John 1:12-13
To all who received him, to those who believe in his name, he gave the right to become children of God — children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.
What of Today’s Verse…
We live in a time and culture of rights. “It’s my right to ___.” Just fill in the blank. But there is one thing we don’t have a right to be: God’s child. We are given that right by grace through Jesus’ coming to earth, living, dying and being raised from the dead. We appropriate it through faith, through which God gives us new birth when we are baptized and reborn through the power of the Holy Spirit (John 3:3-7). To be born of God, to be born from above, to be born again is the gift of adoption into God’s family and entitles us to all the rights of heirs in God’s house (Galatians 3:26-4:7).
Let us Pray:
Abba Father, thank you for including me in your family. May my life today reflect your influence, character, mercy, holiness, compassion, righteousness, and love. I want to be like you, my Father. So just as I was born into your family by the power of the Holy Spirit, please fill me with your Spirit today so that I will more closely reflect you in all I do and say. Through Jesus I pray. Amen.
Words of Wisdom
Are Things really so bad?
The next time you are tempted to feel sorry for yourself, remember a few things.
You’re alive and well. Many people are no longer around, and many others are in such poor health they can barely function. Yet every day, people with severe handicaps accomplish great things. If you are healthy and able-bodied, then you really have no excuse not to be the very best you can be.
Opportunities come disguised as problems. Problems are a blessing, because when you solve them you grow as a person and you gain valuable experience. You learn things that can allow you to help other people solve the same problem. If the problem you solve is big enough and widespread enough, the opportunity that creates, could be enormous.
Put your problems in perspective. Ask yourself what’s the worst thing that can happen. Then accept that and move on past your problem.
Challenge is one of the best things you can face. Challenges and problems give you a chance to develop your resourcefulness. Problems are your opportunities to give it all you’ve got – to shine truly as a person.
