“But as many as received him, to those he gave the right to become the children of God, even to those who believe in his name” - John 1:12 (NIV).
For most school children who are dependent once there are sent home for school fees the natural instinct is to run to a Godfather somewhere. It could be a biological parent or someone who has committed to help out. The Godfather would then do what is in his power to oblige and meet the needs of the child.
As children of God we have a father in heaven. Where we are faced with a challenging situation he is the one who to run to. While for our earthly Godfathers we might find that circumstances or moods might not make them able our God never fails. “God is faithful, who has called you into fellowship, with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord” (I Cor 1:9).
Yet the sad thing is that even us who believe in God when beset with challenges so often we tend to react like we are fatherless. It is expected of the non believers to be desperate as they search about for help. But we who have a Father in heaven should never. Instead we should run to our father in confidence with our prayers and requests.
And like a good father He will meet our needs. “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, with thanksgiving present your request to God. And the peace of God which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus (Phil 4:6-7).
Prayer for today: Lord Father God of Abraham in heaven, today I pray in the mighty name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, that you do you meet all my needs according to your name. Amen
Related upcoming events
-
06/05/2024 - 07/05/2024 All day“Do not confirm to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is- his good, pleasing and perfect will” (Romans 12:2)
Almost all cultivators are aware that if soils are used perpetually without rains but constantly under work they are deprived of all nutrients. So, though once productive, they lose all power to yield fresh crops as before. But so is our Christian life when we do not regularly feed our spirit life with the Word!
In our leading verse, the Apostle Paul is urging believers to “renew” their minds rather than make them stale, lest they end up losing all power to yield fruit. But how is this done? We renew our minds by constantly reading the Word of God, for there are always insights with God speaking to us afresh. Psalm 119:104-5 says, “I gain understanding from your precepts; therefore I hate every wrong path. Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” The Apostle Peter reminds us, “Like newborn babies hungry for milk, you should want the pure teaching that feeds your spirit. With it you can grow and be saved.” It is a beautiful illustration for any who have seen a hungry baby sucking the teats of a mother.
Renewing our minds is also by reading about the lives of people of faith who have walked before us and their created works. The Christian faith started in the first century after Jesus was crucified and resurrected from the dead. Now over two millenniums it has produced giants of faith who have shared their walk with God through inspired teachings that are a treasure to dig into. By scouring the writings of the great saints before us, listening to their recorded sermons, songs and preaching, which these days can be found on virtual medial channels like Yu tube, reading their biographies, our faith is renewed.
And then we also renew our faith through fellowship. When the Apostle Paul urges us, “not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching” ( Hebrews 10:25), he is reminding us that our faith cannot grow in isolation. During the Covid pandemic lockdown one bitter issue was denying Believers opportunity to meet fellow followers of Christ to share testimonies showing the work of God in their lives.
So today, if your faith is on a low keel, or you want it to flower, one thing you can’t help doing without is “renewing” your mind. The blessings to unfold are endless.
Prayer for today:Lord Father God of Abraham, maker of heaven and earth, what a treasure we have of your rich Word to dig into always; books around us of faith to inspire us; and believers to share our faith- may we make use of these, this I pray in Jesus’ name.
