My son is Up!!

This morning I heard Judah was up so I got up and made him a bottle. By the time it was ready for consumption he had fallen back asleep. So, I waited in the living room for him to wake up. Finally I heard him "talking" and was so excited I thought to myself, "My son is up!" As I ran into his room to see him and feed him I had this overwhelming thought that God thinks the same towards me. I like to think of myself as a good father... thats better than thinking about the alternative, but I am NOTHING like my Father-God. God is so amazing. And He is crazy in love with you. He delights in you...

Later in the day I took a break from my office and went into our auditorium. I was taking some time to worship Him when I was overwhelmed again. (Jehovah sneaky... He likes to sneak up on me) This time I was overwhelmed by the simplicity of the gospel. There is Father who loves His children. But His children have been lied to. They are deceived into thinking they are alone as orphans. The gospel is the pleading of the Father, through sons who have returned home, to sons who are lost and lonely. The plea is simple... There is a wonderful, loving Father who is in deep pursuit of you. He first sent His only begotten Son to redeem you and now sends all those who have been restored out to the ends of the earth to proclaim this wonderful news... "You have a Father who has never forgotten you and who has never for one moment stopped loving you. He is pursuing you and will never stop... will you stop running and turn and come home? A Ring, a robe, and family awaits you."

People love to tell good news... People love to hear good news... When did the good news stop being good?

"Papa, I am up now!"

AT

The Sons of God

The bible is clear that those who believe in Christ have become sons of God. (Gal. 3:26; 4:4) The problem is we still think like orphans. An orphans root identity is one of being alone. Therefore, they are preoccupied with provision and protection. Sons have this foundation of being loved and accepted, therefore, their Father is their source of provision and protection. Jesus gives us a great insight into the inward working of a orphan in Luke 12. He tells in my own paraphrase "do not worry about your life. What you will eat or how you will be clothed because your Father knows you need such things. However, seek first the kingdom and all these things will be added to you." Because orphans are preoccupied with provision and protection they cannot have the priority of the kingdom. Sons trust the Father for their provision and protection, therefore, are free to recklessly seek their Father's Kingdom.

What in you distracts you from seeking the kingdom? What in you competes with the presence of God? Orphans hoard; sons trust. Orphans control; sons yield. Orphans seek approval; sons impact nations. It is time we not only have the theology of sons but start thinking like one!

All of creation is waiting for the manifestation of the sons of God! (Rom. 8:19)