Tag: devotional

Called and Chosen

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“For many are called, but few are chosen.” Matthew 22:14

I have often battled with this verse. It’s a bit bleak, many are called, yet only a few are chosen? What does that mean for me, for my family, for the people I love?

Jesus speaks these words at the end of the Parable of the Wedding Feast. The king sends out invitations to his banquet, but many reject them. Others make excuses. Some even attack the messengers. So, the king extends his invitation further, calling in both the good and the bad from the streets. The banquet hall fills, but then the king finds a man without a wedding garment, and he is cast out.

This parable is about Gods kingdom. The call of salvation goes out to many, the Gospel is proclaimed to the world, but not all respond in faith. Some reject it right away. Others try to enter but on their own terms. Only those clothed in His grace, those chosen in Christ, remain at the feast.

As a Lutheran, I take comfort knowing that salvation is entirely God’s work, not mine. I do not choose God, He chooses me. In Baptism, He has called me by name and clothed me in the righteousness of Christ. I do not have to worry about whether I am good enough or whether I have earned my place at the table. The chosen ones are not the strongest, the smartest, or the most deserving. They are not the ones who have given the most money or done the most deeds. They are simply those whom God, in His mercy, has gathered to Himself.

Yet, this verse still calls me to act. The fact that I am among the chosen is not a reason for arrogance, but for gratitude. It reminds me how important it is to share the “Good News” of Jesus’s love and salvation with others. God calls many, and I am part of that calling. Through my words and actions, I can invite others to the feast, pointing them to Jesus, who provides the wedding garment of righteousness.

Today, I find peace knowing that I am both called and chosen. I did not earn it, and I can’t lose it by my own doing. It is God’s gift, through Christ. And with that certainty, I can live in faith, love, and joyful anticipation of the great banquet feast to come.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for calling me into Your kingdom. I know I do not deserve Your grace, yet You have chosen me in Christ. Clothe me in your righteousness and give me the courage to invite others to Your feast. In Jesus name, Amen

Reflection: Jennifer reminds us that being chosen into God’s Family leaves no room for arrogance, but gratitude. What are you most thankful for because God chose you?

Author:

Jennifer Freeman Talley is a life-long Lutheran, a wife, mom to a Zion 4th grader, educator, writer, and musician. She enjoys subbing at Zion, sings in the choir, and plays the clarinet in the Saint Louis Wind Symphony, Zion’s wind ensemble and the Northwinds Concert Band. www.noteworthymommy.com.

This devotional appeared in Zion Lutheran Church’s 2025 Easter Devotional Book, Chosen People of God.  

It’s Not All About You

Published on by noteworthymommy1 Comment

Below is the devotional I wrote for Zion Lutheran Church’s Fruit of the Spirit Easter devotional book written by the pastors and some of the congregation at my church. As you will read, Kimberly has made a positive impact on my life and helped shape the Christian woman I am today. The minute I found out I was pregnant I knew I wanted Kimberly to be my daughter’s godmother. Kimberly (Aunt Kay Kay) continues to be a blessing in my life and is an extraordinary Christian mentor for my mini me!

Blessed are the meek for they shall inherit the Earth. Matthew 5:5

It’s Not All About You

By: Jennifer Freeman Talley

Although often associated with negative connotations, meek does not equate to being weak, helpless, or timid. Meek is the opposite of arrogant and conceited. Meek people are not hoity-toity, presumptuous, or self-assertive. A meek person does not act superior to others. Being meek means showing grace to others, forgiving, and not holding grudges. The best example of meek is our loving Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ! In Matthew 11:29, Jesus describes Himself as being meek. “Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”

In my young adult life, I placed greater importance on worldly things (success, power, popularity) then I did on being meek like Jesus. Although I went to church and volunteered in Sunday School, I was focused on myself.

During this time, I met a Christian co-worker named Kimberly. As our friendship was developing, she began telling me, “Jennifer, it’s not all about you!” If she had brought this up once, I probably would have dismissed it, but it came up again and again. At first it was hard to hear, and I admit I was a bit offended, after all, no one wants to be told they are selfish or arrogant! But after observing Kimberly, I realized I had much to learn from her. I was immature and self-centered, and I knew I could do better. Kimberly looks outside of herself and treats everyone she encounters, even strangers with kindness and respect. Although Kimberly is a sinner like every one of us, she is a beautiful example of what it means to be meek because she makes a concentrated effort to show godly attributes wherever she goes.

I thank God for putting this amazing friend into my life! What a blessing to find a friend who freely shares her love for Jesus and walks in His image. She loves and cares deeply for others and wasn’t afraid to call me out so I could be a better version of myself!

I recently experienced a situation where I wasn’t assigned to do something I really wanted to do. I took a step back and reminded myself, “Jennifer, it’s not all about you!” God has a plan, and I need not interfere as He has others in mind to take part. It’s about Jesus! He is the way, the truth, and the life. Striving to live in His meek image has brought me more happiness than I could ever imagine!

Prayer: Dear God, help me be quiet when it is fitting but give me strength and courage to raise my voice when it will benefit Your children. Thank you for sending your Son, Jesus, so I can receive the reward of eternal life in the kingdom of heaven. Amen

Reflection: Can you, like Jennifer, point to someone in your life that reminds you to get outside your own needs to focus on others? How does Jennifer’s description of ‘meek’ differ from being ‘weak?’ In what ways do the “meek inherit the Earth?”

With Kimberly (Aunt Kay Kay) on the day of mini me’s baptism in 2015.

Advent Traditions…Preparing The Way

Published on by noteworthymommy5 Comments

This past Sunday marked the beginning of Advent, the liturgical season where Christians prepare and anticipate the coming of Christ by celebrating His birth on Christmas and looking forward to the day we will see Him again. This year Advent is going to look a bit different and I’m going to dearly miss some favorite church traditions like Advent By Candlelight, Family Advent Night and Advent services led by school children. As the pandemic continues, our traditions are forced to be altered and a little bit of sadness creeps into a season usually filled with cheer.

Instead of concentrating on what is missing this year, I am focusing on the gifts God has given me. More quality time with my family of three has allowed us to try new activities and as a result, the beginning of new traditions. Without the parties and added distractions, I am taking more time to study God’s word, beginning each day with an Advent devotional that is deepening my relationship with God. And the extra time I’ve gained from cancelled events has allowed me to slow down and clearly see the many blessings God has given. And that fills by heart with hope and joy, which is truly what Advent represents.

Advent Wreath– Christians have adopted the tradition of lighting candles during Advent to observe this as the time of the coming of Christ who is the light of the world. One tradition is lighting an Advent wreath at church and at home to mark each Sunday in Advent. This Advent tradition dates back to Germany and the Lutheran Church following the Reformation. Today Advent wreaths are made out of evergreen and are shaped like a circle to represent eternal life. The Advent wreath we use at church and at home has five candles with three of the candles being blue or purple in color to match the liturgical colors. The candle lit on the first week is blue and represents hope. The candle lit on the second week is blue and represents peace. The candle lit on the third Sunday is pink and represents joy. On the last Sunday of Advent a blue candle representing love is lit. The candle in the center is white and is know as the Christ candle. It is lit on Christmas or Christmas Eve.

Advent Family Devotionals– This year my family of three are doing two different Advent devotionals, “The Way in the Manger” and “Jesus’ Family Tree” (Praying through Advent with the Jesse Tree). We begin our devotional by lighting our Advent wreath and singing the following song..

“Light One Candle”– Light one candle for hope, One bright candle for hope. He brings hope to every heart He comes! He comes! **For verses 2-4, replace hope with peace, joy, and love.

The tiny Advent wreath above was created by my mini me during her first year of preschool. Carefully crafted out of clay and decorated with green paint and birthday candles it is very special to us.

Advent Calendar With Pastor Rouland and Rupert the Dog– Our senior pastor is making daily Advent videos where he leads viewers in singing “Light One Candle,” reads a scripture verse and reveals a new ornament for his Advent tree. My daughter squealed with delight when Rupert the Dog makes a special appearance. Search for Zion Lutheran Church St. Charles on You Tube or click here for a video link.

Chocolate Advent Calendar– When I was little I always had a chocolate German Advent calendar. In fact, the German Club at my high school sold them. The tradition continues with my daughter and everyday we guess what shape the chocolate will be, hunt for the number and then rip open the little window and enjoy the sweet treat hiding inside.

Advent Tree– We’ve had this Melissa and Doug wooden Advent tree since my daughter was a toddler. My daughter loves adding a magnetic ornament to her tree everyday. It’s the perfect countdown to Christmas