Born Of A Certain Kind

Spring is in the air and the evidence is everywhere. When we travel around our area these days, we see all kinds of signs of new life. In one short trip yesterday, we saw baby horses, cows, geese, sheep, goats, and ducks. One thing we noticed is the family resemblance in each of these young animals. The horses looked just like the horses that gave them birth. The cows looked just like the cows from which they came, and so on. Science confirms that we inherit many of the characteristics of our parents.

I John 4:7-8 says, “Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God. Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love.” The distinguishing mark of a true believer is the love that they show toward others. Love flows from God’s being through the believer to bless others. When we are born of God, we inherit His attribute of love, but only because He enables us to love through the indwelling of His Spirit. His love will flow through us as we walk closely with Him, just like an admiring small child walking hand in hand with a parent and mimicking what the parent does.

Such a Time As This!

Many times I have found myself at events or in situations that differ significantly from what I expected. I find myself confused and searching for some kind of path out of the chaos. If I can find a purpose in being where I find myself, many times the situation reveals itself to be beneficial to myself and I can be a blessing to others.

Esther 4:14 says, “And who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” In every moment, every day, every place, and every situation God provides you with the opportunity to do something right and good. Don’t miss these opportunities to shine His light and bless someone.

Image and Likeness

One of our grandsons was adopted at birth by our daughter and son-in-law. He is 18 years old now and has his own unique personality and nature. However, in many ways he was taken on the characteristics of his adopted family, including his personal faith in Jesus Christ.

I John 3:1-3 says, “See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him. Beloved, we are God’s children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is. And everyone who thus hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure.” God loves so much that He makes everyone who trusts Him to become His child. We then have the wonderful honor of becoming like Him, including in purification from sin.

Completion

When we take on a task to do, whether it be on the job or at home, we should not consider it completed until we have done our best and done what is needed. We don’t hold in high regard those people who are lazy or do sloppy work.

Philippians 1:6 says, “And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” Genuine spiritual progress is rooted in what God has done, is doing, and will do. His work in us is perfect and He promises to complete the job according to His perfect design for us. His faithfulness ensures that He will be with believers until Jesus returns and for eternity.

Right Advocate

Suppose you are in court as the defendant on several serious charges against you. You have hired a lawyer who, although unorthodox, has a perfect record as an advocate for his clients. The problem, however, is that you did commit the crimes and the evidence of your guilt is overwhelming and can’t be denied. At the trial, your lawyer does something really unusual. He stands before the judge and admits you are guilty. But then He offers to take the punishment for you and requests that you be set free.

I John 2:1-2 says, “My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world.” Jesus stands before the Father and pleads our case for forgiveness and justification. Only, His plea is not based upon any good that we have done. But rather, His plea is based upon what He has done for us by sacrificing Himself on the cross for us.