Tag: chosen

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Chosen

The Manna Chef

Just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love.  (Ephesians 1:4)

Even before God made the world, He already loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy, without fault, in His eyes.  That is amazing to me because I have fallen short so many times.  We are not saved because we deserve it, nor did we do anything to earn it.  We are saved by the grace of God.  He freely offers salvation to us.

God had the plan of your life from the beginning.  How about this?  He had the plan of your life before the beginning.  That’s deep!  He’d planned you before He even formed the world. 

Sometimes it’s hard to imagine how God could love such imperfect people.  I’ll admit, I’ve even asked Him, “Why do You love me so much?” 

He answered, “I have always loved You, daughter.  You are indeed the apple of my eye.”  Wow!  Sisters, God has always loved you, too!  Always!  He looked past your sins, your mistakes, your past—even those shady things in your present, just to love you.

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Handpicked

The Manna Chef

I have always loved traveling to Gatlinburg, Tennessee.  I think it’s absolutely beautiful, especially in the fall.  There’s just something about the vastness of the Smoky Mountains and the leaves changing colors that simply takes my breath away.  I remember one trip when my husband and I took some back roads to get to Gatlinburg and the moment the mountains came into our view.  Sisters, it was like God was talking to me at the very moment, and I was blown away at the beauty of His creation. 

The trip was one of rest and relaxation (and yes, some shopping!), and we went to one of my favorite places: The Apple Barn (Cider Mill & General Store).  I can easily get lost in there!  I bought apple bread, apple tea, and even apple chips, and then I made my way to the apples from the orchard.  Sisters, they were beautiful, too!  I carefully selected the apples I wanted to purchase, and so did my husband.  We handpicked the apples we wanted to buy.  They weren’t just tossed into our bag either.  We placed them carefully inside, and we were happy with our selections.

I didn’t think much about it at the time, but God revealed to me something about that process, the handpicking itself.  You see, there were hundreds of apples to choose from, and there was great variety in the sizes and colors.  I took my time in picking the apples I wanted; I didn’t just throw a few in a bag. 

He reminded me that I, too, was handpicked, but I was handpicked by Him.  And He took great time in forming and equipping me for His purpose and His pleasure. 

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Lord, You Want Me To Do THAT?

The Manna Chef

Have you ever experienced a time when the Spirit of God instructed you to do something that you felt was way beyond your capabilities?  If so, you (and I) have a lot in common with a guy named Moses.

God knows who you are.  He knows what you carry on the inside.  His request is no coincidence; it is by design because you can only accomplish supernatural results with His help.  (“Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,” says the Lord of hosts.  Zechariah 4:6)

In Exodus 3, Moses encountered the burning bush; he was being called to duty by the Most High God.  Moses responded just like we do: “Who am I that I should go before pharaoh, and bring them out?  God, do You really know who I am?”

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