Our Father's Children

What does it take to be a child of God?

Usually, I take people at their word. I have a habit of believing people when they tell me that they are members of another denomination or congregation. I have a habit of believing people when they tell me that they are Christians. So often, I neglect to witness to them, because I believe them. The question, I ponder this morning, is if they know what it means to be a member of the family of God.

We do not enter into this family just because our parents or their parents belonged to the Body of Christ or any particular congregation. We are not born in the natural way into the family of God. We are adopted into God's family. In order for us to be adopted into God's family there was a price; a much greater price than we have to pay to adopt a child in today's society. The purchase price for our adoption was not silver or gold. The blood of God's only begotten Son paid the ultimate price for our adoption into His family.

Our DNA; our bloodlines, connects and confirms our earthly families; but, the blood of Christ makes us children of the most High God. We do not enter God's family by any goodness of our own. We do not enter God's family because of any earthly connections we might have. We enter by the virtue of the one who gave himself for us; that we might be reconciled to our Father in heaven for all of eternity. There is only way to become a child of God. There is only one way to the Father. That way is through Jesus the Christ.

There is more to being a Christian than just saying that you are one. By the power of the Holy Spirit, may God grant you faith in the one who died that all might live as children of the most High God.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Your Decrees Are My Delight

Even though princes sit plotting against me,
    your servant will meditate on your statutes.
Your decrees are my delight,
    they are my counselors.

Psalm 119:23-24 NRSV

 

I suppose that it is within the sinful nature of humankind to plot against one another; to delight in the fall of others, especially if they have played a hand in the fall. We see and experience it all the time; all around us. It may be a natural inclination; yet, it is still sin.

 

When we feel that we are being plotted against, it is not the time to retaliate; but, to keep our peace by meditating on the decrees of the Lord. We are to meditate not just on the law; but, on his promises so that we might truly know the peace of heart and mind that surpasses all understanding.

 

When we are wronged; when we are plotted against, we are to pray for our enemy, that they and we might be reconciled to God our Father and our Lord, Jesus the Christ; that we might live in peace.

 

May God help us to stay in His Word, in His truth, and the truth shall set us free.

 

God's Peace - Pr. J

Psalm 125 - Shaken

Peace be on you... 

I read the news every morning online. Quite a turmoil out there! The news never fails to remind me of how blessed I am to live in Aura. Last night a meteor streaked over the Ural Mountains in Russia. Those mountains were shaken. Over 500 people were reported injured from the event.   It was reported that many thought that the world was coming to an end.

The other evening a local television ended up hacked. Across the bottom of the screen was a runner that warned people that the dead were rising from their graves and attacking people in the local counties. This happened late in the evening.  It appeared to be the same type of warning that we get when there is a snow storm or something else we need to be aware of to keep ourselves safe. Many people got left wondering if the world was coming to an end. Can you imagine being alone, late in the evening, and receiving a warning that zombies are coming to kill you.

But, those who trust in the LORD will not be shaken. Some of this stuff might give us a start when it first happens. We are, after all, human. But, none of us will shake us so that we fall.  Any evil that might befall you, whether natural or man-made, will not destroy you. The world might end. It probably will one day But, all who who are found righteous in Jesus Christ will know peace in the presence of God for all eternity. There is no end. Do not be afraid. God is with.

Trust in the LORD. May His peace be upon you.

God's Peace - Pr. J.