Father's Day

We call God “Father,” and He calls us his children. Many scriptures talk about this relationship, this connection we have with the creator of the universe and with the One true God. It is a bond that encompasses security, true love, and joy. At times it can be overwhelming when you sense his presence. Many times it will be so strong I will tear up. It often feels like God hugging me.

“I will be a Father to you, and you will be My sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.” 2 Corinthians 6:18

But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, He gave the right to become children of God. John 1:12

If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him! Matthew 7:11

Like our earthly parent-child relationships, there are times when other emotions rise up. Sometimes, God gets angry with us, usually if we are acting out. You know, trying to do things our way. Or if we are blatantly disobeying him. We might be angry at God. Like in times when we feel He is not listening to us. And it’s okay to express that anger with him. But there are other times when we laugh with God and express tremendous joy, especially when we see him answering our prayers. I felt this emotion yesterday as I realized God was moving on my behalf in a relationship that has been challenging.

Sometimes, God needs to discipline us, but He does so with perfect love. And because He loves us, He takes the time to correct us.

For whom the Lord loves He corrects, even as a father corrects the son in whom he delights. Prov. 3:12 (AMPC)

But God can smile too. Like a loving parent, it is when we, his children, obey his commandments, which are only there to guide us into a better life. What makes Him smile big is when we walk in faith. When we dare take Him at His word and step out to do something we don’t think we can do, accomplish or overcome.

But without faith it is impossible to please and be satisfactory to Him. For whoever would come near to God must [necessarily] believe that God exists and that He is the rewarder of those who earnestly and diligently seek Him [out]. Heb. 11:6 (AMPC)

It pleases him because He knows we believe him, believe in him, and trust him. Obedience shows we are mindful enough of his power, authority as God, and might to act on what He speaks into our souls. Our action with him to do of his will and good pleasure. To actively advance the kingdom of heaven and watch it prevail. Being witnesses and testifying of his greatness.

This is what makes God smile! May you make him smile daily as you walk in your relationship with him.

Okay, I do realize that this coming Sunday is Mother’s Day, but at the time of this writing it is the anniversary of my father’s death, so I was thinking about him as well. Then a thought came flying down the big brain bypass. I say “big brain” not because I am smart, but because I am always thinking. The thought was, “What would God want for “God Day”?

Pastor Robert Morris says, “To find Biblical answers, you must look in the Bible.”

“I call Heaven and Earth to witness against you today: I place before you Life and Death, Blessing and Curse. Choose life so that you and your children will live. And love God, your God, listening obediently to him, firmly embracing him. Oh yes, he is life itself, a long life settled on the soil that God, your God, promised to give your ancestors, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.”
Deu. 30:19-20 MSG.

God wants you to have life now and for eternity. He wants to talk, yes talk to you. He has a lot to say. He created man in the first place to have someone who would choose to love him back by their own doing. He wants to have a great relationship with you. He hopes you will choose him, which is choosing life.

God is amazing. He made us, therefore we belonged to him, but He gave us the freedom to choose to love him. Then, after Adam and Eve sinned and mankind was doomed to eternal death, God gave us his only son to die a brutal death on a cross that purchased us back to God. But then He did the most unselfish thing one could do afterwards, He gave us that freewill again to decide for ourselves if we want to love him.

God wants us to have a life full of the fruit of the spirit. You know, love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. That means, no one can police them, regulate them, market them, or stop them, but all mankind can profit from them.

Don’t you see? God wants nothing but good for you, but the only thing He wants from you, is your heart. I hope you have already given it to him, or you will, soon, perhaps even today.

brady, mark a.

Words to inspire you

What Makes God Smile