Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

-

Children Expectation of God

Gracious John
St. Andrews MTC, NY
You know that he was revealed to take away sins, and in him there is no sin. 6
Live free of sin! This is the mission that all Christians are charged with. It seems that today, more than ever, the avenues and opportunities to sin are so readily available, while the path of righteousness is nowhere to be found. Our theme brings back memories of parents counseling and instructing us to do good, avoid bad activities, stay clear of negative influence, value education, and direct us towards stability and success. While these statues have importance, we need to evaluate whether or not we are meeting God’s expectations.

This passage is not calling us to be perfect, but rather acknowledge that we are God’s children. A child never is without mischievous behavior, tantrums, and poor decisions just as we may also stray from God. However, we can see that the passage is making us question whether we are living in sin. The passage reminds us that no one continuing to live in sin has ever known or seen him (vs.6). Once we acknowledge that God is our father, we must be ready to acknowledge our shortcomings and rid them from our lives.

The first verse lays the foundation to a life as a child of God. Do you see the beauty? We are not required to “do” anything, other than accept the love that God has for us. I often imagine and wonder that if my earthly parents can love and forgive me so easily, how much more does my heavenly Father? You may feel as if you are unworthy of His love and that your life is hopeless, but this passage reminds us that (vs. 7) all who have this hope in Him purify themselves, just as He is pure. Put your hope in Him who loves you so much. Accept the Love that your Father so lavishly gives to you. Give in more and more to this love, and let Him remind you that you are His child and watch how  He will set you free from your sins.

PRAYER

Dear Lord, Help us to follow You and love You. We place our hope in You that we may be purified for Your will. We accept Your love and thank You for claiming us as Your children. Amen
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him. Psalm 127:3

Popular posts from this blog

Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

-
  Constant, patient and welcoming love of God   St. Luke 15: 11-32  V.21: And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight, and am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ The parable of the ‘Prodigal son’ is one of the most frequently quoted parables that Jesus told His disciples. The parable contains the rich mine of human virtues and emotions. This parable is lived and re-lived in progressing civilizations from time immemorial and continuing. It brings out in vivid detail the pathetic depth of human sinfulness and the glorious heights of God’s forgiveness.      As a story of human nature, fathers are generally merciful to their children in any circumstance. They are very protective and are eager to provide for and secure the lives of their offspring. Jesus is telling this parable to underscore the superlative love of God to His children. The nature of such love is reiterated by Jesus in Matthew 7:11. Humankind wh...
Read more

Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

-
Revelation for Liberation Acts 27:18-26 Sherine Thomas Long Island MTC, NY 20  When neither sun nor stars appeared for many days, and no small tempest raged, all hope of our being saved was at last abandoned. “After winter comes the summer.  After night comes the dawn.  And after every storm, there comes clear open skies” so said a Scottish clergyman from the 1600s. It’s been said, that hope can sometimes be the most dangerous weapon.  However, it’s sometimes the hardest weapon to carry when you’re living with the loss of a loved one, something that almost feels like a terrible nightmare that’ll never go away.  It’s a weapon difficult to carry when day in and day out no one seems to hear or see those tears that are shed or silent cries that are made during a heartfelt prayer. It’s a weapon difficult to carry as you see your loved one lying on that hospital bed.  It’s a weapon difficult to carry as you search and seek out answers to tel...
Read more

Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

-
PRIESTHOOD: THE ANOINTED MINISTRY Exodus 40:12-16 Bring Aaron and his sons to the entrance to the Tent of Meeting... wash them with water. Then dress Aaron in the sacred garments, anoint him and consecrate him so he may serve me as priest (Exodus 40: 12-13). Priesthood among the people of God was a divine command and initiation. God wanted some people to be separated for the special ministry among his people. God appointed Aaron and his descendants to take up this kind of ministry among the people of God. Priests are always separated and appointed as channels that connect God with his people. All throughout the history of Israel, priests played an important role in connecting people with God and to lead and guide them in the statutes of God. But there are incidents in the Bible where the priests failed in their duties and that led the people to go away from God. So the priests have a special and significant ministry to perform in this world among his people. Two important things...
Read more