We are Chosen

"While it's true that Israel was chosen by God then and Christians are chosen by God now, we should not understand chosen as a synonym for favorite. The point of our "chosen-ness" is as a means to an end -- so we can shine as light for those to whom God wants to demonstrate love. With our exalted state comes a call to share it with all who will respond."

Excerpt from Coffee Cup Bible Studies - "Kona w/ Jonah" by Sandra Glahn


Does this statement speak to you as it does to me? We willingly accept that we are chosen by God, but do we really think about what that means? Do we ACT on what that means?

It's certainly something that I will be thinking and praying about for awhile.....

Friday Facts - Unusual Gifts in the Bible

Friday afternoon comment: I agree with several commentors that one of these below is rather gross. I almost didn't include it, but decided to go ahead as it was an event actually recorded in the Bible and, while gross, was..er...uhmmm... interesting. It also shows the great difference between the culture of that time and ours now. And, oh, how I am thankful our culture has changed in that particular regard! :)


Still looking for the perfect Christmas gift for that special someone? Check these out! How would you like 4.5 tons of gold under your Christmas tree this year? Or, maybe 220 goats?


~ Jacob, afraid that his brother Esau might be holding a grudge against him, surprised his twin with a gift of 220 goats, 220 sheep, 30+ camels, 40 cows, 10 bulls and 30 donkeys (Genesis 32:13-21).

~ For a wedding gift, Caleb's daughter Acsah asked for (and received) some springs of water in southern Israel (Joshua 15:16-19).

~ Believe it or not, the Queen of Sheba brought King Solomon 4.5 tons of gold plus "large quantities of spices, and precious stones" (1 Kings 10:10).

~ At a big party to celebrate the end of Job's suffering, each of his friends and relatives brought exactly the same gift: a piece of silver and a gold ring (Job 42:11).

~ David killed 200 Philistines and brought their foreskins to King Saul so that he could marry Saul's daughter Michal (1 Samuel 18:18-27).

~ Probably the most familiar of all Bible gifts are the gold, incense and myrrh the Magi brought to Jesus when he was a baby (Matthew 2:11).