Apr 8 Devotion: Intimacy With Our Heavenly Father

12).  But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become fhe sons of God, even to them that believe on his name;  13).  Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor the will of man, but of God.

                                   JOHN 1: 12-13 (KJV)

From the very beginning, God intended to have an intimate, loving relationship with His children. How do we know this?

His Son. Jesus, who is the exact representation of the Father, came to earth so we would know God. Their words and works were the same (SEE JOHN 5:19, and JOHN 12:50).

Invitation. Through Scripture, God invites us to join His family. He has taken care of the arrangements (SEE JOHN 3:16).

Adoption. At salvation, we are adopted into the Lord’s family. This relationship with our heavenly Father lasts for an eternity and provides us with support, encouragement, and love.

Friendship. By calling His disciples “friends” (SEE JOHN 15:15), Jesus revealed a new aspect to their relationship. Jesus is a forever friend—one who will never desert us or turn away.

His Presence. From the moment of our salvation, we are indwelt by the Holy Spirit.

The heavenly Father invites us to join His family through faith in Jesus Christ. This is our highest calling—to believe in the Savior and live for Him all of our days (SEE JOHN 20:31). Once we become God’s children, His Spirit will work in us to make our family resemblance stronger and clearer in thought, word, and deed.

-IBC