Danny was not a good athlete. In fact, he was pretty bad. I remember he always hated recess. In third grade, we played a killer game of kickball every recess and every boy played … except for Danny. He always watched closely, though. One day the sides were uneven, and I was named captain. I knew what I had to do. With my first pick in the 1970 First Round Draft for recess kickball, I chose Danny Anderson. After everyone got up off the ground from laughing, Danny walked over to my side with his head down.

We are lucky people, don't you think? What? You don't feel lucky? You should. You have been chosen. When God looked over all the people, He chose YOU! Isn't that awesome? Why did He choose you? You are a sinner, the scum of the earth, a schmuck by all standards, at times. But because of His love for you and the holiness He desires for your life, and because He knows what you are capable of doing, He chose you to be on His team forever!

In Matthew 4, we read that Jesus encourages His disciples to "come follow Me!" He chose them, just like He chose you and me. What a great feeling to know that not only have you been chosen, but that you are loved, as well. It doesn't get any better than that.

Danny came over to me and said, "Jere, what are you thinking? I'm the worst player in class." My response was simple, "You might not be as good as some of the others, but you are the best encourager I know." With that, Danny's whole expression changed. He was right. He was a bad player and made an out every time, but you never saw anyone encourage his team to victory as much as Danny Anderson did that day. For a day, Danny Anderson was chosen. With Christ, you can be chosen, as well. Have you chosen Him to be the Lord of your entire life? He chose you. Will you choose Him?