How many times have I read or heard read, John Chapter 1 vs 1-18? If I don't know, then I don't expect anyone else to know, but it is the thought that when we hear or read a familiar Bible passage, we can't possible learn anything fresh or new- oops limiting the Holy Spirit's ability to teach us.
Before Christmas, when I realised that Joseph could have been a king instead of a humble carpenter, the 'what ifs' came to the fore, but when I heard again John Chapter 1 read at a Carol Service, verse 12 stood out " But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God." There is absolutely nothing uncertain or 'what if ' about that verse.
Being a child of the God who says of his son 'The Word', "All things came into being through him" (verse 3) is just mind blowing. This tri-une God who created the universe claims to make us his sons and daughters by his doing alone - we don't and can't earn this. How clear and unambiguous is that!
Later, James talks about asking God for wisdom but what I find so refreshing about his advise is "Ask in faith, never doubting" ( James 1:6).Over and over the Bible gives us assurance of God's promises, not a 'warm fuzzy' or a 'maybe'. Jesus made this very clear in the Sermon on the Mount when he said "Your Father in heaven (will) give good things to those who ask him" ( Matthew 7:11).
For the year ahead, learning afresh what it means to be a son or daughter of God can be done with the assurance that God will nurture us as his children. Remember,"God is Love".
Before Christmas, when I realised that Joseph could have been a king instead of a humble carpenter, the 'what ifs' came to the fore, but when I heard again John Chapter 1 read at a Carol Service, verse 12 stood out " But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God." There is absolutely nothing uncertain or 'what if ' about that verse.
Being a child of the God who says of his son 'The Word', "All things came into being through him" (verse 3) is just mind blowing. This tri-une God who created the universe claims to make us his sons and daughters by his doing alone - we don't and can't earn this. How clear and unambiguous is that!
Later, James talks about asking God for wisdom but what I find so refreshing about his advise is "Ask in faith, never doubting" ( James 1:6).Over and over the Bible gives us assurance of God's promises, not a 'warm fuzzy' or a 'maybe'. Jesus made this very clear in the Sermon on the Mount when he said "Your Father in heaven (will) give good things to those who ask him" ( Matthew 7:11).
For the year ahead, learning afresh what it means to be a son or daughter of God can be done with the assurance that God will nurture us as his children. Remember,"God is Love".
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