“Blessed is the one you choose and bring near, to dwell in your courts! We shall be satisfied with the goodness of your house…” (Ps. 65:4, ESV).
Upon first glance, this verse might give off the impression that God picks favorites. A casual reader might glance at it and think, “Hm, must be nice to be the one selected. I’m not too sure I am on the Lord’s list of those He’s chosen to bring near.” Have you ever suspected that God secretly does have favorites? Does it seem to you like He has made it easier for certain individuals to sense His presence and walk intimately with Him?
Mercifully, He sets our minds to rest through His Word. There are several verses in the New Testament that assure us that God does not show favoritism*. He beckons “whomsoever will” to come and drink of His Spirit (Rev. 22:17, KJV). By this choice of words, He means that anyone who wants to draw near is invited to delight in rich, deep, personal communion with Him.
And yet, our verse for today indicates that some are chosen and some are not. How then does one qualify to be picked to dwell close to Him? How does He choose the ones He will bring near to Himself? One of Jesus’ thought-provoking parables sheds light on this question.
We find it in Matthew 22. In short, He tells us a story of a king who invites an important group of people to His banquet, but those invited are “not willing to come” (v. 3). They are too busy. They are too caught up in their own myopic pursuits to bother with what is truly precious. Jesus concludes His detailed metaphor with the gripping statement, “For many are called, but few are chosen” (v. 14).
Do you see the connection there, between being willing to come, and being chosen? I can still hear my youth pastor, Scotty Gurule, earnestly exhorting us, “You’ve got to choose the choosing!” This is how you get chosen to be brought near. You choose to be chosen. You choose to be willing to come. You choose not to let the busy hustle and bustle of life drown out His invitation!
I was busy today. The rush of my morning activities began before I was able to have my quiet time with Him. By the time the afternoon was halfway over, I was feeling flustered. Holy Spirit enticed me to come away. He allured me with a worship song, and I sank into His love. Before I knew it, more than an hour had passed, soaking in His beautiful closeness. I then looked up into Jesus’ eyes and asked Him hungrily, “Teach me to stay in Your presence always!”
That’s when I heard Him respond to me with this achingly lovely Scripture: “Blessed is the one you choose and bring near, to dwell in your courts!” My heart leapt up in joy because I knew what He was communicating. He was letting me know that He has chosen me, to bring me near! He has picked me to dwell in His presence! His answer to my prayer is “Yes.” He will ever draw me unto Himself!
I don’t have words to tell you how inexpressibly glad I am that I heeded His voice calling to me today….
Do you hear His invitation too?
“The honor of your presence is requested at the banqueting table of King Jesus. Will you come?”
*Acts 10:34, Rom. 2:11, Eph. 6:9, and Col. 3:25
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How much busyness is too much? How do we build safeguards into our lives to ensure enough breathing space to where we can respond to His alluring?
Feeding On Jesus 
Two things here. First, early morning devotional time is absolutely critical, as it sets a peaceful tone at the beginning of the day, even if it will be busy. Someone may have to fight to create and defend the space and time, but it is worth it.
Secondly, we have to take an honest, critical look at our priorities. If we’re not coming to a church service or event because we are too tired, we may need to look at what could be dropped from our schedule, or at least rearranged. Same goes for evening prayers and reflection: if it isn’t getting done, what can we change in order to do better? We all lead busy lives; it’s up to the individual to keep it all manageable. And we can, with honesty and God’s help. — Mike
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Beautiful advice, Mike, and very well explained, with simplicity and clarity. I am blessed. Thank you!
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Now this! This is beautifully true.You must choose to be chosen and heed to the calling! Oh to God be the glory always.
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Yes and amen, PePa! To His name alone!! 🙂
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Excellent.
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An excellent blog. Thank you sincerely.
I do believe we have to come to a surrendered place where we choose to be ‘chosen’ . That’s why the folk who have sinned much (and acknowledge that they have sinned) who come to Christ and ‘surrender’ at the CROSS for forgiveness KNOW they are forgiven much. The scripture tells us those who are forgiven much LOVE Much. Like Mary with Christ and the oil of anointing. Nicodemus learned the lesson that he had to be ‘born again’. Many are Called. Few are chosen. WHY? Christ died for ALL. Too many refuse to believe that ALL of US ARE SINNERS. None of us could ever be ‘holy’ enough to face a ‘HOLY GOD’. Thank God the work of sanctification is ongoing. We can’t earn it by what we do ever. It’s taking the time to ‘connect’ with Him and admit our need of Him. Let the Spirit guide us into acknowledgment of forgiveness needs. Then LOVE HIM. Bible readings, etc etc and even church attendance must only be done out of love for Him. (all worship must come from this place of LOVE. Accept He LOVE US and then keep in that place of LOVING HIM.
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Wonderful words of wisdom. Thank you, dear Faye! ❤
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Jennifer, thank you for sharing your thoughts. I feel blessed to have a less hectic schedule now being retired. My early morning routine is filled with time with God’s Word and prayer, which is something exciting and fulfilling.
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What a gift beyond possible description. I rejoice with you that He’s bestowed on you that grace, my brother!
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Delighted 🤝
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😀
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Amen && Amen! We have to choose the choosing! Wow! That really went in depth for I never saw it that way. He spoke to me last night through a song by Don Meon I am the God that healeth thee, I am the Lord your healer” when I was lying in bed feeling broken in my heart/spirit! I felt so happy to hear from my Daddy always! Thank you Lord for calling us! Glory to the King! ❤ blessings & grace!
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That is so beautiful, Tammy. I’m praying right now that He would continue to pour out His beautiful healing and love into your heart and spirit. You are so very precious to Him! Thank you, truly, for sharing from your heart. Much love to you!
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Amen bless God! You are a blessing! Don’t ever think that your work for Him is being done in vain. It reaches out to others profoundly and too me I know for sure! May His anointing continue to flow on your life! ❤ 🙂 Amen! Thank you very much dear! 😉 Awww thank you, and same too you! Tell your daughter hello for me!
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Aw, I will! Your words bless and encourage me so much, thank you, Tammy dear! A big hug to you!! ❤
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Bless God sis! All glory to Him! You’re most welcome! ❤ 🙂 …same back to you!!! Thank youuuuu!! 😀
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🙂 ❤ 🙂 ❤
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