Like a Little Child

Seeing God as Father:


     Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God--children born not of human decision or a husband's will, but born of God....
      Those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God....The Spirit himself testifies with our spirits that we are God's children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs--heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory....
     Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake?If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!...
     Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created.

Scripture: John 1:12-13, Romans 8:14, 16-17; Matthew 7:9-11; James 1:17-18

Defining Moments:

When God wanted to put His love into terms we could understand, He painted Himself in the biblical imagery of a Father--not the kind who rats and raves, fussing about the way you keep your room or teaching you how to drive by pounding the dashboard every time you change lanes in traffic. Not the kind who's tied up ( again) at work, or only visible from the waist down behind his morning paper, apparently unconcerned with the things that matter most to you.
     Neither is He a doting grandfather, mindlessly doling out dollar bills so you can buy your fill of candy ad bubble gum. This Father who asks yo to walk with Him will ask more of you than anyone possibly could--your life, in fact, for the privilege of being on personal terms with the God of the universe. But in return, you'll receive a love that's so complete and unconditional, so honest and pure, so rich in mercy and long on patience, that you'll want nothing more tan to please Him, to make Him proud of you, to find your reason for living in His gentle smile.


Next Up:

     Not only do you get to enjoy a close, personal relationship with God the Father; this new adopted family of yours includes a big brother you'd love to be like.


      God goes by many names that describe His nature and character. But you can just call Him....Dad.

     " God will go out of HIs way to make His children feel His love for them and know their privilege and security as members of His family."
      _J.I. Packer