The Privileged

1 John 5:18

We know that those who have become part of God's family

do not make a practice of sinning, for God's Son holds them

securely, and the evil one cannot get His hands on them.  (NLT)

     Being an adopted child of the Living God has many incredible privileges.  One of these privileges is the power to control our sinful nature.  For we are not only forgiven, but we are also given the means to live a new life through the power of the Holy Spirit. When we come to the Lord humble and broken, admitting our sinful rebellion, He doesn't leave us forgiven, alone, and helpless amidst the evil that controls the world around us.  Rather, He opens our eyes so we can see the true difference between God's Way and the world's ways and then gives us the power to change.  Jesus did not suffer and die nailed to a cross to satisfy God's anger against mankind only to abandon us, but to walk with each one of us through the steps of a total transformation that makes us a new creation—a process that not only requires the resurrection power of God, but our full commitment as well.

     It is not only an incredible privilege to be a part of God's eternal Family, but it is the only way that helps me through this difficult life-journey with a heart filled with peace, joy, and the hope for better things to come.  I understand that loving the ways of this fallen world for the few pleasures that can make you feel good in the moment is rather futile, because after the thrill is gone you are right back where you were before, with a future that is both unknown and looking quite bleak.  Be of good sense my dear friends, accept the unconditional offer of being adopted into the greatest Family in existence.  Give up your life of sin and darkness and be empowered to live righteously in the glorious Light of God’s saving grace.  Don't be sucked into the pleasures of deception and then, one day, find yourself in hell without a plan or a hope of escaping, because there is none.

                                 A Whisper of Hope 

Come as you are, My child...and I will take you in, cleanse you from your sin, clothe you in My righteousness, and give you a new life—one that is not only better for you now, but a life that is also forever.  Come into My eternal family just as you are and I will transform you into perfection!

Galatians 4:4, 5-6, 7

God sent His Son to buy freedom for us who were slaves to the law,

so that He could adopt us as His very own children. And because you

Gentiles have become His children, God has sent the Spirit of His Son

into your hearts, and now you can call God your dear Father.  Now you

are no longer a slave but God's own child.  (NLT)

                      Light shines on the godly, 

             and joy on those who do right.

                               (Psalm 97:10)