Peter, an apostle (special messenger, personally chosen representative) of Jesus Christ, To those [elect—both Jewish and Gentile believers] who live as exiles, scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia [Minor], and Bithynia, who are chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father by the sanctifying work of the Spirit to be obedient to Jesus Christ and to be sprinkled with His blood: May grace and peace [that special sense of spiritual well-being] be yours in increasing abundance [as you walk closely with God].”

--Parallel verses:
‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭1‬:‭4‬-‭8‬a ‭NIV‬‬
For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will— to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that he lavished on us.

So many people I meet want to understand what their purpose is in life. Some are young, some are retired and older. The common theme is a lack of lasting fulfillment in life. Peace in life, meaningful relationships, and the pursuit of things can all be fleeting in the fulfillment they provide.

But the Bible tells us through the Apostle Peter, that we were chosen by God before we were born, by his foreknowledge. And we were created to be sanctified by his Spirit and for obedience to his Son, Jesus Christ! By his blood, he has redeemed us and brought us to a saving grace. By his grace, we can dwell with him on earth, and face-to-face for eternity in heaven. This is where true fulfillment in life comes from.

Obedience is important because, by it, we demonstrate our faith in God. And through it, we can draw close to the heart of God.

We are called for closeness to the Creator of the world. He wants you and me. He is waiting for us to humbly come and get close to him. “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” (‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭11‬:‭6‬)

God wants to reward us and give us his heart in our hearts. He wants to purify us and make us new and enable us to do extraordinary things in Jesus Christ! We just need to follow him, and obey his Word (the Bible) given by Jesus Christ. Then a whole new world opens up to us, one of walking closely with God! Are you ready to walk closer with God today?

Lord, I am ready for a closer walk with you. I surrender my pride and allow you to invade my heart and take over again and again. Every day I want your Spirit to invade me and wash me clean from the things of this world that pollute me.