John 1:12 ESV
1 John 3:1 ESV
Romans 8:14-17 NKJV
Mark 10:13-16, ESV
2 Corinthians 6:18 ESV
UN Series
As we wrap up this series I have to say I hope it has been as enlightening for you as it has been for me.
As I studied and listened to God, I have been reminded (once again) of everything I am NOT and everything God IS.
Fortunately, I don’t have to be perfect. I say that because I know I am far from perfect. However, I AM a child of the Most High God.
I AM redeemed.
I receive God’s love and help daily.
John 1:12 tells us, “But to all who did receive him, who believed in hisname, he gave the right to become children of God.”
I AM made in the image of God.
1 John 3:1says, “See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him.”
Because God loves us, He calls us His children and we are precious to Him.
Romans 8:14-17 tells us, “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.” The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.”
When we turn to God the Spirit of God lives IN us as children of God.
We read in Mark 10:13-16, “And they were bringing children to him that he might touch them, and the disciples rebuked them. But when Jesus saw it, he was indignant and said to them, “Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.” And he took them in his arms and blessed them, laying his hands on them.”
Jesus wants us to come to Him just as a child, with the innocence of a child and the heart of a child. Growing up hearing Billy Graham preach, I knew every time the message was over we would sing, Just as I Am. That’s exactly what God wants…no pretenses, no frills, God wants US to come.
In return 2 Corinthians 6:18 tells us, “And I will be a father to you, and you shall be sons and daughters to me, says the Lord Almighty.”
God is a Father who never disappoints. God is always there for us. There is nothing we face that is beyond God’s comprehension.
There is nothing we cannot take to God.
It’s futile to try to hide our pain and “broken parts” from God. There isn’t anything about us that God doesn’t already know.
When we turn to God, in an instant we are changed. 2 Corinthians 5:17 tells us, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.”
Here’s the catch…modern man tends to think we are the ones who need to do the changing.
But we do not. We cannot be good enough to implement the changes in us. Whether we’ve been a believer for one second or for 80 years, we do not DO the changes.
Through surrender, it is God who changes us.
We do need to give God permission because God does not force Himself on us. But when we give God permission by saying “okay”, it is God who changes us.
The Prophet Isaiah lived from 619-533 B.C.E. and he wrote in Isaiah 53:5:
“But He was wounded for our transgressions,
He was bruised for our iniquities;
The chastisement for our peace was upon Him,
And by His stripes we are healed.”
Five hundred years before the Messiah came, the prophet foretold hewould be wounded for us. He would take our punishment FOR us andbecause of what He chose to do for us, we will be healed.
God chose you. God knows you. God died for you. We are part of Godand God is IN us. The conclusion has been written. We are completeIn God.
We are eternally saved by grace and we are children of the King ofKings now and forevermore.
Today’s Spiritual Practice is: Say who you are in God.
Write a letter to God that tells who you are and how you are grateful.
In God, Deborah
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