Do you remember in P.E when we played team sports? The coach would designate a team captain and let them pick their teammates. Kids would scream and yell, "pick me pick me." No one wanted to be the last one picked. There was a sense of pride to be chosen. You knew you were an asset to the team. Some kids brought their athletic prowess, while others simply brought their strength or speed. Interesting enough, many of us are still like those kids screaming, "pick me." We want to be picked for the promotion. We want to be picked as the leader. We want to be chosen. We want to feel apart. We want to feel special. We want to feel loved. I've got news for you. God chose you. John 15:16 says, “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.” Ephesians 1:4 says, “He chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight.” First Peter 2:9 says, “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.” You are loved. You are special. You are God's chosen.