confess it to God and straighten things out if others were hurt, perhaps getting help if needed. Then, we move on.

Falling is expected but we are not expected to stay down or continue making that same rebellious “fall.” We should learn from our mistakes and do all we can to not repeat them. Falling is costly. It has consequences and may leave scars. But the mark of sin is not permanent.

Romans 3:23 says, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (NIV). The Message Bible’s paraphrase says, “Since we’ve compiled this long and sorry record as sinners . . . and proved that we are utterly incapable of living the glorious lives God wills for us, God did it for us. Out of sheer generosity he put us in right standing with himself. A pure gift. He got us out of the mess we’re in and restored us to where he always wanted us to be. And he did it by means of Jesus Christ.”

In other words, Jesus took the “fall” for us. Those who choose to believe in Jesus are given the opportunity to stand in righteousness with Him, forgiven and restored into a right relationship with God.

I pray you have joined or will join those who are standing with Jesus.

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Overflowing Hope

Posted on September 16, 2026 by Arrow

This city slicker loves to fish. Even after hours of no nibbles, I will not be deterred. I cast my line for the umpteenth time, imagining a different outcome. I long to feel the double yank, evidence that something snagged my line, anticipating the intense pull and reel maneuvers with my fishing pole. I yearn to net the big one…or anything big enough to keep!

Why do I continue against all odds amidst the rolling eyes of onlookers? One word. Hope.

Without hope, we’re sunk! We all need hope. Some people hope for that elusive hole-in-one, a homerun, or bigger yet, a grand slam. Bowlers crave a turkey. My grandson longs for another pick six (football). Others hope for a successful crop or a good return on an investment. Depending on where you live, you desire a sunny or rainy day.

At times our hope is for small, insignificant things. Other times, it’s a lifeline. Most importantly, our hope must be placed in the One higher than ourselves.

Isaiah 40:31 reminds us, “But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint (NIV).

One preacher explained that soaring like an eagle provides a better perspective of our circumstances. Not becoming weary means we have extra energy stored up for later. And not fainting indicates we have a deeper determination to persevere.

The apostle Paul wrote to encourage believers, saying, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit” (Romans 15:13 NIV).

At times hope may disappoint, but let’s keep casting. May we persevere and not give up.

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Watch and See!

Posted on September 9, 2026 by Arrow

Many times, throughout our weekly activities, we wonder if God is watching … or aware of what’s happening in our life.

The Bible, however, is full of examples demonstrating that God is working behind the scenes. We see evidence that He protects, provides for, raises up, and helps His people.

In the Old Testament, we find a destitute widow who suddenly had plenty to sustain the needs of her family because of one special jar of oil (2 Kings 4). In the book of Esther, a simple Jewish girl was chosen as queen in a foreign land and prevented the annihilation of the Jews.

In the New Testament, to hear about the apostle Paul miraculously escaping numerous murder plots (Acts). We can also read how God used churches to meet the needs of persecuted believers in Jerusalem. These are just a sprinkling of God’s handiwork.

As in the past, God continues to work in the lives of His people today. Isaiah 64:4 encourages us with these words, “Since ancient times no one has heard, no ear has perceived, no eye has seen any God besides you, who acts on behalf of those who wait for him.” (NIV)

Know that God loves you more than you can imagine and is even now working on your behalf. Wait and experience His goodness. In the smallest of details, perhaps where you least expect Him, the One and Only Almighty God is doing something amazing for you!

Watch and see!

A version of this devotion ran in 2019. It has been edited.

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Release and Peace

Posted on September 2, 2026 by Arrow

Perhaps, we just got that text, or call, or test result, and the news is not good. Or there is a possibility that it may not be good. Or there is an inkling of a hint of a chance of a possibility that it may not be good. Our stomach drops and our mind begins the “What if . . .” attack. STOP!

The apostle Paul gave us a strategy for these moments.

  1. Stop and talk to the Lord.
  2. Give thanks for this opportunity to see God at work. Or for God’s faithfulness in the past. Or for God being with us and helping us through this situation. Or all the above!
  3. Ask for His protection, guidance, intervention, healing, help, whatever we need.

When we surrender our worries and stresses, God sends His promised peace. Release the situation—perhaps multiple times throughout the day—into His capable hands and receive His peace. It’s a choice.

Jesus said, “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid (John 14:27 NLT).

The apostle Paul wrote, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7 NIV).

As a follower of Jesus, we don’t go through trials alone. He is always walking with us. And we can live in His promised peace.

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Your Work Rewarded

Posted on August 26, 2026 by Arrow

From the beginning, work was part of God’s plan. Adam was blessed to work in the garden and name the animals. Together, Adam and Eve were assigned the task of raising the first family and governing the earth and its animals.

We all have work to do. In good times, we experience steady progress. Other times, we may feel like a hamster on an exercise wheel, exhausted, yet seemingly making no gains. Still some seasons resemble a roller coaster ride with sluggish climbs, plummeting descents, and sharp, unexpected turns—all to find ourselves back where we started!

Whatever work the Lord has given us to do, there is a purpose. There is something to accomplish and there will be blessings. We can find encouragement in Old and New Testament verses that still speak to us today.

“My dear, dear friends, stand your ground. And don’t hold back. Throw yourselves into the work of the Master, confident that nothing you do for him is a waste of time or effort” (1 Corinthians 15:58 MSG).

“But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded” (2 Chronicles 15:7 NIV). Try inserting your name in this verse after the word “you.”

King Solomon—Israel’s wisest king—wrote, “Even so, I have noticed one thing, at least, that is good. It is good for people to eat, drink, and enjoy their work under the sun during the short life God has given them, and to accept their lot in life…. To enjoy your work and accept your lot in life—this is indeed a gift from God” (Ecclesiastes 5:18-19 NLT).

May we find delight and satisfaction in the work God has given us to do.

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Power of Prayer

Posted on August 19, 2026 by Arrow

“But it is good for me to draw near to God;
I have put my trust in the Lord GOD,
That I may declare all Your works” (Psalm 73:28 NKJV).

Today, I must share one of God’s recent works! A teacher friend texted requesting prayer for healing for a student’s younger sister. The little girl was in ICU. A blood vessel had burst in her brain, causing two bleeds. She had no mobility, was unable to hold a conversation, and barely recognized her family.

Fervent prayers went up for this precious child. Nine days later, we received very different news. The youngster had made a miraculous recovery and was to start school that day!

Incredible! Let’s never underestimate the power of prayer. Praise God! He hears, heals, and helps. He’s just waiting for us to come to Him in faith and ask.

“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more that all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us” (Ephesians 3:20 NIV).

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Go to the Source

Posted on August 12, 2026 by Arrow

In the early morning hours after sending last week’s “Wednesday Whisper,” I found myself asking, “So, Lord, do You have any ideas for next wee…?” I couldn’t even finish my thought. The absurdity of wondering if the Creator of all had one little idea for me made me smile.

God made us to be like Him, having the ability to reason and create, but we also have our limitations. When stuck, we can always go to the Source!

Jeremiah, the prophet, wrote, “This is what the LORD says, he who made the earth … ‘Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know’” (Jeremiah 33:2-3 NIV).

All we have to do is call. And listen. Talk to the Lord in prayer. And listen. Read His Word—the Bible. And listen. There we will find strength, direction, peace, hope, encouragement, and much more.

May we go to the Source for the unsearchable and go forward with the help of the Creator.

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HOLD ON!

Posted on August 5, 2026 by Arrow

School begins with youngsters nervously squeezing their parent’s hand and sometimes being tearfully transferred to their teacher’s hand. Classrooms are filled again with students taught or reminded to raise their hands. And all school staff members need a helping hand.

As we reach out to new hands this week or perhaps face a new challenge, whose hand will we hold on to? Or better yet, who is holding our hand?

Here are a pair of verses to hang on to this week:

“Fear not, for I am with you;
Be not dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you,
Yes, I will help you,
I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.”

“For I, the LORD your God, will hold your right hand,
Saying to you, ‘Fear not, I will help you’” (Isaiah 41:10, 13 NKJV).

May you experience help from the Lord as you hang on to Him.

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God Makes a Way

Posted on July 29, 2026 by Arrow

Imagine a gameboard. You move your character along the path and suddenly, you are sent back to “Start.” In real life, detours and construction zones block the way we want to go.

Life has similar setbacks, surprises, and delayed dreams.

Think about Israel. They were set free from Pharaoh and were following Moses out of Egypt. Then their road dead ended into the Red Sea! What?! They started to turn around but saw Pharoah’s army coming to return them to Egypt. Oh no!

We know that feeling … a least a little. This is when we hopefully turn to God—the God who makes a way.

A psalmist records Israel’s situation:
 “Your road led through the sea,
    your pathway through the mighty waters—
    a pathway no one knew was there!
You led your people along that road like a flock of sheep,
    with Moses and Aaron as their shepherds” (Psalm 77:19-20 NLT).

Don’t you love that God put a pathway “no one knew was there”? It reminds me of an old song, “God Will Make a Way,” by Don Moen that says:
“God will make a way where there seems to be no way.
He works in ways we cannot see, He will make a way for me.
He will be my guide, hold me closely to His side.
With love and strength for each new day, He will make a way.”

God did it for Israel and He will do it for His children still. It may not happen on our timetable or the direction we thought. But He will make a way. Remember, He is also the Good Shepherd who leads His flock to the best places. The question is, will we follow?

Check out Patrick Mayberry’s song, “Lead On Good Shepherd,” and be encouraged: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7jt_m86E8gE.

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