Message Magazine’s Online Devotional for Tuesday, February 14, 2017
Listen to “Thoughts in Worship 02.14.2017” on Spreaker.
“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” (Ephesians 1:5–6, NLT).
You are accepted!
So many of us live for acceptance—acceptance by our lovers; acceptance by our bosses; acceptance by our families. The great news is that while not everyone will accept us because there may be some elusive criteria we must meet, our God has welcomed us into His family through Christ Jesus.
I know it’s hard to believe, but it’s not as difficult to get in “good” with God as you might think. He is mighty. Yes, He’s holy. Yes, He is worthy of our worship. But we must never forget that He is merciful toward us and not willing for anybody to miss out on salvation. This is why Jesus died in our place. God so loved us that He gave us the perfect life of Jesus after which to follow and to make our best efforts acceptable in heaven (there goes that word again).
OK, all I have said seems great, but it’s still a bit stilted; I get it. Our Heavenly Father, the One who created all things in Christ, who spoke and the worlds were formed, has adopted you into His family. He wants to invest time in you. He wants to nurture a lively relationship with you. He wants to hear all that’s on your mind so He can tell you what’s on His mind. He wants to give you His Spirit as a perfect Companion as you traverse this road of life. He has called you son. He has called you daughter. He has prepared a place in eternity for you!
Remain In Relationship With Him
What’s the catch? There’s always a catch, right? OK, so here’s the thing: you must accept the gift of His acceptance by faith. You have to surrender the tiny spec of faith He gives all of us, to Him, so He can expand it into the vast conduit through which His power can flood your life with His strength. And, you must do this all day, every day with His help. I think that’s a great deal. Remain in a relationship, where you keep nothing from God, continue to turn away from your sins, and help others do the same, and you’re in there! Accept it. He accepts you!
