Family of God
All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ. Even before He made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in His eyes. God decided in advance to adopt us into His own family by bringing us to Himself through Jesus Christ. This is what He wanted to do, and it gave Him great pleasure. So we praise God for the glorious grace He has poured out on us who belong to His dear Son. He is so rich in kindness and grace that He purchased our freedom with the blood of His Son and forgave our sins. He has showered His kindness on us, along with all wisdom and understanding.
Ephesians 1:3-8 (NLT)
Have you ever heard the expression you can’t choose your family? This statement might be made from frustration or embarrassment with your family or jealousy over someone else’s. And there is some truth to this for us.
But not for God.
He chooses His sons and daughters. Even before the world began, He knew His people, loved them and had a plan for their redemption. He decided in advance to adopt us into His own family. What an undeserved miracle! No one coerced God into doing this. Instead, He chose to do so simply because it pleased Him.
The God of the universe finds pleasure in relationship with you. Let that sink in.
Not just the professional Christians or your friend who seemingly has it all together when it comes to being a disciple. You—despite all your flaws and failures. He has known you perfectly and completely from the beginning (see Psalm 139:1-6). And knowing all that, from the beginning, He knew He wanted to adopt you into His family.
Praise God for this glorious grace and kindness.
Application:
Tell God how thankful you are that He chose to redeem you. Let us not lose sight of the miracle of our regeneration in Christ. Thank Him for His kindness and grace in your life. Ask Him to help you walk in the confident assurance that He is a good Father who loves you simply because it pleases Him.
Prayer:
God,
Thank You for loving me. I couldn’t earn it, and I don’t deserve it, but still, You choose to redeem me. Thank You for making me part of Your family. Help me remember that I’m Your child.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
“… Our Father in heaven…” Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
- What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
“… may Your name be kept holy.” Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
- What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
“May Your Kingdom come soon.” Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
- Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
“Give us today the food we need,” Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
- Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I’m around today?
“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
- Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
“And don’t let us yield to temptation…” Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
- Is there anywhere I’m vulnerable to temptation?