Today’s scripture: 2 Timothy 1:12-14
Growing up in a Baptist church, I sang a lot of old hymns. And I remember the
words of one of my favorites. As I sang this song as a child, I had no idea the
words came from 2 Timothy:
For I know whom I have believed,
And am persuaded that He is able
To keep that which I’ve committed
Unto Him until that day.
(Whittle, McGranahan, 1883)
I love the words of that old Scripture-inspired hymn because it reminds me that
the God I’ve put my trust in is able. Able to keep me strong. Able to provide.
Able to give comfort. Able to shower with peace. Able to help me overcome any
situation.
He is greater than anything or anyone. And until the day I leave this earth,
either through death or at Christ’s return, He will faithfully hold me safely
and securely in His more-than-able right hand (Isaiah 41:10).
Today's scripture: Ephesians 2:17-18
“Through Him [Christ] we both [Jews and Gentiles] have our access in one [Holy]
Spirit to the Father …”
Do you see the significance of the words in this verse? We who believe in the
God of the Bible believe in a three-in-one God. It’s one of those mysteries
that we won’t fully understand this side of heaven.
But we believe in God the Father—Creator, Sustainer. We believe in God the Son,
Jesus Christ—Redeemer, Savior. We believe in God the Holy Spirit—Intercessor,
Indwelling Strength. One God acting in three persons.
And so I can go to my Father, my Abba, and praise Him for this amazing world He
created and for His loving plan for my life (Jeremiah 29:11). I can thank my Lord
Jesus for His incredible sacrifice that allowed for my salvation (Romans 5:8). I
can ask the Holy Spirit to speak to the Father through my groaning (Romans 8:26).
I’m not sure exactly why God—the three-in-one God—is how He is … but I don’t
have to know. I just have to trust in His word. And know He is everything I
need.
Today's scriptures: Galatians 4:6-7
Oh how I love the reminder that I can call my heavenly Father, “Abba”! I can
crawl up on His lap and call Him “Daddy”!
I absolutely love that!!
Those of us who didn’t have the greatest of fatherly influences sometimes don’t
understand what it means to have a daddy. A man you can trust. A man who has
your back. A man who will love and cherish and protect you.
And that is exactly what our heavenly Father is for His children.
He is our protector, our provider, our refuge. He is our strength, our healer,
the lover of our soul.
He loves us with an everlasting love. He will never leave us or forsake us.
He is faithful and trustworthy.
He is, indeed, our Daddy … in every sense of the word.
Today’s scripture: Galatians 3:28-29
We are “all one in Christ Jesus.”
Read the first verse again. There is no distinction between individuals in God
the Father’s eyes. As long as we’re followers of God the Son, Jesus Christ, we
are one.
We can—and must—look beyond race, gender, socio-economic background, and see
the hearts of our brothers and sisters in Christ. Our faith should transcend
everything else that makes us difference.
Think about it. How often have you met a stranger and then, when you found she
was a fellow believer, you instantly connected? Wherever we go, we can
instantly find kindred spirits in a Bible-believing church.
I just love that!
And then in the next verse, we’re reminded that we’re heirs to God’s promise.
And what is that promise? Redeemed hearts and eternity with Him.
We aren’t outcasts. We aren’t distant relatives. We aren’t afterthoughts. We
are heirs of God. We are His dearly-loved children.
Take a moment and thank God for His promises. And for His Fatherly love.
Today's
scripture: Ephesians 2:19-22
It’s such an amazing thought: We are part of God’s
household. We are sons and daughters of the King of Kings. Christ is the
cornerstone of the church, and we are its members. That’s amazing, too.
I especially love the thought of being God’s daughter. I love my earthly
father, but we don’t have that strong of a relationship. For a while, I
struggled with the idea of a loving father, one who cared for me no matter
what.
When I finally recognized how much God loves me—unconditionally loves me—I
understood what a Father really is.
He is gentle, compassionate, and caring. He protects His children and provides
for them. He’s a refuge when things are difficult.
I can crawl on my Father’s lap when I’m sad. I can reach my hand to Him for His
strength when I don’t have any of my own.
I can’t wait until I see my Father face-to-face. What a moment that will be—in
the arms of my Abba—my daddy.
