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. Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.
—1 Peter 2:9-10

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Chosen
By Jennifer Kane

Through shadows deep I wandered long,
Where silence mocked the mourner’s song;
The past, a chain of heavy stone,
A night that whispered, “You’re alone.”

Yet from the dark a Voice drew near,
Its echo broke my captive fear;
A summons clear, divinely bright—
“Come forth, beloved, into Light.”

No longer marked by shame’s decree,
The grave released its hold on me;
The labels lost, the whispers stilled,
As Heaven’s breath my spirit filled.

I stand, though once so weak, undone,
Now robed in grace, through Christ the Son;
A royal priest, by mercy crowned,
In holy ranks where love abounds.

O precious claim! O gift divine!
The Light eternal now is mine;
Chosen, treasured, sealed, and free—
God’s own possession I will be.

And so I lift my voice to sing,
The praises of my Lord, my King;
For out of darkness I was led—
Into His Light where hope is spread.

~~~~~

Scripture: 1 Peter 2:9-10

The world loves to label us. Our past mistakes whisper shame. Our failures echo defeat. The opinions of others can weigh heavily, leaving us wondering if we are enough. Yet God’s Word breaks through those lies with a far greater truth: our identity is not defined by what we’ve done or what others say—it is defined by who we are in Christ.

In Him, you are chosen—not by accident, but intentionally, lovingly, and purposefully. You are part of a royal priesthood, meaning you carry the dignity of heaven’s kingdom and the privilege of drawing near to God. You are a holy nation—set apart for His glory, different not because of rules, but because His Spirit marks your life. And you are His special possession—treasured beyond measure, priceless in His sight.

God has called you out of darkness, not just to leave the past behind, but to step fully into His light. Your new identity in Christ means your voice has a new song: declaring His praises. Each day you live in His light, you become a living testimony of His love and power.

Today, when the voice of failure or the memory of the past tries to rise up, silence it by declaring the truth. Speak these words aloud:
I am chosen.
I am royal.
I am holy.
I am treasured.

Let this identity shape how you think, speak, and live. Step boldly in the light of Christ, and let His glory shine through you.

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Heavenly Father, thank You for calling me out of darkness and giving me a new identity in You. Help me to live as Your chosen child, walking in the light, and declaring Your praises. Remind me daily that my worth is found in Christ alone. Thank you and amen.

August 21 2025