A father I knew adopted the drill sergeant as his ideal! His kids addressed him as ‘sir.’ Orders came down that were not to be questioned. In many ways, he was a good father and provider except in the most important way; genuine affection. As much as a person might have admired the efficiency of the household, there also was a chilly sense that nobody was too happy to be there. I often wondered if those kids would exit their Dad’s life when they became adults! My tribe experienced discipline, too. I had no reservations about calling them to account, setting standards, and asking for respect. The core of our home, however, was and is love. Obedience of my children was gained not so much through punishment as it was by setting an example and persuading them to follow. Today, though they range in age from 27 to 32, we are friends and love each other deeply!
Our Heavenly Father is a loving Dad!
Jesus Christ came into this world to show us just how deep the Father’s love really is.
John says, "The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. John testifies concerning him. He cries out, saying, “This was he of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me.’ ” From the fullness of his grace we have all received one blessing after another. For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God, but God the One and Only, who is at the Father’s side, has made him known." (John 1:14-18, NIV)
Abba’s gifts are grace and truth!
Grace is a rich Biblical word that fills the New Testament. It refers to the kindness of our Father that is shown to us when we are disobedient, rebellious, and resistant to His will. His grace exerts a powerful influence on us, drawing us into His love and causing a transformation of heart and character. Yes, He is a holy God who cannot and will not simply ignore our sins. He has no reluctance to act to discipline us, but He does so for our ultimate good, not our destruction; out of His desire to fill our lives with ‘one blessing after another.’
Truth is also amazing. Our Father refuses to let us remain in the deceptions of the Devil. In the beginning that Liar promised what he could not deliver. Jesus Christ came and demonstrated what life could be when the Truth was loved. He refused the foolish pretensions of superficial religion. He would not play the games that others played to gain wealth, power, or prominence. He was ‘full of truth!’ If we choose to live in the Truth, we will know peace and joy, too.
Receive Abba’s gifts offered in Christ. Here’s a word from the Word for your meditation today.
"This same Good News that came to you is going out all over the world. It is bearing fruit everywhere by changing lives, just as it changed your lives from the day you first heard and understood the truth about God’s wonderful grace. …
So we have not stopped praying for you since we first heard about you. We ask God to give you complete knowledge of his will and to give you spiritual wisdom and understanding. Then the way you live will always honor and please the Lord, and your lives will produce every kind of good fruit. All the while, you will grow as you learn to know God better and better. We also pray that you will be strengthened with all his glorious power so you will have all the endurance and patience you need.
May you be filled with joy, always thanking the Father. He has enabled you to share in the inheritance that belongs to his people, who live in the light. For he has rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and transferred us into the Kingdom of his dear Son, who purchased our freedom and forgave our sins." (Colossians 1:6-14, NLT)
____________
Sing them over again to me,
Wonderful words of life;
Let me more of their beauty see,
Wonderful words of life;
Words of life and beauty,
Teach me faith and duty:
Christ, the blessed one,
Gives to all,
Wonderful words of life;
Sinner, list to the loving call,
Wonderful words of life;
All so freely given,
Wooing us to heaven:
Sweetly echo the gospel call,
Wonderful words of life;
Offer pardon and peace to all,
Wonderful words of life;
Jesus, only Savior,
Sanctify forever,
Beautiful words, wonderful words,
Wonderful words of Life;
Beautiful words, wonderful words,
Wonderful words of Life.
Wonderful Words of LifePhilip Bliss © Public Domain
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