Chosen First - All Our Daily Bread Daily Devotionals for 2025

Bible in a Year : Proverbs 25-26, 2 Corinthians 9

He chose us in him before the creation of the world.
Ephesians 1:3-14

Today's Scripture & Insight : Ephesians 1:3-14

As a teenager I had numerous short-lived crushes on girls at school. Hopes stirred were as quickly dashed and names doodled on pencil cases swiftly erased. Seeing those dreams evaporate while friends paired off was painful. I hoped one day someone may possibly, just possibly, like a shy, geeky teenager enough to date him. I longed to be chosen by someone; to be accepted and loved by somebody special.

How exciting it was to discover I had indeed been chosen by Someone special. In his letter to the Ephesian church, the apostle Paul took time to marvel at “every spiritual blessing” we have in Christ (Ephesians 1:3). One of the most astounding blessings is that I was chosen by God “before the creation of the world” (v. 4). Prior to laying the foundation of the earth, God took time to choose me “for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ” (v. 5).

There is nothing reluctant in God’s adoption of His people into His family. God sees all sides of us, but in love He has chosen us “in accordance with his pleasure and will” (v. 5). He delights in us! We are welcomed into the abundance of His grace which He lavishes on us (vv. 6-8).

When you feel left out or forgotten, remember all believers in Jesus—including you—are chosen, accepted and loved by the God of grace both for today and eternity.

By: Adrian Smith

Reflect & Pray
What does it mean to you to know you are chosen by God? How might this transform the way you view yourself today?

Thank You, Father, for choosing me, loving me and sending Jesus to die for me.