Father, I’m sorry that it’s been so long. With last week’s schedule being so crazy I just didn’t make it. I ask for Your forgiveness for transgressions along the way and ask for Your strength and fortitude in the days ahead. Thank You for a wonderful day of worship yesterday. May Your hand be upon me as we prepare for this Sunday and the weeks ahead. Amen.

1 Peter 2:5b-10

“… you are a chosen people… royal priests…”

It’s easy to think that the person behind the pulpit each Sunday has some kind of special link to God and, Lord, that is true. But there is one big misconception that must be set aright. The person behind the pulpit does have a special connection to You, Lord, but no more so than any other believer! All who choose to follow You, we are all chosen people.

Once again one of my favorite verses comes to mind. Ephesians 1:4 says,

“Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes.”

Every single one of us is chosen! We are all dearly loved by God. His desire is to have an intimately close and personal relationship with each and every one of us!

We have this mindset that we can’t come directly into Your presence but that we must have a mediator. We think a pastor or a priest must be our “go-between” to You, Lord. But that is most assuredly not the case! Your word tells us clearly that we are “royal priests”, a “royal priesthood”, and we can come directly to You anytime and anywhere – no “go-between” necessary.

Lord, may we all come boldly (and reverently) into Your presence! Draw us to You. Give us a deep yearning to be with You. Teach us. Help us. Strengthen us. Correct us. Love us. And help us to fully realize that love. Amen

Nov 28th, Mon, 5:16 am