Monday, May 27, 2024
What is the most important thing on this earth to you?
For me, it's family. I love them dearly. I cherish the laughter we enjoy at our family get-togethers while we play games, share stories, or just recall old memories. Even when we’re not together, we keep in touch through phone calls, social media, and texting.
My family is everything to me, but I've learned that family is not limited to relatives. I am a part of God’s incredible family too. I have come to love my brothers and sisters in Christ as much as my related family. We also do life together, share stories, food, memories, pain, sorrow, joy, and praise.
Now, I know you may be thinking—‘I have a great earthly family, so why do I need to be a part of God’s family? The difference is Jesus. In God’s family, Jesus is the focus, he is the constant, he is what holds his family together. He unites us with his love, which can never be broken.
What does it take to become a member of God’s family?
Acts 2:38-41
38 Peter replied, “Each of you must repent of your sins and turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 This promise is to you, to your children, and to those far away[h]—all who have been called by the Lord our God.” 40 Then Peter continued preaching for a long time, strongly urging all his listeners, “Save yourselves from this crooked generation!”
41 Those who believed what Peter said were baptized and added to the church that day—about 3,000 in all.
Throughout the rest of this week, you will learn more about devotion to God’s family, experiencing God’s awesome wonder, sharing life with other believers and praise.
Is family life all a wonderful bed of roses? Of course not! As with anything there are risks. In my family, sometimes we say hurtful things, have disagreements, and we even had a broken ankle in one of our pickup basketball games. The same holds true for God’s family. This world is not perfect—there will be fear, challenges, hurt, and sorrow. But the reward of fellowship with other Christ followers is greater than any of these.
Bottom Line: The church family is worth the risk.
Questions:
Are you a member of God’s family? If not, what is holding you back?
What is one thing you can do to strengthen your family dynamic—both in your earthly family and in your church family?
Next Steps:
Text “Friends” to 419-419-0707 to receive weekly resources that help build life-giving connections.
CedarCreek groups is a great place to experience life in God’s family, find your Group this summer.
Prayer:
Most gracious and loving Heavenly Father, thank you for the open invitation to be a part of your family. Help me to be a contributing member. Show me how to love my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ as you love me. Give me the heart to selflessly serve those in need, to love unconditionally, and share the story of your grace and mercy with those who don’t yet know you. Please give me the courage to take on any risk that may come with serving you, knowing that the reward is worth it. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Series Theme Verse:
Proverbs 17:17 ESV
A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.
Today’s post was written by Ned Miller, a regular contributor to the LivingItOut Devotional..