“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” 1 Peter 2:9

Twice in the same day I heard these words, “I will call you back tomorrow,” from 2 different people. One was my son. The other was an official in the local government. The clock has done what the clock does… tick tick tick… and 36 hours have passed. Neither one did what they had said they would do. But I am ONLY upset at ONE of them. And no… it is not my son!

Having had 4 kids myself I COMPLETELY appreciate being busy with family. I had called my son while he was in the middle of a busy weekend family event. I understood that “I’ll call you tomorrow,” was simply a way of saying, “I can’t talk now.” The Government Official represents me and was going to call on an important matter that only HE can rectify. He gets paid from the coffers into which I pay taxes, so in essence… he WORKS for me. But this time… he didn’t!

There is a fancy word that God uses to describe all believers in Christ. The word ”ekklesia” is a combination of 2 words that means “called out.” The word ‘chosen’ replaces it in the NIV version of the Bible, but it does not change the meaning. If you are a ‘called out’ member of God’s Family by being ‘Born Again,’ you ARE a part of ‘The Chosen’ or the ‘Called Out’ ones!’ And yes… you may ‘carefully’ puff out your chest at the honor! But the title ”ekklesia” comes with a responsibility.

Through the years the word ”ekklesia” has come to mean ‘assembly’ or ‘church.’ In that confusion, it would be easy to associate oneself with a group of people that happen to meet at a certain address at a certain time. The problem with that definition of CHURCH is, when problems arise within her, sometimes attendees choose, or feel free, to ‘no longer participate!’ A BIG no-no from God!

Being a special possession of God requires reflecting His Light! Being ‘chosen, holy and royal’ demands that we serve HIS interests HIS way,…ALL the time! The New Testament provides LOTS of requirements for members of this elite calling. Expectations of love, service, forgiveness and dedication are just a few. Staying home is never an option, since being a PART of a body requires BEING a part of a body. The title comes with the expectation that EVERYONE who is a part will work to MAKE ‘the body’ WONDERFUL!

Too often ‘Church’ gets a bad rap because the world can never understand the HIGH calling of God. The title alone guarantees that God’s arch-enemy, satan, has painted a target on her back. If YOU are one of ‘The Called,’ you can assume that satan has his sights on you too. The ONLY way to keep from being attacked like a straggling sheep is to stick together. The key word being ‘together!’

If you are sitting home on a Sunday morning instead of going to ‘The Meeting’ of the ‘Called Out’ ones, the Bible, being God’s Word, should have you asking yourself if you really ARE one of ‘The Called!”

There is NO such a thing as a sniper for Jesus! God is calling YOU! And that makes you SPECIAL! Noblesse oblige.

For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live. Romans 8:13

Yesterday I received 2 notices I had not anticipated. Only 1 of them cost me money… though I was HAPPY to pay! The first one came as a text from an unknown phone number which simply asked, “Hey is this Kenneth?” The next one was from my insurance company reminding me that my premiums are now due. After paying almost $2000, I breathed a sigh of relief!

The only thing WORSE than NOT getting a call from my insurance agent… is NOT getting a call from my insurance agent! I don’t pay a lot of attention to the date my premiums are due, so I have an agreement with my agent that if I miss a notice, they will call me. I was grateful for the reminder because I MAY have missed the cut off date. It doesn’t bother me that the ONLY time I hear from my agent is when money is due. As for that text… and since I NEVER go by that name, ‘no…this is not him!’

The Bible is FULL of important NOTICES! Having concluded a Bible study last night on Moses with the CONDITIONS Israel had to fulfill IF they wanted to have a relationship with God, I asked if there were any such conditions on Christians? “Go search for the if’s!” I suggested. In today’s verse, there are 2. For the ‘once saved always saved’ club members, of which I am a lifetime member, ‘IF’ CAN be a scary sign. The ‘NOTICE’ implies, and expects, just that kind of emotion.

Walking with God is meant to be just that… a walk! It is a journey that starts with repentance and receiving His New Life… but continues on THROUGH the rest of my life. When lived correctly, arrival in Heaven is not a surprise but an expectation. Along the way, God, through His Word, leaves notices that help us to affirm we are on the right track… AND His notices point us in the continued right direction. A Believer will ultimately be GRATEFUL when they see a NOTICE! Even if it first points out a danger.

The Bible Notice I just read today forces me to evaluate my life. Am I living it to please my flesh or my spirit? Like the sign, “Bridge Out,” it is MEANT to stop me on purpose. It isn’t pointing out that every little detail of my life is to be perfect. It is simply a road marker verifying if I am on the right course. If most of my thoughts and actions concern my own pleasure and selfishness, then I am put on Notice that I am in BIG trouble!

I remember years ago when I received my drivers license. I was never really nervous at the wheel… UNLESS one of my parents was sitting in the passenger seat! When they were, I carefully and cautiously watched EVERY detail of what I was doing. When I signed up with ‘Team Jesus,’ He PERMANENTLY moved into that very seat. The question I have to consider is this, ‘am I bothered that He is ALWAYS there?’

Let’s ride!!!! 

“Knowing their thoughts, Jesus said, “Why do you entertain evil thoughts in your hearts? “Matthew 9:4

I finally had it yesterday! I simply could not do one more day like the previous 5. Having caught a nasty virus or bug, I was absolutely SICK of being sick! I needed to get out… to DO something. I was not at full capacity, but hanging out in a dark room had taken its toll. I needed to get out into the sunshine and at least feel like I accomplished something. So I did!

Thankfully I live in the Sunshine State. When I had felt REALLY bad, I didn’t even WANT to SEE the sun. Looking outside actually made me FEEL bad on the inside. Since my disposition was NOT bright, I preferred the darkness. This was changing… which I knew was a good sign! I got a trash can and headed to the yard to sit in the grass in the sunshine. My yard has been full of weeds, a minor matter that suddenly seemed to REALLY matter, since I usually HATE pulling weeds!

I rarely ever do work without listening to music. Depending on the mood, I will listen to country, Top 40, oldies or Elvis (yes he is a choice by himself). Yesterday, my dark mood on full display. It was a day when I REALLY needed a touch from Jesus. So I set my Ipod on ‘Favorite Christian’ and sat down in hope. I needed to spend time IN the sun…WITH The Son. Just Jesus and me! As I pulled weeds, the songs of His Truth poured into my heart and mind… leaving traces down my cheeks. Jesus was at work too when finally, the Light went on!

Depending on the situation, the heart and mind will compete for top dog. I personally believe that my mind is FAR too easily pleased. It will settle on a piece of candy just to satisfy the nag. The heart though, it seems to me, needs more evidence. But whether for good or evil, when the mind and heart become 1, big things happen. Sometimes with devastating results.

I notice when my body is sick, my mind joins in. Soon, the heart is influenced and there seems little that can be done… except to be miserable. Unless something happens to bring hope or light into the darkness, darkness remains. For me, missing the Light was enough. Joy found its way into my heart and my mind followed.

This Bible verse comes from the story of the paralytic healing. After his friends got him to Jesus through the roof, Jesus said, “Take heart son, your sins are forgiven.” A clear indication that sin and sickness are close partners. But not everyone in the crowd loved the message. After Jesus chided the discontent, He sent the man out the door, WALKING to his HOME. His body, mind and heart were all one from the ‘Son’shine!

Are you down, discontent, sick, sinful or living in the dark? Know that the Son is always ready to show you a brighter today. Even if it has to get dark first! What are you setting YOUR mind and heart on??