Here's your daily devotional!

If you wish to receive these free devotionals every weekday by E-mail, click the button below. Note: you'll have to log in or create your membership account first. Membership in the League is free. Join now!

Sign up to receive the Daily Devotional

“"Do We Choose Him, or He us?"”

Thoughts for Today:

Scripture tells us that God wanted a holy people for Himself. How does this fit in with Romans 3:11 that states: "There is no one who understands; there is no one who seeks God"? I think Paul answers this question in our passage today. God had to choose for Himself. Why? Because (as Romans 3:11 says) no one would seek Him; therefore, He predestined us.

In Joshua 24:15, Joshua said, "But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord." What is it then, are we choosing the Lord, or is He choosing us? It's kind of like this -- whenever we choose to follow God, we walk through a door with Revelations 22:17 etched on a sign above it: "Let the one who hears say, 'Come!' Let the one who is thirsty come; and let the one who wishes take the free gift of the water of life." And then, after we've walked through the doorway we look back and see another sign posted (John 15:16): "You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you."

Questions to Ponder:

There are some people who enjoy discussions that go around and around in circles over the issue of predestination. And I think it’s fine as long as it doesn't affect our relationship with the Lord or understanding of His grace. However, if the question comes up with an unbeliever (which is very rare), I answer it simply, "God gives every human being the opportunity to be forgiven and receive His gift of salvation. The miraculous thing is -- if you choose Him you will also find out He chose you as well -- but His decision was made before the world began!"

Sign up to receive the Daily Devotional

There's nothing like God's Word to create purpose in your life that lasts the entire day and beyond. We encourage you to Read, Carry and Share the Word of God. Pocket Devotions are sent by E-mail every weekday (Monday to Friday). On weekends we encourage you to be creative and study on your own in any area of Scripture where God leads you.

You can start from Day 1 at any time. Messages are sent automatically. Subscribe now! You may unsubscribe at any time.

About the author

Pocket Devotions are written by Mike Brooks. A retired businessman, he is Moderator of South Shores church, leads the Deacon Board, serves on the finance committee, and he teaches a Men's Bible study and the Men's Ministry. Mike has a passion for evangelical missions. He is the husband of Sherry; the father of Ryan, Natalie, Krissy, Rebecca, and Amanda; the father-in-law of Ariel; and the grandfather of Conner and Christian.