Of course, sincerity alone is not enough; you can be sincerely wrong. That's why both spirit and truth are required. Worship must be both accurate and authentic. G.o.d-pleasing worship is deeply emotional and deeply doctrinal. We use both our hearts and our heads.

Today many equate being emotionally moved by music as being moved by the Spirit, but these are not the same. Real worship happens when your spirit responds to G.o.d, not to some musical tone. In fact, some sentimental, introspective songs hinder hinder worship because they take the spotlight off G.o.d and focus on our feelings. Your biggest distraction in worship is yourself-your interests and your worries over what others think about you. worship because they take the spotlight off G.o.d and focus on our feelings. Your biggest distraction in worship is yourself-your interests and your worries over what others think about you.

Christians often differ on the most appropriate or authentic way to express praise to G.o.d, but these arguments usually just reflect personality and background differences. Many forms of praise are mentioned in the Bible, among them confessing, singing, shouting, standing in honor, kneeling, dancing, making a joyful noise, testifying, playing musical instruments, and raising hands. The best style of worship is the one that most authentically represents your love for G.o.d, based on the background and personality G.o.d gave you.

My friend Gary Thomas noticed that many Christians seem stuck stuck in a worship rut-an unsatisfying routine-instead of having a vibrant friendship with G.o.d, because they force themselves to use devotional methods or worship styles that don't fit the way G.o.d uniquely shaped them. in a worship rut-an unsatisfying routine-instead of having a vibrant friendship with G.o.d, because they force themselves to use devotional methods or worship styles that don't fit the way G.o.d uniquely shaped them.

Gary wondered, If G.o.d intentionally made us all different, why should everyone be expected to love G.o.d in the same way? If G.o.d intentionally made us all different, why should everyone be expected to love G.o.d in the same way? As he read Christian cla.s.sics and interviewed mature believers, Gary discovered that Christians have used many different paths for 2,000 years to enjoy intimacy with G.o.d: being outdoors, studying, singing, reading, dancing, creating art, serving others, having solitude, enjoying fellowship, and partic.i.p.ating in dozens of other activities. As he read Christian cla.s.sics and interviewed mature believers, Gary discovered that Christians have used many different paths for 2,000 years to enjoy intimacy with G.o.d: being outdoors, studying, singing, reading, dancing, creating art, serving others, having solitude, enjoying fellowship, and partic.i.p.ating in dozens of other activities.

In his book Sacred Pathways, Sacred Pathways, Gary identifies nine of the ways people draw near to G.o.d: Gary identifies nine of the ways people draw near to G.o.d: Naturalists Naturalists are most inspired to love G.o.d out-of-doors, in natural settings. are most inspired to love G.o.d out-of-doors, in natural settings. Sensates Sensates love G.o.d with their senses and appreciate beautiful worship services that involve their sight, taste, smell, and touch, not just their ears. love G.o.d with their senses and appreciate beautiful worship services that involve their sight, taste, smell, and touch, not just their ears. Traditionalists Traditionalists draw closer to G.o.d through rituals, liturgies, symbols, and unchanging structures. draw closer to G.o.d through rituals, liturgies, symbols, and unchanging structures. Ascetics Ascetics prefer to love G.o.d in solitude and simplicity. prefer to love G.o.d in solitude and simplicity. Activists Activists love G.o.d through confronting evil, battling injustice, and working to make the world a better place. love G.o.d through confronting evil, battling injustice, and working to make the world a better place. Caregivers Caregivers love G.o.d by loving others and meeting their needs. love G.o.d by loving others and meeting their needs. Enthusiasts Enthusiasts love G.o.d through celebration. love G.o.d through celebration. Contemplatives Contemplatives love G.o.d through adoration. love G.o.d through adoration. Intellectuals Intellectuals love G.o.d by studying with their minds.' love G.o.d by studying with their minds.'

There is no "one-size-fits-all" approach to worship and friendship with G.o.d. One thing is certain: You don't bring glory to G.o.d by trying to be someone he never intended you to be. G.o.d wants you to be yourself. "That's the kind of people the Father is out looking for: those who are simply and honestly "That's the kind of people the Father is out looking for: those who are simply and honestly themselves themselves before him in their worship." before him in their worship."

G.o.d is pleased when our worship is thoughtful. Jesus' command to command to "love G.o.d with all your mind" "love G.o.d with all your mind" is repeated four times in the New Testament. G.o.d is not pleased with thoughtless singing of hymns, perfunctory praying of cliches, or careless exclamations of "Praise the Lord," because we can't think of anything else to say at that moment. If worship is mindless, it is meaningless. You must engage your mind. is repeated four times in the New Testament. G.o.d is not pleased with thoughtless singing of hymns, perfunctory praying of cliches, or careless exclamations of "Praise the Lord," because we can't think of anything else to say at that moment. If worship is mindless, it is meaningless. You must engage your mind.

Jesus called thoughtless worship "vain repet.i.tions." Even biblical terms can become tired cliches from overuse, and we stop thinking about the meaning. It is so much easier to offer cliches in worship instead of making the effort to honor G.o.d with fresh words and ways. This is why I encourage you to read Scripture in different translations and paraphrases. It will expand your expressions of worship.

The best style of worship is the one that most authentically represents your love for G.o.d.

Try Praising G.o.d without using the words praise, hallelujah, thanks, praise, hallelujah, thanks, or or amen. amen. Instead of saying, "We just want to praise you," make a list of synonyms and use fresh words like Instead of saying, "We just want to praise you," make a list of synonyms and use fresh words like admire, respect, value, revere, honor, admire, respect, value, revere, honor, and and appreciate. appreciate.

Also, be specific. be specific. If someone approached you and repeated, "I praise you!" ten times, you would probably think, If someone approached you and repeated, "I praise you!" ten times, you would probably think, For what? You For what? You would rather receive two specific compliments than twenty vague generalities. So would G.o.d. would rather receive two specific compliments than twenty vague generalities. So would G.o.d.

Another idea is to make a list of the different names of G.o.d and focus on them. G.o.d's names are not arbitrary; they tell us about different aspects of his character. In the Old Testament, G.o.d gradually revealed himself to Israel by introducing new names for himself, and he commands us to praise his name.'

G.o.d wants our corporate worship gatherings to be thoughtful, too. Paul devotes an entire chapter to this in 1 Corinthians 14 and concludes, "Everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way." "Everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way."

Related to this, G.o.d insists that our worship services be understandable to unbelievers when they are present in our worship gatherings. Paul observed, "Suppose some strangers are in your worship service, when you are praising G.o.d with your spirit. If they don't understand you, how will they know to say, 'Amen'? You may be worshiping G.o.d in a wonderful way, but no one else will be helped. " "Suppose some strangers are in your worship service, when you are praising G.o.d with your spirit. If they don't understand you, how will they know to say, 'Amen'? You may be worshiping G.o.d in a wonderful way, but no one else will be helped. "10Being sensitive to unbelievers who visit your worship gatherings is a biblical command. To ignore this command is to be both disobedient and unloving. For a full explanation of this, see the chapter on "Worship Can Be a Witness" in The Purpose Driven Church. The Purpose Driven Church.

G.o.d is pleased when our worship is practical. The Bible says, practical. The Bible says, "Offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to G.o.d-this is your spiritual act of worship. "Offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to G.o.d-this is your spiritual act of worship. Why does G.o.d want your body? Why doesn't he say, "Offer your spirit"? Because without your body you can't do anything on this planet. In eternity you will receive a new, improved, upgraded body, but while you're here on earth, G.o.d says, "Give me what you've got!" He's just being practical about worship. Why does G.o.d want your body? Why doesn't he say, "Offer your spirit"? Because without your body you can't do anything on this planet. In eternity you will receive a new, improved, upgraded body, but while you're here on earth, G.o.d says, "Give me what you've got!" He's just being practical about worship.

You have heard people say, "I can't make it to the meeting tonight, but I'll be with you in spirit." spirit." Do you know what that means? Nothing. It's worthless! As long as you're on earth, your spirit can only be where your body is. If your body isn't there, neither are you. Do you know what that means? Nothing. It's worthless! As long as you're on earth, your spirit can only be where your body is. If your body isn't there, neither are you.

In worship we are to "offer our bodies as living living sacrifices." Now, we usually a.s.sociate the concept of "sacrifice" with something dead, but G.o.d wants you to be a living sacrifice. He wants you to sacrifices." Now, we usually a.s.sociate the concept of "sacrifice" with something dead, but G.o.d wants you to be a living sacrifice. He wants you to live live for him! However, the problem with a living sacrifice is that it can crawl off the altar, and we often do that. We sing, "Onward, Christian Soldiers" on Sunday, then go AWOL on Monday. for him! However, the problem with a living sacrifice is that it can crawl off the altar, and we often do that. We sing, "Onward, Christian Soldiers" on Sunday, then go AWOL on Monday.

In the Old Testament, G.o.d took pleasure in the many sacrifices of worship because they foretold of Jesus' sacrifice for us on the cross. Now G.o.d is pleased with different sacrifices of worship: thanksgiving, praise, humility, repentance, offerings of money, prayer, serving others, and sharing with those in need.

Real worship costs. David knew this and said: "I will not offer to the LORD my G.o.d sacrifices that have cost me nothing." "I will not offer to the LORD my G.o.d sacrifices that have cost me nothing."

One thing worship costs us is our self-centeredness. You cannot exalt G.o.d and yourself at the same time. You don't worship to be seen by others or to please yourself. You deliberately shift the focus off yourself.

Real worship is rooted in the word, When Jesus said, "Love G.o.d with all your strength,' "Love G.o.d with all your strength,' he pointed out that worship takes effort and energy. It is not always convenient or comfortable, and sometimes worship is a sheer act of the will-a willing sacrifice. Pa.s.sive worship is an oxymoron. he pointed out that worship takes effort and energy. It is not always convenient or comfortable, and sometimes worship is a sheer act of the will-a willing sacrifice. Pa.s.sive worship is an oxymoron.

When you praise G.o.d even when you don't feel like it, when you get out of bed to worship when you're tired, or when you help others when you are worn out, you are offering a sacrifice of worship to G.o.d. That pleases G.o.d.

Matt Redman, a worship leader in England, tells how his pastor taught his church the real meaning of worship. To show that worship is more than music, he banned all singing in their services for a period of time while they learned to worship in other ways. By the end of that time, Matt had written the cla.s.sic song "Heart of Worship": I'll bring You more than a song,because the song itself is not what You've required.You search much deeper withinthan the way things appear.You're looking into my heart.The heart of the matter is a matter of the heart.DAY THIRTEEN THINKING ABOUT MY PURPOSEPoint to Ponder: G.o.d wants G.o.d wants all all of me. of me.Verse to Remember: "Love the Lord your G.o.d with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength." "Love the Lord your G.o.d with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength." Mark 12:30 (NIV) Mark 12:30 (NIV)Question to Consider: Which is more pleasing to G.o.d right now-my public worship or my private worship? What will I do about this? Which is more pleasing to G.o.d right now-my public worship or my private worship? What will I do about this?

When G.o.d Seems Distant The LORD has hidden himself from his people, but I trust him and place my hope in him. Isaiah 8:17 Isaiah 8:17 (TEV) - (TEV) -G.o.d is real, no matter how you feel.

It is easy to worship G.o.d when things are going great in your life-when he has provided food, friends, family, health, and happy situations. But circ.u.mstances are not always pleasant. How do you worship G.o.d then? What do you do when G.o.d seems a million miles away?

The deepest level of worship is praising G.o.d in spite of pain, thanking G.o.d during a trial, trusting him when tempted, surrendering while suffering, and loving him when he seems distant.

Friendships are often tested by separation and silence; you are divided by physical distance or you are unable to talk. In your friendship with G.o.d, you won't always feel feel close to him. Philip Yancey has wisely noted, "Any relationship involves times of closeness and times of distance, and in a relationship with G.o.d, no matter how intimate, the pendulum will swing from one side to the other."' That's when worship gets difficult. close to him. Philip Yancey has wisely noted, "Any relationship involves times of closeness and times of distance, and in a relationship with G.o.d, no matter how intimate, the pendulum will swing from one side to the other."' That's when worship gets difficult.

To mature your friendship, G.o.d will test it with periods of seeming seeming separation-times when it feels as if he has abandoned or forgotten you. G.o.d feels a million miles away. St. John of the Cross referred to these days of spiritual dryness, doubt, and estrangement from G.o.d as "the dark night of the soul." Henri Nouwen called them "the ministry of absence." A. W. Tozer called them "the ministry of the night." Others refer to "the winter of the heart." separation-times when it feels as if he has abandoned or forgotten you. G.o.d feels a million miles away. St. John of the Cross referred to these days of spiritual dryness, doubt, and estrangement from G.o.d as "the dark night of the soul." Henri Nouwen called them "the ministry of absence." A. W. Tozer called them "the ministry of the night." Others refer to "the winter of the heart."

Besides Jesus, David probably had the closest friendship with G.o.d of anyone. G.o.d took pleasure in calling him "a man after my own heart."2 Yet David frequently complained of G.o.d's apparent absence: Yet David frequently complained of G.o.d's apparent absence: "Lord, why are you standing aloof and far away? Why do you hide when I "Lord, why are you standing aloof and far away? Why do you hide when I

need you the most?"3 "Why have you forsaken me? Why do you remain so distant? Why do you ignore my cries for help?" "Why have you forsaken me? Why do you remain so distant? Why do you ignore my cries for help?"4 "Why have you abandoned me?" "Why have you abandoned me?"

Of course, G.o.d hadn't really left David, and he doesn't leave you. He has promised repeatedly, "I will never will never leave you nor forsake you." leave you nor forsake you."6 But G.o.d has But G.o.d has not not promised "you will always promised "you will always feel feel my presence." In fact, G.o.d admits that sometimes he hides his face from us. There are times when he appears to be my presence." In fact, G.o.d admits that sometimes he hides his face from us. There are times when he appears to be MIA, MIA, missing-in-action, in your life. missing-in-action, in your life.

Floyd McClung describes it: "You wake up one morning and all your spiritual feelings are gone. You pray, but nothing happens. You rebuke the devil, but it doesn't change anything. You go through spiritual exercises ... you have your friends pray for you ... you confess every sin. you can imagine, then go around asking forgiveness of everyone you know. You fast ... still nothing. You begin to wonder how long this spiritual gloom might last. Days? Weeks? Months? Will it ever end? ... it feels as if your prayers simply bounce off the ceiling. In utter desperation, you cry out, 'What's the matter with me?"'

The truth is, there's nothing wrong with you! This is a normal part of the testing and maturing of your friendship with G.o.d. Every Every Christian goes through it at least once, and usually several times. It is painful and disconcerting, but it is absolutely vital for the development of your faith. Knowing this gave Job hope when he could not feel G.o.d's presence in his life. He said, Christian goes through it at least once, and usually several times. It is painful and disconcerting, but it is absolutely vital for the development of your faith. Knowing this gave Job hope when he could not feel G.o.d's presence in his life. He said, "I go east, but he is not there. I go west, but I cannot find him. I do not see him in the north, for he is hidden. I turn to the south, but I cannot find him. But he knows where I am going. And when he has tested me like gold in afire, he will p.r.o.nounce me innocent.'" "I go east, but he is not there. I go west, but I cannot find him. I do not see him in the north, for he is hidden. I turn to the south, but I cannot find him. But he knows where I am going. And when he has tested me like gold in afire, he will p.r.o.nounce me innocent.'"

When G.o.d seems distant, you may feel that he is angry with you or is disciplining you for some sin. In fact, sin does does disconnect us from intimate fellowship with G.o.d. We grieve G.o.d's Spirit and quench our fellowship with him by disobedience, conflict with others, busyness, friendship with the world, and other sins. disconnect us from intimate fellowship with G.o.d. We grieve G.o.d's Spirit and quench our fellowship with him by disobedience, conflict with others, busyness, friendship with the world, and other sins.

But often this feeling of abandonment or estrangement from G.o.d has nothing to do with sin. It is a test of faith-one we all must face: Will you continue to love, trust, obey, and worship G.o.d, even when you have no sense of his presence or visible evidence of his work in your life?

The most common mistake Christians make in worship today is seeking an experience experience rather than seeking G.o.d. They look for a feeling, and if it happens, they conclude that they have worshiped. Wrong! In fact, G.o.d often removes our feelings so we won't depend on them. Seeking a feeling, even the feeling of closeness to Christ, is not worship. rather than seeking G.o.d. They look for a feeling, and if it happens, they conclude that they have worshiped. Wrong! In fact, G.o.d often removes our feelings so we won't depend on them. Seeking a feeling, even the feeling of closeness to Christ, is not worship.

When you are a baby Christian, G.o.d gives you a lot of confirming emotions and often answers the most immature, self-centered prayers-so you'll know he exists. But as you grow in faith, he will wean you of these dependencies.

G.o.d's omnipresence and the manifestation of his presence are two different things. One is a fact; the other is often a feeling. G.o.d is always present, even when you are unaware of him, and his presence is too profound to be measured by mere emotion.

Yes, he wants you to sense his presence, but he's more concerned that you trust you trust him than that him than that you feel you feel him. Faith, not feelings, pleases G.o.d. him. Faith, not feelings, pleases G.o.d.

The situations that will stretch your faith most will be those times when life falls apart and G.o.d is nowhere to be found. This happened to job. On a single day he lost everything-his everything-his family, his business, his health, and everything he owned. Most discouraging-for thirty-seven chapters, G.o.d said nothing! family, his business, his health, and everything he owned. Most discouraging-for thirty-seven chapters, G.o.d said nothing!

How do you praise G.o.d when you don't understand what's happening in your life and G.o.d is silent? How do you stay connected in a crisis without communication? How do you keep your eyes on Jesus when they're full of tears? You do what Job did: "Then befell to the ground in worship and said: "Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked I will depart. The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; may the name of the LORD be praised."' "Then befell to the ground in worship and said: "Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked I will depart. The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; may the name of the LORD be praised."'

Tell G.o.d exactly how you feel. Pour out your heart to G.o.d. Unload every emotion that you're feeling. Job did this when he said, Pour out your heart to G.o.d. Unload every emotion that you're feeling. Job did this when he said, "I can't be quiet! I am angry and bitter. I have to speak!" "I can't be quiet! I am angry and bitter. I have to speak!" He cried out when G.o.d seemed distant: He cried out when G.o.d seemed distant: "Oh, for the days when I was in my prime, when G.o.d's intimate friendship blessed my house."' "Oh, for the days when I was in my prime, when G.o.d's intimate friendship blessed my house."' G.o.d can handle your doubt, anger, fear, grief, confusion, and questions. G.o.d can handle your doubt, anger, fear, grief, confusion, and questions.

Did you know that admitting your hopelessness to G.o.d can be a statement of faith? Trusting G.o.d but feeling despair at the same time, David wrote, "I believed, so I said, "I believed, so I said, I I am completely ruined!" am completely ruined!" 14 This sounds like a contradiction: I trust G.o.d, but I'm 14 This sounds like a contradiction: I trust G.o.d, but I'm w wiped out! David's frankness actually reveals deep faith: First, he believed in G.o.d. Second, he believed G.o.d would listen to his prayer. Third, he believed G.o.d would let him say what he felt and still love him.

Focus on who G.o.d is-his unchanging nature. Regardless of circ.u.mstances and how you feel, hang on to G.o.d's unchanging character. Remind yourself what you know to be eternally true about G.o.d: He is good, he loves me, he is with me, he knows what I'm going through, he cares, and he has a good plan for my life. V. Raymond Edman said, "Never doubt Regardless of circ.u.mstances and how you feel, hang on to G.o.d's unchanging character. Remind yourself what you know to be eternally true about G.o.d: He is good, he loves me, he is with me, he knows what I'm going through, he cares, and he has a good plan for my life. V. Raymond Edman said, "Never doubt in in the dark what G.o.d told you in the light." the dark what G.o.d told you in the light."

When Job's life fell apart, and G.o.d was silent, Job still found things he could praise G.o.d for: * That he is good and loving. That he is good and loving.* That he is all-powerful. That he is all-powerful.* That he notices every detail of my life. That he notices every detail of my life.* That he is in control. That he is in control.* That he has a plan for my life. That he has a plan for my life.* That he will save me. That he will save me.

Trust G.o.d to keep his promises. During times of spiritual dryness you must patiently rely on the promises of G.o.d, not your emotions, and realize that he is taking you to a deeper level of maturity. A friendship based on emotion is shallow indeed. During times of spiritual dryness you must patiently rely on the promises of G.o.d, not your emotions, and realize that he is taking you to a deeper level of maturity. A friendship based on emotion is shallow indeed.

So don't be troubled by trouble. Circ.u.mstances cannot change the character of G.o.d. G.o.d's grace is still in full force; he is still for you, for you, even when you don't feel it. In the absence of confirming circ.u.mstances, job held on to G.o.d's Word. He said, even when you don't feel it. In the absence of confirming circ.u.mstances, job held on to G.o.d's Word. He said, "I have not departed from the commands of his lips; I have treasured the words of his mouth more than my daily bread " "I have not departed from the commands of his lips; I have treasured the words of his mouth more than my daily bread "

This trust in G.o.d's Word caused Job to remain faithful even though nothing made sense. His faith was strong in the midst of pain: "G.o.d may kill me, but still I will trust him." "G.o.d may kill me, but still I will trust him."

When you feel abandoned by G.o.d yet continue to trust him in spite of your feelings, you worship him in the deepest way.

Remember what G.o.d has already done for you. If G.o.d never did anything else for you, he If G.o.d never did anything else for you, he would still deserve your continual praise for the rest of your life because of what Jesus did for you on the cross. G.o.d's Son died for you! G.o.d's Son died for you! This is the greatest reason for worship. This is the greatest reason for worship.

Unfortunately, we forget the cruel details of the agonizing sacrifice G.o.d made on our behalf. Familiarity breeds complacency. Even before his crucifixion, the Son of G.o.d was stripped naked, beaten until almost unrecognizable, whipped, scorned and mocked, crowned with thorns, and spit on contemptuously. Abused and ridiculed by heartless men, he was treated worse than an animal. Then, nearly unconscious fromblood loss, he was forced to drag a c.u.mbersome cross up a hill, was nailed to it, and was left to die the slow, excruciating torture of death by crucifixion. While his lifeblood drained out, hecklers stood by and shouted insults, making fun of his pain and challenging his claim to be G.o.d.

Next, as Jesus took all of mankind's sin and guilt on himself, G.o.d looked away from that ugly sight, and Jesus cried out in total desperation, "My G.o.d, my G.o.d, why have you you forsaken me?" Jesus could have saved himself-but then he could not have saved you. forsaken me?" Jesus could have saved himself-but then he could not have saved you.

Words cannot describe the darkness of that moment. Why did G.o.d allow and endure such ghastly, evil mistreatment? Why? So you you could be spared from eternity in h.e.l.l, and so could be spared from eternity in h.e.l.l, and so you you could share in his glory forever! The Bible says, could share in his glory forever! The Bible says, "Christ was without sin, but for our sake G.o.d made him share our sin in order that in union with him we might share the righteousness of G.o.d." "Christ was without sin, but for our sake G.o.d made him share our sin in order that in union with him we might share the righteousness of G.o.d."

Jesus gave up everything so you could have everything. He died so you could live forever. That alone That alone is worthy of your continual thanks and praise. Never again should you wonder what you have to be thankful for. is worthy of your continual thanks and praise. Never again should you wonder what you have to be thankful for.

DAY FOURTEEN THINKING ABOUT MY PURPOSEPoint to Ponder: G.o.d is real, no matter how I feel. G.o.d is real, no matter how I feel.Verse to Remember: "For G.o.d has said, "For G.o.d has said, I I will never leave you; I will never abandon you."' will never leave you; I will never abandon you."' Hebrews 13:5 (TEV) Hebrews 13:5 (TEV)Question to Consider: How can I stay focused on G.o.d's presence, especially when he feels distant? How can I stay focused on G.o.d's presence, especially when he feels distant?When you feel abandoned by G.o.d yet continue to trust him, you worship him in the deepest way.

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YOU WERE FORMED FOR G.o.d'S FAMILY.

I am the vine, and you are the branches. John 15:5 (CEV) John 15:5 (CEV)Christ makes us one body connected to each other. Romans 12:5 (GWT) Romans 12:5 (GWT)

Formed for G.o.d's Family G.o.d is the one who made all things, and all things are for his glory. He wanted to have many children share his glory. Hebrews 2:10a (NCV) Hebrews 2:10a (NCV)See how very much our heavenly Father loves us, for he allows us to be called his children, and we really are! 1 John 3:1 (NLT) 1 John 3:1 (NLT)You were formed for G.o.d's family.

G.o.d wants a family, and he created you to be a part of it. This is G.o.d's second purpose for your life, which he planned before you were born. The entire Bible is the story of G.o.d building a family who will love him, honor him, and reign with him forever. It says, "His unchanging plan has always been to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. And this gave him great pleasure." "His unchanging plan has always been to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. And this gave him great pleasure."

Because G.o.d is love, he treasures relationships. His very nature is relational, and he identifies himself in family terms: Father, Son, and Spirit. The Trinity is G.o.d's relationship to himself. It's the perfect pattern for relational harmony, and we should study its implications.

G.o.d has always existed in loving relationship to himself, so he has never been lonely. He didn't need a need a family-he desired one, so he devised a plan to create us, bring us into his family, and share with us all he has. This gives G.o.d great pleasure. The Bible says, family-he desired one, so he devised a plan to create us, bring us into his family, and share with us all he has. This gives G.o.d great pleasure. The Bible says, "It was a happy day for him when he gave us our new lives, through the truth of his Word, and we became, as it were, the first children in his new family. "It was a happy day for him when he gave us our new lives, through the truth of his Word, and we became, as it were, the first children in his new family. " "

When we place our faith in Christ, G.o.d becomes our Father, we become his children, other believers become our brothers and sisters, and the church becomes our spiritual family. The family of G.o.d includes all believers in the past, the present, and the future.

Every human being was created by created by G.o.d, but not everyone is a G.o.d, but not everyone is a child child of G.o.d. The only way to get into G.o.d's family is by being born again into it. You became part of the human family by your first birth, but you become a member of G.o.d's family by your second birth. G.o.d of G.o.d. The only way to get into G.o.d's family is by being born again into it. You became part of the human family by your first birth, but you become a member of G.o.d's family by your second birth. G.o.d "has given us the privilege of being born again, so that we are now members of G.o.d's own family." "has given us the privilege of being born again, so that we are now members of G.o.d's own family."

The invitation to be part of G.o.d's family is universal, but there is one condition: faith in Jesus. The Bible says, "You are all children of G.o.d through faith in Christ Jesus." "You are all children of G.o.d through faith in Christ Jesus."

Your spiritual family is even more important than your physical family because it will last forever. Our families on earth are wonderful gifts from G.o.d, but they are temporary and fragile, often broken, by divorce, distance, growing old, and inevitably, death. On the other hand, our spiritual family-our relationship to other believers-will continue throughout eternity. It is a much stronger union, a more permanent bond, than blood relationships. Whenever Paul would stop to consider G.o.d's eternal purpose for us together, he would break out into praise: "When I think of the wisdom and scope of his plan I fall down on my knees and pray to the Father of all the great family of G.o.d-some of them already in heaven and some down here on earth." "When I think of the wisdom and scope of his plan I fall down on my knees and pray to the Father of all the great family of G.o.d-some of them already in heaven and some down here on earth."

BENEFITS OF BEING IN G.o.d'S FAMILY.

The moment you were spiritually born into G.o.d's family, you were given some astounding birthday gifts: the family name, the family likeness, family privileges, family intimate access, and the family inheritance!? The Bible says, "Since you are his child, everything he has belongs to you." "Since you are his child, everything he has belongs to you."

The New Testament gives great emphasis to our rich "inheritance." It tells us, "My G.o.d will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus." "My G.o.d will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus." As children, of G.o.d we get to share in the family fortune. Here on earth we are given As children, of G.o.d we get to share in the family fortune. Here on earth we are given "the riches ... of his grace . . kindness ...patience ... glory ... wisdom ...power ... and mercy." "the riches ... of his grace . . kindness ...patience ... glory ... wisdom ...power ... and mercy." But in eternity we will inherit even more. But in eternity we will inherit even more.

Paul said, "I want you to realize what a rich and glorious inheritance he has given to his people." "I want you to realize what a rich and glorious inheritance he has given to his people." What exactly does that inheritance include? First, we will get to be with G.o.d forever.' Second, we will be completely changed to be like Christ. Third, we will be freed from all pain, death, and suffering. Fourth, we will be rewarded and rea.s.signed positions of service." Fifth, we will get to share in Christ's glory. What an inheritance! You are far richer than you realize. What exactly does that inheritance include? First, we will get to be with G.o.d forever.' Second, we will be completely changed to be like Christ. Third, we will be freed from all pain, death, and suffering. Fourth, we will be rewarded and rea.s.signed positions of service." Fifth, we will get to share in Christ's glory. What an inheritance! You are far richer than you realize.

The Bible says, "G.o.d has reserved a priceless inheritance for his children. It is kept in heaven for you, pure and undefiled, beyond the reach of change and decay.' "G.o.d has reserved a priceless inheritance for his children. It is kept in heaven for you, pure and undefiled, beyond the reach of change and decay.' This means that your eternal inheritance is priceless, pure, permanent, and protected. No one can take it from you; it can't be destroyed by war, a poor economy, or a natural disaster. This eternal inheritance, not retirement, is what you should be looking forward to and working for. Paul says, This means that your eternal inheritance is priceless, pure, permanent, and protected. No one can take it from you; it can't be destroyed by war, a poor economy, or a natural disaster. This eternal inheritance, not retirement, is what you should be looking forward to and working for. Paul says, "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward." "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward." Retirement is a short-sighted goal. You should be living in light of eternity. Retirement is a short-sighted goal. You should be living in light of eternity.

Your spiritual family is even more important than your physical family because it will last forever.[image]

BAPTISM: IDENTIFYING WITH G.o.d'S FAMILY.

Healthy families have family pride; members are not ashamed to be recognized as a part of the family. Sadly, I have met many believers who have never publicly identified themselves with their spiritual family as Jesus commanded-by being baptized.

Baptism is not an optional ritual, to be delayed or postponed. It signifies your inclusion in G.o.d's family. It publicly announces to the world, "I am not ashamed to be a part of G.o.d's family." Have you been baptized? Jesus commanded this beautiful act for all in his family. He told us to Go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.' Go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.'

For years I wondered why Jesus' Great Commission gives the same prominence to baptism as it does to the great tasks of evangelism and edification. Why is baptism so important? Then I realized it is because it symbolizes G.o.d's second purpose for your life: partic.i.p.ating in the fellowship of G.o.d's eternal family.

Baptism is pregnant with meaning. Your baptism declares your faith, shares Christ's burial and resurrection, symbolizes your death to your old life, and announces your new life in Christ. It is also a celebration of your inclusion in G.o.d's family.

Your baptism is a physical picture of a spiritual truth. It represents what happened the moment G.o.d brought you into his family: "Some of us are Jews, some are Gentiles, some are slaves, and some are free. But we have all been baptized into Christ's body by one Spirit, and we have all received the same Spirit. " "Some of us are Jews, some are Gentiles, some are slaves, and some are free. But we have all been baptized into Christ's body by one Spirit, and we have all received the same Spirit. "

Baptism doesn't make make you a member of G.o.d's family; only faith in Christ does that. Baptism you a member of G.o.d's family; only faith in Christ does that. Baptism shows shows you are part of G.o.d's family. you are part of G.o.d's family.

Like a wedding ring, it is a visible reminder of an inward commitment made in your heart. It is an act of initiation, initiation, not something you put off until you are spiritually mature. The only biblical condition is that you believe. not something you put off until you are spiritually mature. The only biblical condition is that you believe.

In the New Testament, people were baptized as soon as they believed. At Pentecost, 3,000 were baptized the same day same day they accepted Christ. Elsewhere, an Ethiopian leader was baptized they accepted Christ. Elsewhere, an Ethiopian leader was baptized on the spot on the spot when he was converted, and Paul and Silas baptized a Philippian jailer and his family when he was converted, and Paul and Silas baptized a Philippian jailer and his family at midnight. at midnight. There are no delayed baptisms in the New Testament. If you haven't been baptized as an expression of your faith in Christ, do so as soon as possible, as Jesus commanded. There are no delayed baptisms in the New Testament. If you haven't been baptized as an expression of your faith in Christ, do so as soon as possible, as Jesus commanded.

LIFE'S GREATEST PRIVILEGE.

The Bible says, Jesus and the people he makes holy all belong to the same family. That is why Jesus and the people he makes holy all belong to the same family. That is why he isn't ashamed to call them his brothers and sisters." Let that amazing truth sink in. You are a part of G.o.d's family, and because Jesus makes you holy, G.o.d is proud of you! The words of Jesus are unmistakable: Let that amazing truth sink in. You are a part of G.o.d's family, and because Jesus makes you holy, G.o.d is proud of you! The words of Jesus are unmistakable: "[Jesus] pointed to his disciples and said, 'These are my mother and brothers. Anyone who does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother!" "[Jesus] pointed to his disciples and said, 'These are my mother and brothers. Anyone who does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother!" Being included in G.o.d's family is the highest honor and the greatest privilege you will ever receive. Nothing else comes close. Whenever you feel unimportant, unloved, or insecure, remember to whom you belong. Being included in G.o.d's family is the highest honor and the greatest privilege you will ever receive. Nothing else comes close. Whenever you feel unimportant, unloved, or insecure, remember to whom you belong.

Being included in G.o.d's family is the highest honor and the greatest privilege you will ever receive.DAY FIFTEEN THINKING ABOUT MY PURPOSEPoint to Ponder: I was formed for G.o.d's family. I was formed for G.o.d's family.Verse to Remember: "His unchanging plan has always been to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ." "His unchanging plan has always been to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ." Ephesians 1:5 a Ephesians 1:5 a(NLT)Question to Consider: How can I start treating other believers like members of my own family? How can I start treating other believers like members of my own family?