Day 15 - Formed For God's Family

God 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)

See how much our heavily Father loves us, for He allow us to be called His children, and we really are!

1 JOHN 3:1 (NLT)

"God wants a family, and He created you to be a part of it." p117

"When we place our faith in Christ, God becomes our Father, we become His children, other believers become our brothers and sisters, and the church becomes our spiritual family.  The family of God includes all believers in the past, the present and the future." p118

"The Bible says, "God 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 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 Lord as a reward." Retirement is a short-sighted goal.  You should be living in light of eternity." p120

The Bible says, "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 God's family, and because Jesus makes you holy, God is proud of you!  The words of Jesus are unmistakeable: "[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 God's daily is the highest honour and the greatest privilege you will ever receive. Nothing else comes close. Whenever you feel unimportant, unloved, or insecure, remember to whom you belong." p121

Point to Remember:  

I was formed for God's family.

Verses to Remember: 

"His unchanging plan has always been to adopt us into His own family by bringing us to Himself through Jesus Christ." EPHESIANS 1:5a (NLT)

Question to Consider: 

How can I start treating other believers like members of my own family?