Forever Home in the Eternal Family of God

Daily Encouragement for the Family of God by Kenton Cheek

4 May 2025

Reading From Luke 22:47-71

“Then Jesus said to the chief priests, the officers of the temple guard, and the elders, who had come for him, “Am I leading a rebellion, that you have come with swords and clubs? Every day I was with you in the temple courts, and you did not lay a hand on me. But this is your hour—when darkness reigns.”

—Luke 22:52-53

     God is sovereign over all the universe.  There is no one and nothing above Him or equal to Him in any way.  And yet it in His infinite wisdom, He has created human beings with free will in order that they might choose to love and follow Him.  God is light, holiness and love, so therefore, the opposite of His Presence is darkness, sin and hatred.  There are times and places where evil has control, but the sons and daughters of Almighty God are called to do what is right, proclaim the Gospel and stand bravely upon the promises of His Word in order to bring light into darkness and advance the Kingdom of the Son. 

     Sharing the abundance we have been blessed with is how we see the work of the Lord move forward in the world today.  Christians are to share their testimony of how God has changed their lives, the Good News of Jesus Christ, and give generously as we show genuine compassion in both spiritual and practical ways to others.  Every act of kindness, every word of encouragement, every time we speak the truth in love, all these avenues of love shine the light of Jesus in the dark world we live in. Yes, darkness might reign for a time, but ultimately God will have total victory on the Last Day when perfect consummation comes and everything is put under His feet.  God is good and He is love.  Therefore, having everything under His authority and control will be the best thing ever!

“Lord Jesus, we are so grateful for the light that You bring to our lives.  You illuminate our understanding of Your truth and light up the path ahead of us so that we can see where we’re going.  You open our eyes spiritually so that we can discover who we are, where we belong, and where we’re headed.  Please continue to bless Your children with the courage, knowledge, power and strength we need to share Your message with passion and conviction.  Inspire us to share the abundance You’ve freely given us in creative ways to those in pain and need.  All of Your thoughts toward Your children are holy and righteous and loving and true.  Thank You Jesus for the light and warmth of Your love and truth.  In Jesus’ Name I pray, amen.”

For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

—Colossians 1:13-14