TODAY IN THE WORD

[Def]

Read: Deuteronomy 8:1-9
As a man disciplines his son, so the Lord your God disciplines you. - Deuteronomy 8:5
TODAY IN THE WORD
In The Great Divorce, C. S. Lewis envisions a heavenly land in which things are so solid as to be painful for the ill-prepared. Grass cuts their feet, rivers move like glass, and the weight of fruit makes it impossible to carry. But the protagonist soon learns that one can be disciplined for the heavenly life. In one scene, an inhabitant beckons: “Will you come with me to the mountains? It will hurt at first, until your feet are hardened. Reality is harsh to the feet of shadows. But will you come?” This land required physical training before bodies could be accustomed to its joys.

Although the world of The Great Divorce comes from the imagination of Lewis, the idea of discipline for the purpose of training is quite biblical. Particularly today we see the Lord's discipline of His people to prepare them for right living. God describes the Promised Land in vivid detail as a rich and abundant land (vv. 1, 7-9). But between these verses comes the somewhat surprising description of God's preparation of His people for this arrival.The Lord has led them through the wilderness to “humble” and “test” them (v. 2). Verse 3 again identifies God's humbling action as He let Israel feel hunger, then fed them with manna. They wandered for forty years in the desert and yet they were never in want of food, water, or clothing.

Why did God allow Israel to experience such hardship? The answer is provided in our key verse for today. All the hardship experienced by Israel was a demonstration of God's fatherly discipline, meant to train them to trust His goodness and provision when they entered the land. Indeed, such divine discipline was intended not as punishment for doing wrong, but as training for doing right, so that they might learn to “live and increase” in the land (v. 1). We train our bodies through healthy eating and sleeping habits, not to punish ourselves but in order to prepare for the demands of life. Like the feet that needed to be trained to enjoy the heavenly mountains in The Great Divorce, we too need God's training discipline to prepare us for His kingdom.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
As with the Israelites, so today we need God's training discipline. And just as the body can be disciplined with exercise and diet, we can be trained spiritually as well. Consider how “spiritually disciplined” you are, and make a goal this week to work on your own personal disciplines of prayer, fasting, Scripture reading, or corporate worship. Ask God to use His Spirit and Word to train and prepare you for living in His kingdom, not just for a moment or a day, but for eternity.

thank you Pastor Roger
I don't have any reason spiritually to be floored, but i am.i pray, i read my bible , and i present myself by Him, through Him,and with Him.but I am very sad If I don't keep pupping myself up in Jesus promises
.i guess it will pass after i learn what the Holy Spirit is trying to teach me "Let go let me be God in You, your mine and I know what I am doing.I love you.
Pastor Roger I am sorry but that is what is in my life at this moment I am hibernating and the devil is at the door but he is not in.the power of God is in my home If I only knew what is wrong with me.Good night thank you for your time love in Jesus Def(';')

[Soldier4Christ]

We all go through those times, sister, especially in the winter when we can't get out as much as we are used to. It is times like this that we rest in His rest, give our frustrations or anxieties over to Him. It is His time and in His way.

[Def]

We all go through those times, sister, especially in the winter when we can't get out as much as we are used to. It is times like this that we rest in His rest, give our frustrations or anxieties over to Him. It is His time and in His way.

My sweet Pastor and Brother Thank you.
 Love in Jesus Def.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Hebrews 12:4-11
The Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes everyone he accepts as a son. - Hebrews 12:6
TODAY IN THE WORD
John Donne, the seventeenth century Anglican poet, offers one of his sonnets as a bold prayer for God's discipline in his life: “Batter my heart, three-personed God, for you / As yet but knock, breathe, shine, and seek to mend; / That I may rise, and stand, o'erthrow me, and bend / Your force to break, blow, burn, and make me new.” Such a request is not easily made by most of us; we prefer the quiet life of comfort and ease. Perhaps, however, Donne had today's passage in mind, for where yesterday's passage reminded us of the purpose of God's discipline, today's reading urges us to reflect on the source and meaning of such discipline. Earlier, the author of the letter to the Hebrews had warned against abandoning the Christian faith for the old religion of Judaism. In every way, the author argued, Christianity is superior to the old system. Now, in chapter 12, the emphasis is on the very real difficulties and hardships the Christian faith may bring (v. 4). In the midst of this discussion of struggle against sin and hardship, Scripture offers a word of encouragement: God will discipline and punish you (vv. 5-6)! How is this word supposed to be encouraging? First, divine discipline flows from the Lord's love (v. 6). The source is not a hateful or harsh God, but a God who loves His children and desires their growth in holiness (v. 10). Second, divine discipline tells us something about our relationship to God: He is our Father; we are His children. Yes, discipline is unpleasant, but its very presence indicates our legitimacy as God's children (vv. 7-8, 11). Moreover, God's fatherly love and discipline exceeds that of a human father. Whereas earthly fathers discipline as they see best, God disciplines for our best (v. 10). Without God's discipline, we would be left to wallow in superficial holiness and complacency. Although painful, the purifying discipline of God is crucial to Christian growth, but it also reminds us of important truths about God's fatherly love for us as His children.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
These are difficult words to hear. No one prefers pain and hardship over comfort and peace. Yet, if we take Scripture seriously, we must recognize that part of the Christian life will entail God's fatherly and loving discipline. Only when we meditate on the source and meaning of that discipline will we then be able to pray along with John Donne: “bend your force, to break, blow, burn, and make me new.” Make this prayer your own today by taking the time to reflect on the truths of today's passage.

[Def]

Read: Hebrews 12:4-11
The Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes everyone he accepts as a son. - Hebrews 12:6
TODAY IN THE WORD
John Donne, the seventeenth century Anglican poet, offers one of his sonnets as a bold prayer for God's discipline in his life: “Batter my heart, three-personed God, for you / As yet but knock, breathe, shine, and seek to mend; / That I may rise, and stand, o'erthrow me, and bend / Your force to break, blow, burn, and make me new.” Such a request is not easily made by most of us; we prefer the quiet life of comfort and ease. Perhaps, however, Donne had today's passage in mind, for where yesterday's passage reminded us of the purpose of God's discipline, today's reading urges us to reflect on the source and meaning of such discipline. Earlier, the author of the letter to the Hebrews had warned against abandoning the Christian faith for the old religion of Judaism. In every way, the author argued, Christianity is superior to the old system. Now, in chapter 12, the emphasis is on the very real difficulties and hardships the Christian faith may bring (v. 4). In the midst of this discussion of struggle against sin and hardship, Scripture offers a word of encouragement: God will discipline and punish you (vv. 5-6)! How is this word supposed to be encouraging? First, divine discipline flows from the Lord's love (v. 6). The source is not a hateful or harsh God, but a God who loves His children and desires their growth in holiness (v. 10). Second, divine discipline tells us something about our relationship to God: He is our Father; we are His children. Yes, discipline is unpleasant, but its very presence indicates our legitimacy as God's children (vv. 7-8, 11). Moreover, God's fatherly love and discipline exceeds that of a human father. Whereas earthly fathers discipline as they see best, God disciplines for our best (v. 10). Without God's discipline, we would be left to wallow in superficial holiness and complacency. Although painful, the purifying discipline of God is crucial to Christian growth, but it also reminds us of important truths about God's fatherly love for us as His children.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
These are difficult words to hear. No one prefers pain and hardship over comfort and peace. Yet, if we take Scripture seriously, we must recognize that part of the Christian life will entail God's fatherly and loving discipline. Only when we meditate on the source and meaning of that discipline will we then be able to pray along with John Donne: “bend your force, to break, blow, burn, and make me new.” Make this prayer your own today by taking the time to reflect on the truths of today's passage.

He made me so new that no one want to be with me in that dimension ,
so they isolated me so they think.
she is so pious they say and shun me laugh at me . they don't want no part of a cripple Christian so call bornagain out of the religion that they practice,if i would call on the saints like they do ,i would be one of them and they would care for me and accept me "but because i call on the name of Christ Jesus only and do not mix with them well I am out so they think again
you see  "no smoke"no drink" no dance"no gamble" no bingo" they think i am dead and crazy.
that is find with me hard to take but that is the way my Father for this time in God's time wants it..Your will be done my Father in Jesus name.I Love you hit Father but give me the strength i am all out of it .Pastor Roger and Tom kept me afloat lately .thank you...Love in JesusDef
You see I am a prayer buff and was a fisher of men until!!!

[Soldier4Christ]

Sister in reading your post I am reminded of the following verses:

Joh 15:20  Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also.

2Ch 15:7  Be ye strong therefore, and let not your hands be weak: for your work shall be rewarded.

As a child of God you are indeed taken care of. There are many brothers and sisters in Christ that will not shun you and are happy that you are one of us.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Luke 15:11-32
While he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion. - Luke 15:20
TODAY IN THE WORD
In biblical times, the family inheritance was given to the family sons. It was common practice, however, that sons inherited their portion only upon their father's death. Until then, the inheritance remained in the father's possession. Asking for one's inheritance early was saying essentially, “I wish you were already dead.

”In Jesus' parable, then, the young son's premature request for his share would have been a grave insult to his father. Things only get worse: he leaves home, squanders his money, and falls upon hard times. Coming to his senses, and deciding his only hope is to be reinstated as a servant, the son starts home.

Here we gain our deepest insight into God's character, represented by the father in the parable. First, we find that the father saw his son “a long way off” (v. 20). Although the son had forgotten the father, the father had not forgotten the son. He continued to watch for his return. Second, the father was filled with compassion, ran to his son, and kissed him. He did not harbor anger or resentment, but rather was moved with love for his child. Third, before the son could finish his apology, the father interrupted to arrange a grand celebration. Rather than deliver a stern lecture, he showered the son with honor, abundance, and reconciliation.

Today's parable underscores the generous forgiveness of our heavenly Father. Though we insult Him, live contrary to His will, even forget Him for a time, God our Father is always ready to receive and forgive His penitent children.

We must remember that this story has two sons, and the father must address the eldest as well. Although he gently reminds his firstborn that “everything I have is yours” (v. 31), the older son harbors only anger and resentment (vv. 25-30). And here the parable ends inconclusively. We are left to wonder about the son, but also left to reflect upon our own perspective. Which son are we like? How do we view God: as a forgiving father or a stingy taskmaster?
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Jesus' parable reminds us that despite our own doubts, God longs to forgive when we come to Him in repentance. Though some, like the elder brother, may begrudge God's compassion and mercy, Scripture is clear about God's forgiving character. Take time today to confess your sins, even the ones you have convinced yourself are too ugly or awful. Then celebrate God's forgiveness, knowing that God has seen your return, is “filled with compassion” (v. 20), and greets you with an eager and warm embrace.

[Def]

Sister in reading your post I am reminded of the following verses:

Joh 15:20  Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also.

2Ch 15:7  Be ye strong therefore, and let not your hands be weak: for your work shall be rewarded.

As a child of God you are indeed taken care of. There are many brothers and sisters in Christ that will not shun you and are happy that you are one of us.

Pastor Roger , I am most grateful and very privileged to be part of the family of God in Christ Jesus, Glory for the precious blood that He shed for you and me, and to have all my brothers and sisters of CU,
and thank you for saying that you are happy that i am one of you
you made me feel welcome and that is very worm to my heart.
well we must go on for the Light of Light is in us.
and i must remember who i am.,saved by the Son of the Living God who died for me and rose again and is sitting at the right hand of the Most Hight interceding for you and me.
I am happy  thank you.xx
Love in Jesus Def(+¸+)

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Romans 5:6-11
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. - John 3:16
TODAY IN THE WORD
The Anglican Archbishop of Uganda, Henry Luke Orombi, describes a worship service in Karamoja, a region that had constant conflict between tribes over cattle hustling. Despite the conflict, a bishop from one of the feuding tribes was invited to speak to the other. After his sermon, the bishop urged peace between the tribes and then began a song of peace. Slowly, each member of the congregation joined in singing until eventually everyone, including Karamajong warriors, were dancing in the aisles. Tribal reconciliation produced palpable joy in their midst.

This picture of tribal reconciliation reflects the beauty and power of our reconciliation with God Himself. Initially, the situation looks very bleak. Humanity is described as “powerless” and “ungodly” (v. 6), “sinners” (v. 8 ), and ultimately “God's enemies” (v. 10). Everything stood against us; we were at odds with a holy God and were helpless to change the situation. “At just the right time,” God the Father steps in to do what we could not do ourselves: bring about reconciliation. Although we were His enemies, God chose to act out of love for us, to bring us into a right relationship with Him, and to save us from His coming wrath (vv. 8-9; cf. 1 Thess. 1:10). We started as enemies but are embraced as family.

Note the way God effects this restoration. It was through His Son's death and resurrection that God demonstrates His reconciling love for us. Scripture declares to us the lengths God will go to restore His creation to Himself—even to the point of sacrificing His own Son on our behalf! All the blame for what was wrong with our relationship to God was on our side; we were the guilty party. Yet it was God who took the sacrificial initiative in sending His son to provide restoration. Behind this strange and wonderful turn of events is the unimaginable love of God the Father, restoring us to a relationship we could only dream of but never attain on our own.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
How often do our lives convey somberness and seriousness rather than joy? Yet, as today's passage indicates, reconciliation truly does end in profound joy (v. 11)! This third Sunday in Advent, take the message of Christmas, which is really the message of the Father's reconciling love, and respond in joyous praise. Find a favorite hymn or prayer of thanksgiving and “rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation” (v. 11). Ask for God's strength to reflect that joy to all you encounter.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Ephesians 2:14-18; Ephesians 4:3-6
There is one body and one Spirit . . . one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all. - Ephesians 4:4-6
TODAY IN THE WORD
Christian ethicist Gilbert Meilaender notes that in this age of scientific advances, definitions of the family and parentage are becoming increasingly problematic. In some cases, a child may have as many as five different “parents”: two genetic parents, a surrogate mother, and two rearing parents (different from the biological parents)! Combine this with high divorce rates and commonly divided families, and in more and more cases, today's families are far from united.

If such is the case for human families today, it should not be the state of Christ's church. Yesterday's passage declared the joyous news of vertical reconciliation of people with the heavenly Father through Christ. Today, that message of reconciliation has a horizontal dimension as well. The work of Christ has made Jew and Gentile into a new humanity. Formerly antagonistic groups are united, and the hostility that once existed has now been “put to death” (2:16).

That news alone is worth pondering, but Scripture also tells us that God the Father is the goal and source of this one, new body. We discover the Father's centrality: because of Christ's reconciling work, we now “have access to the Father by one Spirit” (2:18). We also learn that there is one body because there is “one God and Father of all” (4:6).

Moreover, the Father is the source of that unity: He is “over all and through all and in all” (4:6). The fatherhood of God, then, is a uniting fatherhood. The church's existence arises from the unity of a family under one Father. In fact, the word one occurs seven times in three verses, demonstrating just how important the notion of unity is. Because there is only one God—Father, Son, and Spirit (4:4-6)—there is only one church united and reconciled to Him. No matter how different ethnically, economically, or geographically, there is only one body. The fatherhood of God, through His Son and by the Spirit, unites us all into one, glorious new humanity.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
As rich as these truths are, we may often feel dismayed when we observe the divisions and fractures in this one church. Yet, even our text today warns of this threat: “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace” (4:3). Unity takes effort! Make a list today of brothers and sisters in Christ with whom you are at odds. Then praying for God's power to work in those strained relationships, take the initiative to bring about true unity under our one Father God.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: John 5:16-27
We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. - John 1:14
TODAY IN THE WORD
Ancient rabbis acknowledged that some humans, like Mo-ses, were “like God” because they represented God to others (see Ex. 7:1). Yet they also noted that those like King Hiram of Tyre (Ezek. 28:2) and King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon (Isa. 14:14), who claimed likeness to God for themselves, met a terrible fate. Therefore, likening oneself to God was the ultimate act of idolatry and blasphemy, deserving of death.

Given this, the Jewish leaders were enraged over Jesus' claims to equality with God. To their minds, Jesus was likening Himself to God by “calling God his own Father” (v. 18). Yet, even in Jesus' own day, typical synagogue prayers addressed God as “our Father” or “the Father in heaven.” So what was the problem? The answer lies in those two little words: “own” and “my.”

Calling God “Father” was not the troubling part, it was that Jesus called God His “own” Father, “My Father” (v. 17). It was clear to His Jewish audience that Jesus was claiming a special relationship with God as Father—one not shared with others! Looking again at our reading, this intimacy and identity becomes clear. Jesus and the Father share the same work (vv. 17, 19), honor (v. 23), power to give life (v. 21), and prerogatives of judgment (vv. 22, 27). Moreover, the Father is the one who “loves the Son” (v. 20) and sent Him (v. 23). Jesus' calling God His “own” Father was a declaration of His intimacy and equality with God. According to this same Gospel, that Father-Son relationship exists from all eternity (cf. John 1:1-2, 18).

Today's text reminds us of an important truth: although Scripture repeatedly describes God as a parent to His earthly children, God was already a Father long before we existed. God's fatherhood is an eternal one, an expression of His relationship with the eternal Logos, His Son. Any notion of God as our Father is only a participation in this already existing relationship between God the Father and His eternal Son.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Today's reading forces us to consider the humbling, yet freeing, truth that God does not call us into relationship because of some deep emotional need on His part. Within the Godhead already there is a perfect, satisfying love between God the Father and God the Son. God does not need us; yet, He calls us into relationship nonetheless, and invites us into that eternal, divine love. As you ponder the depths of that truth, thank God for His love that stoops even to us.

[Def]

Read: John 5:16-27
We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. - John 1:14
TODAY IN THE WORD
Ancient rabbis acknowledged that some humans, like Mo-ses, were “like God” because they represented God to others (see Ex. 7:1). Yet they also noted that those like King Hiram of Tyre (Ezek. 28:2) and King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon (Isa. 14:14), who claimed likeness to God for themselves, met a terrible fate. Therefore, likening oneself to God was the ultimate act of idolatry and blasphemy, deserving of death.

Given this, the Jewish leaders were enraged over Jesus' claims to equality with God. To their minds, Jesus was likening Himself to God by “calling God his own Father” (v. 18). Yet, even in Jesus' own day, typical synagogue prayers addressed God as “our Father” or “the Father in heaven.” So what was the problem? The answer lies in those two little words: “own” and “my.”

Calling God “Father” was not the troubling part, it was that Jesus called God His “own” Father, “My Father” (v. 17). It was clear to His Jewish audience that Jesus was claiming a special relationship with God as Father—one not shared with others! Looking again at our reading, this intimacy and identity becomes clear. Jesus and the Father share the same work (vv. 17, 19), honor (v. 23), power to give life (v. 21), and prerogatives of judgment (vv. 22, 27). Moreover, the Father is the one who “loves the Son” (v. 20) and sent Him (v. 23). Jesus' calling God His “own” Father was a declaration of His intimacy and equality with God. According to this same Gospel, that Father-Son relationship exists from all eternity (cf. John 1:1-2, 18).

Today's text reminds us of an important truth: although Scripture repeatedly describes God as a parent to His earthly children, God was already a Father long before we existed. God's fatherhood is an eternal one, an expression of His relationship with the eternal Logos, His Son. Any notion of God as our Father is only a participation in this already existing relationship between God the Father and His eternal Son.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Today's reading forces us to consider the humbling, yet freeing, truth that God does not call us into relationship because of some deep emotional need on His part. Within the Godhead already there is a perfect, satisfying love between God the Father and God the Son. God does not need us; yet, He calls us into relationship nonetheless, and invites us into that eternal, divine love. As you ponder the depths of that truth, thank God for His love that stoops even to us.

Breath taking.
Thank you.love in Jesus Def

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: John 14:5-14
No one has ever seen God, but God the One and Only, who is at the Father’s side, has made him known. - John 1:18
TODAY IN THE WORD
In Sagamore Hill, the home of Theodore Roosevelt, you can see a downstairs study in which Roosevelt would meet with important dignitaries and officials. Yet at precisely four o'clock each day, one would hear the rushed patter of little feet along the hallway above, down the stairs, and then outside the doorway to the study. Soon, one of Roosevelt's children would interrupt the meeting and call for his father to come out and play. Often to the surprise of the distinguished guest, Roosevelt would stand up and excuse himself. “It is four o'clock,” he would say, “and time to play with my children.”

What a delightful image of children's access to their father. They could enter their father's study because they knew they had been given permission to do so. Our reading for today reminds us that we, too, have access to our heavenly Father because He has given it to us through His Son. Jesus proclaims: “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (v. 6). Our access to the Father is only through Jesus, His Son. In fact, says Jesus, “If you really knew me, you would know my Father as well” (v. 7). Our relationship with God the Father must come through Christ. There is no other way!

As was often the case in Jesus' earthly ministry, His disciples did not quite understand, and Philip replied: “Lord, show us the Father and that will be enough for us” (v. 8 ). Philip rightly desired to see and know the Father, but misunderstood Jesus' point, perhaps because it was so startling. Jesus ex-plained again: “Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father” (v. 9). An intimacy of relationship and activity exists between the Father and the Son so that Jesus can declare that seeing and knowing Him is, in fact, seeing and knowing the Father. Again, our access to the Father comes in precisely one way: through the very Son of God Himself, Jesus Christ. Any reality of God as our Father comes only through Christ.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
In today's passage, Jesus proclaims that He is the way to seeing and knowing the Father. But He also declares that He gives us intimate access to the Father in prayer, not in our own name, but in the name of His Son (v. 13). Exercise your right to approach God's throne of grace today, not in sheer arrogance, but in humble recognition that we come as children of God in the name of the Son of God. Bring your requests to Him, confident that He hears!

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: John 20:10-18
Tell [my brothers], “I am returning to my Father and your Father.” - John 20:17
TODAY IN THE WORD
A family arrived on the beach, excited for the week-long vacation ahead of them. As the parents unpacked, the children headed off to play in the sand. Not long after, the parents realized their young boy was missing. After frantically searching the beach to no avail, the coast guard was summoned to search both sea and land for the missing child. The minutes ticked on. Just as the reality was sinking in that their child was lost for good, the parents were greeted with shouts of joy. The child had been found. He was alive!

Such a drastic change from grief and despair to pure joy must have been how Mary Magdalene felt in today's reading. Jesus had been crucified; her loved master and friend was dead. Mary, however, remained at the tomb to mourn her loss. The moments that followed transformed her grief into astonishment and joy. Although confused at first, Mary soon discovered that Jesus Himself, alive and well, was standing before her!

Note the personal implications of Jesus' resurrection. First, Jesus spoke one intimate word, her name, and Mary's eyes were opened to the full reality of her resurrected Lord. How like Jesus to speak to us with such intimacy! Second, Jesus instructed Mary to take the news of His resurrection to “my brothers,” clearly meaning His disciples (vv. 17-18). The resurrection has now made possible a more intimate and personal relationship between Jesus and His followers: we are now His brothers.

Finally, Jesus declared a new relationship with God: “I am returning to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God” (v. 17). We have seen Jesus' claims to a unique relationship to God as His Father (cf. John 5:16-27); today we see that Jesus calls us into that relationship with Him. Certainly, God continues as Father to Jesus in unique ways; nevertheless, God is not just Jesus' Father, but ours as well. The resurrection has made it possible for us, with Jesus, to call God “Father.”
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
How well do we comprehend the intimacy and power of today's passage? Because of Christ's death and resurrection we can call Jesus “brother” and God “Father.” If we truly understand this new relationship made possible by and with Jesus, why do we not take that good news to others more often? Pray today that God might provide opportunities to share the relationship-changing news that Jesus declares to us. Then ask your Father for the strength and courage to use those opportunities for His glory.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: John 1:10-13
To all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God. - John 1:12
TODAY IN THE WORD
One large computer engineering corporation boasts of its extensive benefits package. In addition to a competitive salary, health insurance and retirement accounts, its employees also receive additional fringe benefits: state-of-the-art dining facilities, several workplace gyms, laundry rooms, massage rooms, and services such as haircuts, carwashes, and dry cleaning. By virtue of their employment, employees in this company have a right to all the wealth of benefits at their disposal.

Many Americans think of benefits only in these terms. Which company can give the biggest office, the most comprehensive health insurance, or the most luxurious perks? Even as Christians, we can become entangled in such a perspective, overlooking the most significant benefit already in our possession: being a child of God and calling Him our Father.

Today's passage refocuses our attention on what is most important: we are members of God's own family. This membership, says Scripture, is by faith. As our key verse today says, all those who “received” Jesus and “believed in his name” are given the greatest benefit of all: they are declared to be “children of God.” Furthermore, this benefit is universal in scope. “All” who put their faith in Christ—not just those with the right intelligence, pedigree, or ethnicity—may have the ultimate spiritual benefit of knowing God as Father.

Scripture calls this benefit a “right.” The right of membership in the family of God is ours by virtue of faith in Christ; no one can take it away or call it into question. This is counter-cultural news. Even in many Christian communities, rank still counts for much. We size up our neighbors; we compare our possessions, jobs, and levels of education; we struggle with self-worth. But in the family of God, none of that matters: we are all, by right, children of God. What an important message for today, that we are nothing less than members of God's own family, that by those rights freely given us, we may call Him "Father.”
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Many of us struggle with the temptation of comparison. Although called into one family, the church today is often marked by attitudes of comparisons that reflect cultural, racial, and socio-economic lenses. Perhaps you struggle with this as well. Pray today that God would conform your self-perspective to His truth: that you, along with all who trust in Christ, are a child of God, in equal standing before Him. Then make an effort this week to reach out to another child of God with a love that breaks the walls of comparison.