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Remember Who Your Daddy Is
By Carolyn Dale Newell
Tuesday, September 13, 2016
Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect. Matthew 5:48 NKJV
Growing up, there was an unwritten law that you better not tarnish the family name. Maybe it is still there, but as parents, we realize our kids all have their own junk. One command, which runs throughout Scripture, tells us we are to:
Be holy; for I am holy. Leviticus 11:44 NKJV
Christians should live in a manner that doesn’t bring shame to God. We must show the world His characteristics, and we can do that because the Holy Spirit dwells within us.
One of the best ways daughters of God can exemplify God’s love to the world is by loving our enemies, especially people who have hurt us. We are never more like God than when we forgive.
Our flesh desires to lash out at them, but the Spirit responds in gentleness and kindness. We bite our tongues, and we pray,
Father, take control, before I lose all control.
Another way we demonstrate God’s character is the manner in which we handle trials.
Do we fall apart? Do we tremble in fear? Do our hearts race with anxiety?
Honestly, we all react as if we don’t have a Heavenly Daddy who makes the impossible possible. Then we remember something: God’s got this! God is in control!
The world sees our joy in the midst of sorrow. They take note of the peace that overcomes us during our greatest struggles. They see patience as we wait for test results. They see our faith in God as we trust His plans and purposes.
It is a constant struggle to love the unlovable and to feel peace rather than panic. The world watches us. Therefore, let’s be perfect portraits of our Father. It is accomplished through the power of the Holy Spirit. We are God’s girls!
Read John 14:27 and 1 John 4:7-8. What is God speaking to you through these verses? How does it relate to what we have discussed in today’s devotional? What can you do today to show love to an enemy?
Heavenly Father, I desire to be a shining example of You to the world. Many times I miss the mark, but when I yield to Your Spirit, it can be done. Enable me to love those who are difficult to love. Replace moments of distress with seasons of peace. Thank You Father, Amen.
Click here to receive a free download of Carolyn’s devotional eBook, “In The Storm”.
For more encouragement, visit Carolyn at amountainoffaith.wordpress.com.
© 2016 by Carolyn Dale Newell. All rights reserved.
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Originally published Tuesday, 13 September 2016.
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