Chosen: Held in God’s Heart

Many believers understand God’s love intellectually, yet still struggle with the deeper question of the soul: Am I wanted? In this episode, our host, Donald E. Coleman,continues the Beloved series by exploring the truth that God not only loves us—He chooses us. He picks up from episode 216, Before Anything Else: You Are Beloved, released in November of 2025. Drawing from John 15:16, John 15:9, and Mark 3:13-14, we reflect on Jesus’ call to His disciples and how chosen-ness is rooted in relationship, not performance.

This episode will help you:

·       Recognize that belovedness comes before calling.

·       Understand how chosen-ness rests at the foundation of Christian identity.

.       Understand how being Chosen invites you into an intimate relationship

·       See how Jesus modeled a life grounded in being beloved and wanted by the God our Father.

·       Let go of the need to earn acceptance, approval, or validation.

·       Learn to rest in the truth that you are held in the heart of God.

If you have ever felt the pressure to prove yourself, compete for worth, or strive for affirmation, this episode invites you into a deeper, quieter, truer place: chosen-ness.

Come and hear the voice that says:
“I want you. You are mine. You belong here.”

This podcast is a production of The Center for Biblical Coaching and Leadership. If this episode has been useful or inspiring to you in any way, please share it with someone else.  Lastly, please follow the show and write a review.

If you want to go deeper on this journey, visit www.tcbcl.org to learn how we’re walking this path together through biblical coaching, spiritual formation, and the ROOTED Global Movement. 

Transcript

Series: Beloved: Becoming Who You Already Are
Episode Title: Chosen: Held in God’s Heart
Podcast: Daily Living for Christ with Donald E. Coleman
Release Date: January 30, 2026

Episode Summary
In this episode of the Beloved series, we explore the truth that we are not only Beloved but also Chosen. To be chosen by God is not about comparison, competition, or qualification—it is about being wanted by the One who created us. Donald E. Coleman guides us into a deeper understanding of chosen-ness as the invitation to relationship before responsibility, presence before purpose, and belonging before doing.

Drawing on John 15:9, 16; Mark 3:13–14; and Henri Nouwen’s teaching on the movements of belovedness, we consider how Jesus Himself modeled chosen-ness as the foundation of His ministry—and how we are invited to live in the same way.

Key Scriptures
“You did not choose me, but I chose you…”
— John 15:16

“As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love.”
— John 15:9

“He called to Him those He wanted, and they came to Him...”
— Mark 3:13–14

Core Teaching Highlights

·       Being chosen is an expression of God’s Agape, not our performance.

·       Jesus chose the disciples to be with Him before sending them out.

·       The question of the soul is not “Am I useful?” but “Am I wanted?” — and God’s answer is absolutely Yes.

·       The Protective Self believes belonging must be earned. The Beloved Self in Christ rests in being chosen.

·       Chosen-ness reshapes prayer, relationships, self-worth, and ministry posture.

Reflection Questions

1.     Where have I been seeking belonging through achievement or approval?

2.     How might my life change if I lived from the truth that God wants me?

3.     What does it look like for me to “be with” Jesus before serving Him?

Spiritual Practice for the Week
A simple breath prayer:

Inhale: I am wanted.
Exhale: I do not have to earn belonging.

Repeat daily as needed.

Next Episode Preview

Episode 3 — Blessed: Receiving the Gaze of Love
We will explore how God speaks goodness, delight, and affirmation over us—and how learning to receive blessing heals the places where shame, fear, and self-judgment once ruled.

Connect & Share

If this episode encouraged you:

• Share it with someone who needs to remember they are Beloved.
• Leave a review or rating to support the message.
• Visit tcbcl.org to learn more about the ROOTED journey of transformation.