"Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you." John 15:16

This week, we have been talking about choices. We have considered different stories from the Bible where decisions had to be made and the lessons we can learn from them.

It is important to remember that Jesus chose us first.

Ephesians 1:4 "According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love."

John 14:6 "Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me."

He loved us when we did not deserve His love. He looked beyond our faults and failures and saw what we could be. His blood cleanses us from all sin. His Holy Spirit abides in our hearts. His Word gives us strength and guidance in the right paths. What a privilege it is to know Him and to serve Him.

In a world filled with turmoil and strife, we can come to the Lord every morning, choosing to trust Him completely. He knows the future, and He will lead us one step at a time. We only need to know the next step. I like how this is expressed in the old hymn, "Lead Kindly Light" written by John Henry Newman:

"Keep firm my feet; I do not ask to see

The distant scene, one step enough for me."

Every day we make choices. Let us always put Jesus first in any decisions we make. He cares for us, and as we seek His face, He will lead us in the right direction. I remember something I read years ago, "If you are earnestly seeking God's will, He will move heaven and earth to keep you from making a mistake."

Thought For Today: I have decided to follow Jesus. I will not turn back.

Devotion by Anne Johnston