Below are thoughts about what it means to be a son(daughter) of our heavenly Father. It’s written in the first person so you can make it a devotion/meditation. Enjoy!
“I love my Heavenly Father for who He is. My love for Him is not based upon what I “get” from Him. And based upon this relationship with the Heavenly Father, my very identity and the core of who I am is defined. I no longer live the illusion that a God-alternative will deliver the deepest hunger in my life for significance, wholeness, security and meaning. I realize now that created things were never intended to be “ultimate things”. I have been rescued by the Father who sent His Son to redeem my life in relationship with Him. My Father has rescued me from the disillusionment of working for “Rachel” but waking up with “Leah”. Now, my life is no longer defined by my work and productivity but who I am in my Father’s eyes in Christ. I am a Son, and a worshipper, first. I work, second.”
Simply wonderful. How awesome to be a son! Thank you pastor Greg.
Ok: this subject sent me. I know how to act- and when not to- but I find like Paul said in Romans 7- the stuff I want to do for God -oops- I do my stuff!
And the stuff I don’t want to do- oops – I mess that up as well. So what’s a wretched sinner to do- give up or press on?
Well- we might want to give up, but we are commanded top press on. Now practically, how do I do that?
The very first thing I do is run to 1 John 1:9- and set everything back to Gods perspective.
Then I meditate on what He says is true. For example:
Identity- A Son of God
Matthew 5:9 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.
The term which we translate “peace-makers,” may be understood, like those which have preceded it, as marking only a pacific temper and conduct. But in that view it will correspond very nearly with “the meek,” whose character has been already considered. We therefore take the word agreeably to the sense in which it is translated; and observe, that the peacemakers are they who are studious,
1. To preserve peace where it is—…
2. To restore it where it is not—…
Let me urge you to seek this blessed character—
Think how happy (blessed) you will be in the possession of it. “The fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.” (Jas 3:18) It is not possible to engage much in such labors of love, without having our own souls refreshed and comforted with the heavenly employment. The sacred oil which you pour on the heads of others, will regale you with its odors; and the dews of divine grace, which, through your instrumentality, descend on others, shall enrich and fertilize your own souls. (Ps. 133:1, 2, 3-
Consider further, how serviceable you will be in your day and generation. As one litigious or contentious person may be the means of producing incalculable evils to the Church and to society; (for a little fire is sufficient to destroy a whole town; Jas 3:5) so one pious, discreet, and active peace-maker may extinguish flames, which might have spread desolation and misery all around. See an instance of this in Abigail, who, by her seasonable interposition, restrained the wrath of David, and saved the lives of Nabal and all his family (1Sa 25:18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31). Thus may you confer blessings on all around you, and heap blessings also on your own heads (1Sa 25:32, 33).
Lastly, consider what a recompense awaits you in the eternal world (2Co 5:10, 1Co 3:10,11, 12, 13, 14) There shall this promise be fulfilled to you in its utmost extent.
Cultivate then this amiable disposition, that you may be “sons of God, without rebuke, and shine as lights in a benighted world.” (Philip 2:14, 15-) (Read the entire sermon – Matthew 5:9 Purity of Heart –
Peacemakers (1518) (eirenopoios from eirenopoiéo = make peace from eirene = peace + poieo = make) those who make peace not war.
Eirene signifies a harmonious relationship and is not merely the absence of war or uneasy truce. Eirene signifies parties holding differences of opinion who are willing to turn toward each other and embrace one another in spite of their differences.
Eirene is derived from the verb eiro which means to bind or join together that which is broken or divided. The idea is to set at one again. So we can expand the definition of “peacemaker” as those who facilitate the binding together those who were divided, thus setting them at one. Jesus is referring to those who actively intervene to bind together those that are divided. By making peace, kingdom citizens manifest themselves as sons [& daughters] of God.
Peacemakers restore relationships and establish unity.
In classical Greek a “peacemaker” was an ambassador sent to entreat for peace and was sometimes used to describe a strong rulers who establishes peace by force. This forceful pacification is distinguished from that extolled by the Rabbis extol who considered pacification as an act of love, humility and self-denial. Philo used eirenopoios of God as a peacemaker.
English dictionaries define peacemakers as those who make establish or make peace especially by reconciling parties marked by a state or condition marked by a lack of agreement or harmony. Synonyms include appeaser, arbitrator, conciliator, mediator, pacifier, pacificator, peacemonger.
SEVEN “THIEVES” THAT CAN STEAL YOUR PEACE
(1) EXTERNAL CIRCUMSTANCES IN DISARRAY and/or “OUT OF CONTROL”
What do you do when the circumstances of your life are out of control and your peace is stolen? Let’s look at the condition of Jesus’ disciples shortly after His crucifixion. In John 20 we find the disciples hiding and fearful much like Gideon in Judges 6. Their Master is dead and with His death it appears all hope for their fledgling movement has vanished. These were external circumstances are out of their control. Into this fearful situation comes Jehovah Shalom…and what did Jesus say to this fearful band?
John 20:19 So when it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and when the doors were shut where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in their midst and said to them, “Peace be with you.” 20 And when He had said this, He showed them both His hands and His side. The disciples then rejoiced when they saw the Lord. 21 So Jesus said to them again, Peace be with you.; as the Father has sent Me, I also send you.”
When your externals circumstances are out of control and out of your control, you need to remember that God’s peace is not found in externals but in the presence of Jesus, your Jehovah Shalom. So when those circumstance come and everything looks like it’s falling apart, cry out to Jehovah Shalom asking Him to be with you. And then give thanks for His presence and His promise,
(2) IMAGINATION THAT “RUNS WILD”
Imagination is anything that is not absolute fact. What do you do when the anxiety producing thoughts come?
2Cor 10:3- For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh, 4 for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses. 5 We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ,
We are destroying speculations — your husband does not come home. You begin to imagine certain things. Your child doesn’t come home on time or doesn’t call. You begin to imagine he’s been run over. He’s kidnapped. He’s lost. If you don’t bring these thoughts captive to the obedience of Christ it just brings torment. You bring that thought to the Lord and you “Philippians 4:8 it” — it this thought true, honorable, etc? If not then do not think upon it. Then you will have peace.
(3) FAILURE TO BE FILLED WITH THE SPIRIT
Eph 5:18 And do not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation (an abandoned, dissolute life, profligacy, prodigality, portrays utter recklessness in expenditure on part of those who have lost self-control) but be filled (present tense = continually, controlled by, permeated with) with the Spirit, (note what a person controlled by the Spirit looks like)19 speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord; 20 always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God, even the Father and 21 and be subject (present tense = continually, to one another in the fear of Christ. (and then he mentions the actions called for and possible in Spirit controlled wives and husbands) (Ep 5:18; 19; 20; 21; 22; 23; 24;See notes Ep 5:18; 19; 20; 21; 22; 23; 24; See also Wayne Barber’s excellent series on Ephesians 5:18-21; 5:22-24)
Both wine and the Holy Spirit do their work deep in the human psyche. They affect people below the level of consciousness, down at the foundations of personality. The Spirit is not merely WITH God’s people but IN them and it is God’s will that He control us and empower us. Thus God commands believers to be filled with His Spirit. How do you get filled? Note that “filled” is passive voice so you can’t conjure this up. It is a work that God does. But He does it to willing vessels. So we must come to Him and seek Him His face, asking Him to control us (filled means controlled as discussed in more detail below). And it flows out. When He fills you. Galatians 5:22 fruit of the Spirit is peace. If you are filled with the Spirit, you have peace.
(4) RELATIONSHIPS THAT ARE “BROKEN”
If you are feeling troubled go through this check list and see why your peace has left you.
Colossians 3:12 And so, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; 13 bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. 14 And beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity. 15 And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God. (Col 3:12; 13; 14; 15; 16-See notes Col 3:12; 13; 14; 15; 16)
Let the peace of God rule in your heart = The idea of the Greek word “rule” is to be like an “umpire”. Many use this verse for making decisions and that is a possible application of the verse. However from the context Paul is instructing the saints at Colossae that if there is a conflict (unforgiveness, bitterness, etc), they were to let God’s peace rule in their heart. Blessed are the peacemakers. Let God’s peace umpire. Don’t say
“I’m going to give them what they deserve” or
“When they get right with me, then I’ll get right with them.”, etc
Why not? Because that is not letting peace rule in your heart, but in fact is letting
“sin reign in your mortal body” and is “presenting the members of your body to sin as instruments of unrighteousness” (Rom 6:12; 6:13)
You cannot serve two masters. Broken relationships and a desire to “get even” will steal your peace but ……Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God (see Mt 5:9
(5) WHEN YOU ARE NOT IN THE WILL OF GOD
To be in the will of God is to have wisdom from above on how to handle a situation.
James 3:13 Who among you is wise and understanding ? Let him show by his good behavior his deeds in the gentleness of wisdom. 14 But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your heart, do not be arrogant boast one’s self to the injury of a person or thing) and so lie against the truth. 15 This wisdom is not that which comes down from above, but is earthly, natural, demonic. 16 For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every evil thing. 17 But the WISDOM from above is first pure, then PEACEABLE, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy. 18 And the seed whose fruit is righteousness is sown in PEACE by those who make PEACE
Wisdom is knowing how to take truth and apply it to life. Wisdom is application of knowledge. Wisdom is walking in the truth. Wisdom from above is pure, peaceful, etc. When you lack peace it is time to wrestle with the Lord in prayer. In Romans 12:1, 2 (see notes Romans 12:1; 12:2) teaches the will of God is good, acceptable and perfect. When you know that you have the will in your heart which is good and acceptable and perfect, you will have peace. Note; I may have the wisdom from God to handle the situation at hand and still- fly into the flesh and react instead of respond!!!
(6) WHEN PEACE LEAVES CHECK TO SEE IF GOD WANTS TO REVEAL SOMETHING
Have you been “burdened” in your heart, you go to Jehovah Shalom and wrestle with Him. He may have given you this burden so that you pray and intercede. When I was first coming out of my addiction a Pastor told me the way to stop the flood of “thoughts” that come telling me what I can do to find relief.. he said Don’t counsel with the sheep- counsel with the shepherd!!
(7) THERE IS NO PEACE WHEN THERE IS SIN IN YOUR LIFE
Sinners, believing or unbelieving, never have true inner peace, because God makes it very clear that…
“There is no peace for the wicked’ (Isaiah 57:21).
Confess your sin according to 1Jn 1:9 (implying a repentance or turning from the sin). Nothing that does not bring forth the peaceful fruit of righteousness is worth holding on to. So you must forsake that sin.
When peace leaves you, check yourself:
1) Your externals
2) Your imaginings
3) Your “gas” tank (what are you filled with? Spirit or flesh?)
4) Your relationships for any that might be broken
5) Your heart for any un-confessed sin.
When you are afraid, put your trust in Jehovah Shalom. He is the answer to your anxious thoughts, your worry, your distress and He wants to keep you in perfect peace because He is the Prince of Peace, and because He is, He can give peace. Then walk in the light, in obedience to His word to maintain that peace.
Fierce passions discompose the mind,
As tempests vex the sea;
But calm content and peace we find,
When, Lord, we turn to Thee.
— William Cowper
Find and read
Prince of Peace
by Ray Stedman
I also love Jude 24 and Romans 8…..
I did not create these: but I found them and use them, They might help someone….
Understanding your identity in Christ is absolutely essential to your success at living the victorious Christian life.”
If you are a Christian, then what is below is true of you.
Who I Am In Christ
I am accepted…
John 1:12
I am God’s child.
John 15:15
As a disciple, I am a friend of Jesus Christ.
Romans 5:1
I have been justified.
1 Corinthians 6:17
I am united with the Lord, and I am one with Him in spirit.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20
I have been bought with a price and I belong to God.
1 Corinthians 12:27
I am a member of Christ’s body.
Ephesians 1:3-8
I have been chosen by God and adopted as His child.
Colossians 1:13-14
I have been redeemed and forgiven of all my sins.
Colossians 2:9-10
I am complete in Christ.
Hebrews 4:14-16
I have direct access to the throne of grace through Jesus Christ.
I am secure…
Romans 8:1-2
I am free from condemnation.
Romans 8:28
I am assured that God works for my good in all circumstances.
Romans 8:31-39
I am free from any condemnation brought against me and I cannot be separated from the love of God.
2 Corinthians 1:21-22
I have been established, anointed and sealed by God.
Colossians 3:1-4
I am hidden with Christ in God.
Philippians 1:6
I am confident that God will complete the good work He started in me.
Philippians 3:20
I am a citizen of heaven.
2 Timothy 1:7
I have not been given a spirit of fear but of power, love and a sound mind.
1 John 5:18
I am born of God and the evil one cannot touch me.
I am significant…
John 15:5
I am a branch of Jesus Christ, the true vine, and a channel of His life.
John 15:16
I have been chosen and appointed to bear fruit.
1 Corinthians 3:16
I am God’s temple.
2 Corinthians 5:17-21
I am a minister of reconciliation for God.
Ephesians 2:6
I am seated with Jesus Christ in the heavenly realm.
Ephesians 2:10
I am God’s workmanship.
Ephesians 3:12
I may approach God with freedom and confidence.
Philippians 4:13
I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me.
“The more you reaffirm who you are in Christ, the more your behavior will begin to reflect your true identity!”
(From Victory Over the Darkness , by Dr. Neil Anderson)
The Word of God says that because of Jesus Christ
I am a new person and have a new identity!
One of the most important things we can do in our recovery is to embrace our new identity and see ourselves through Jesus’ eyes . . . i.e., who you and I are “in Christ.” Below are listed (with supporting Scripture) just a few of the many TRUTHS contained in the Bible concerning our secure position in Christ Jesus. The facts are there . . . all we need to do is believe them!!
If you would like something which will be a daily reminder and affirmation of these truths, you might want to download a copy of Who I am in Christ, which is designed to start up with Windows and give you a different Scripture and affirmation each day.
The Word of God Says in Jesus Christ…
I am faithful (Ephesians 1:1)
I am God’s child (John 1:12)
I have been justified (Romans 5:1)
I am Christ’s friend (John 15:15)
I belong to God (1 Corinthians 6:20)
I am a member of Christ’s Body (1 Corinthians 12:27)
I am assured all things work together for good (Romans 8:28)
I have been established, anointed and sealed by God (2 Corinthians 1:21-22)
I am confident that God will perfect the work He has begun in me (Philippians 1:6)
I am a citizen of heaven (Philippians 3:20)
I am hidden with Christ in God (Colossians 3:3)
I have not been given a spirit of fear, but of power, love and self-discipline (2 Timothy 1:7)
I am born of God and the evil one cannot touch me (1 John 5:18)
I am blessed in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing (Ephesians 1:3)
I am chosen before the creation of the world (Ephesians 1:4, 11)
I am holy and blameless (Ephesians 1:4)
I am adopted as his child (Ephesians 1:5)
I am given God’s glorious grace lavishly and without restriction (Ephesians 1:5,8)
I am in Him (Ephesians 1:7; 1 Corinthians 1:30)
I have redemption (Ephesians 1:8)
I am forgiven (Ephesians 1:8; Colossians 1:14)
I have purpose (Ephesians 1:9 & 3:11)
I have hope (Ephesians 1:12)
I am included (Ephesians 1:13)
I am sealed with the promised Holy Spirit (Ephesians 1:13)
I am a saint (Ephesians 1:18)
I am salt and light of the earth (Matthew 5:13-14)
I have been chosen and God desires me to bear fruit (John 15:1,5)
I am a personal witness of Jesus Christ (Acts 1:8)
I am God’s coworker (2 Corinthians 6:1)
I am a minister of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:17-20)
I am alive with Christ (Ephesians 2:5)
I am raised up with Christ (Ephesians 2:6; Colossians 2:12)
I am seated with Christ in the heavenly realms (Ephesians 2:6)
I have been shown the incomparable riches of God’s grace (Ephesians 2:7)
God has expressed His kindness to me (Ephesians 2:7)
I am God’s workmanship (Ephesians 2:10)
I have been brought near to God through Christ’s blood (Ephesians 2:13)
I have peace (Ephesians 2:14)
I have access to the Father (Ephesians 2:18)
I am a member of God’s household (Ephesians 2:19)
I am secure (Ephesians 2:20)
I am a holy temple (Ephesians 2:21; 1 Corinthians 6:19)
I am a dwelling for the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 2:22)
I share in the promise of Christ Jesus (Ephesians 3:6)
God’s power works through me (Ephesians 3:7)
I can approach God with freedom and confidence (Ephesians 3:12)
I know there is a purpose for my sufferings (Ephesians 3:13)
I can grasp how wide, long, high and deep Christ’s love is (Ephesians 3:18)
I am completed by God (Ephesians 3:19)
I can bring glory to God (Ephesians 3:21)
I have been called (Ephesians 4:1; 2 Timothy 1:9)
I can be humble, gentle, patient and lovingly tolerant of others (Ephesians 4:2)
I can mature spiritually (Ephesians 4:15)
I can be certain of God’s truths and the lifestyle which He has called me to (Ephesians 4:17)
I can have a new attitude and a new lifestyle (Ephesians 4:21-32)
I can be kind and compassionate to others (Ephesians 4:32)
I can forgive others (Ephesians 4:32)
I am a light to others, and can exhibit goodness, righteousness and truth (Ephesians 5:8-9)
I can understand what God’s will is (Ephesians 5:17)
I can give thanks for everything (Ephesians 5:20)
I don’t have to always have my own agenda (Ephesians 5:21)
I can honor God through marriage (Ephesians 5:22-33)
I can parent my children with composure (Ephesians 6:4)
I can be strong (Ephesians 6:10)
I have God’s power (Ephesians 6:10)
I can stand firm in the day of evil (Ephesians 6:13)
I am dead to sin (Romans 1:12)
I am not alone (Hebrews 13:5)
I am growing (Colossians 2:7)
I am His disciple (John 13:15)
I am prayed for by Jesus Christ (John 17:20-23)
I am united with other believers (John 17:20-23)
I am not in want (Philippians 4:19)
I possess the mind of Christ (I Corinthians 2:16)
I am promised eternal life (John 6:47)
I am promised a full life (John 10:10)
I am victorious (I John 5:4)
My heart and mind is protected with God’s peace (Philippians 4:7)
I am chosen and dearly loved (Colossians 3:12)
I am blameless (I Corinthians 1:8)
I am set free (Romans 8:2; John 8:32)
I am crucified with Christ (Galatians 2:20)
I am a light in the world (Matthew 5:14)
I am more than a conqueror (Romans 8:37)
I am the righteousness of God (2 Corinthians 5:21)
I am safe (I John 5:18)
I am part of God’s kingdom (Revelation 1:6)
I am healed from sin (I Peter 2:24)
I am no longer condemned (Romans 8:1, 2)
I am not helpless (Philippians 4:13)
I am overcoming (I John 4:4)
I am persevering (Philippians 3:14)
I am protected (John 10:28)
I am born again (I Peter 1:23)
I am a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17)
I am delivered (Colossians 1:13)
I am redeemed from the curse of the Law (Galatians 3:13)
I am qualified to share in His inheritance (Colossians 1:12)
I am victorious (1 Corinthians 15:57)
Now: if i can just get these verses memorized ………
Lord Thank You – help me finish well…..