Family First

 "For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba,[e] Father.” The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together." Romans 8:14-17

Lately, I have been contemplating family. Mine has always been close, then in the last 5 years, we lost our Father and Mother. Although I know they are with Jesus, I often wish they were here with me. As a family unit, we remain strong - my brothers, sister, and I still stand together taking care of one another. One of the guiding principles our parents taught us was that God is always first and then family. Interestingly enough our parents believed this also extended to the Family of God. Oh and by the way, family takes care of one another. 

With that in mind, there are several family dynamics I have never understood. One is where family members get so angry with one another that they don't speak to each other for days, months, years, etc. Or when a family member is in pain or sick, no one checks in on them or goes to them to assist in anyway. Chicken soup anyone? What about the family member found in a fault? They made a mistake and family avoids them like they are a disease. All these situations that leave me perplexed and as James said, "My brethren, these things ought not so to be." (James 3:10)

So consider, if you will, the scripture above... "For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God." We have been adopted into the family of God and now cry out to Him - "Abba, Father." If you claim Jesus as Lord and Savior, we are family. Ah yes, your family just grew by millions!

Family is so important and vital to the church and our country, that all the host of hell is trying to destroy the family unit. By eliminating the natural family, Satan can fragment and minimize God's family. There is strength in numbers, but there is might and power in family of God! As we stand together shoulder to shoulder and side by side, God's family is invincible! NOTHING can stop this mighty army. (Read about it in Joel.)

So my dear family, it is time for us to become the family God intended us to be. Jesus said it this way, "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:34-35 Hmmmm...that changes the everything! Jesus says if you want to be part of my family - a follower - the attitude toward one another must change.

Think about it - What can you do to help a brother or sister in Christ? Do you know a family member that needs a helping hand? Is there a brother or sister that just needs a friend? or prayer? or... Step up! Reconnect with your family. I am writing this on a Saturday night, so as you go to church tomorrow morning, encourage someone, pray/intercede with someone, reach out to someone you haven't talked with in a while, etc. We are family and it's time we act like it. 

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