Forever Home in the Eternal Family of God

Daily Encouragement for the Family of God by Kenton Cheek

5 October 2024

Reading From John 2-4

“Because of the miraculous signs Jesus did in Jerusalem at the Passover celebration, many began to trust in him. But Jesus didn’t trust them, because he knew all about people. No one needed to tell him about human nature, for he knew what was in each person’s heart.”

–John 2:23-25

     Jesus is God.  God the Father created the heavens and the earth with God the Son and the Spirit was also present at creation.  He knows us better than we have the ability to know ourselves.  When the Prophet Samuel was searching for the next king of Israel, the Lord instructed him not to consider outward appearance for Yahweh looks at the heart. 

     Many Christians emphasize that the highest priority for a human being is to have a relationship with God.  As the catchphrase goes, “it’s about relationship, not religion.”  This is true, however, I would take it a step further.  The Lord wants us to be in a healthy and growing relationship with Him.  Undivided affection, mutual trust, constant communication, and increasing knowledge are hallmarks of a righteous relationship between God and His sons and daughters. 

     It isn’t enough to know about God.  We must get to know Him.  We do this by pursuing Him through spiritual disciplines such as prayer, meditation, Scripture study, worship, fellowship with other believers, sharing His love and message with others, and a plethora of other channels.  He is continuously reaching out to us.  We must reciprocate and actively reach out to Him.  Our genuine connection with Jesus will be proven by our love for Him, our love for others, and our love for ourselves.  Let us show our love by obeying Him.

“Heavenly Father, thank You so much for Your loving kindness.  It is truly better than life.  Fill us up to overflowing with faith, hope and love by Your Spirit.  Show us practical and spiritual ways we can share this marvelous grace and mercy with others.  Increase our faith and trust in You.  I pray that we would be real with You.  There is nothing that we can hide from You, so let us find freedom in honesty.  After all, You are the Way, the Truth and the Life.  You are our path to the Father.  In Your matchless Name I pray.  Amen.”

  By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.

–John 13:35

“Not everyone who calls out to me, ‘Lord! Lord!’ will enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Only those who actually do the will of my Father in heaven will enter. On judgment day many will say to me, ‘Lord! Lord! We prophesied in your name and cast out demons in your name and performed many miracles in your name.’ But I will reply, ‘I never knew you. Get away from me, you who break God’s laws.’”

 –Matthew 7:21-23