There is One

I just felt you could use a chuckle to start your day.

We’ve all seen this child. Perhaps this is your kid or even more honestly, perhaps you are this child. Never predictable, always unorthodox, always challenging. Always loved!

“Live and work without pride. Be gentle and kind. Do not be hard on others. Let love keep you from doing that.” Ephesians 4:2 NLV

For those of us who have raised this child or perhaps work with them, the above verse is an admonition from the Apostle Paul.

Sometimes we try too hard to be perfect or to make others into what we think is perfect. I’m sure Peter gave the Lord a chuckle and a head shake on more than one occasion. Impetus, speak-before-you-think kind of guy. Walking on water one minute and rebuking Jesus the next. Yes, definitely one to make the Lord stand back and shake his head.

God was working in him, refining him, but using him – this bold, unconventional, burly fisherman – for His glory. He went from being a brash fisherman to one of the pillars of the early church.

” Work hard to live together as one by the help of the Holy Spirit. Then there will be peace. There is one body and one Spirit. There is one hope in which you were called. There is one Lord and one faith and one baptismThere is one God. He is the Father of us all. He is over us all. He is the One working through us all. He is the One living in us all. Loving-favor has been given to each one of us. We can see how great it is by the gift of Christ.” Ephesians 4:3-7 NLV

One God over all of us, working through us all, living in all of us. He has given each one of us His loving-kindness. Including that “one”. They, too, are loved by God.

Each of us are unique and we are called to be part of the body of Christ. We are one in Him; our talents and contributions are for His glory. Our imperfection points to His perfect love.

 I pray that Christ Jesus and the church will forever bring praise to God. His power at work in us can do far more than we dare ask or imagine. Amen.” Ephesians 3:20-21 CEV

There is One and He is worthy of all honor and praise!

Adoption Complete

I know that not everyone had a loving relationship with their father like I did. Yesterday’s blog was a tribute to good fathers and I pray that you know that experience.

However, some have grown up in homes where there was no father. Bad health may have stolen him or perhaps he was absent because of divorce or even drugs, alcohol and/or imprisonment. Those conditions could leave you bitter, lonely or confused, not knowing a father’s love.

I have good news for you today!

There is One who loves you and chosen you to be His very own. He will never abandon you and His love is unconditional, yes, I said unconditional.

“God knew from the beginning who would put their trust in Him. So He chose them and made them to be like His Son. Christ was first and all those who belong to God are His brothers. 30 He called to Himself also those He chose. Those He called, He made right with Himself. Then He shared His shining-greatness with those He made right with Himself.” Romans 8:29-30 NLV

We were chosen to share in the blessings and inheritance of the Father, just like Jesus. We have been adopted.

“the Holy Spirit makes us His sons, and we can call to Him, “My Father.” 16 For the Holy Spirit speaks to us and tells our spirit that we are children of God. 17 If we are children of God, we will receive everything He has promised us. We will share with Christ all the things God has given to Him. But we must share His suffering if we are to share His shining-greatness.” Romans 8:16-17 NLV

Our adoption was planned before the world began. It is a gift the Father offers to each of us freely, all we have to do to be a part of His wonderful family is accept the gift.

“God was kind and decided that Christ would choose us to be God’s own adopted children. God treated us with undeserved grace because of the Son he dearly loves, and so we should praise God.” Ephesians 1:5-6 CEV

Yesterday I encouraged all of us to take time to write a letter or make a call to our earthly fathers who have helped shape our lives. But today I want to make that same encouragement to those who have no one on this earth to reach out too. Make that call or write that card to your Heavenly Father. Thank Him for the relationship that He has purposed to have with you.

Enjoy today as a part of your inheritance.

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God has great mercy, and because of his mercy he gave us a new life. This new life brings us a living hope through Jesus Christ’s resurrection from death. 4 Now we wait to receive the blessings God has for his children. These blessings are kept for you in heaven. They cannot be ruined or be destroyed or lose their beauty.” I Peter 1:3-4 ERV

Praising God today for His amazing love and our adoption that is complete in Him!