July 8, 2025

CHOSEN AND ROYAL

1 Peter 2:9

But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;

Encouraging Words

Those who choose to follow in the footsteps of Christ are identified by Him as a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, and His own special people. There is nothing in the scriptures that identifies these followers as members of a particular church or faith practice, but as people who sincerely love their neighbor and their enemies. Jesus expects our actions to be in alignment with His actions. This expectation must be evident in or lives Monday through Saturday even more so than on Sunday mornings. As a reminder, here is what Jesus said He was expecting…

Matthew 25:35-36

‘for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.’

Lord, have mercy! Lord, have mercy! Lord have mercy!