I am writing this latest newsletter as I sit at home caring for a couple of toddlers who are both struggling with "the crud". Stacy and I are tag-teaming in caring for our little sickies who, because of their illness, simultaneously want to cuddle and are super grumpy. It is a pretty odd combination that leads to some moments of humor; with our poor, snotty-nosed, cranky kids.
I wonder if this is a reason we are given the image of God as "Father" in scripture. I suspect that our own double-mindedness is a source of divine humor at times. As we battle the desires and inclinations of the flesh in order to live according to God's principles of love.
I don't intend to make light of personal struggles with sin. It is serious and something with which we must contend. But as we each face our own struggles, keep this in mind: our Father in heaven cares for us with a depth of love beyond comprehension. No current struggle will change His affection for us, just as I could no more lose affection for my kids because of their momentarily, sickness-induced moodiness. So, too, can no momentary, earthly struggle with sin change God’s affection for us, His children.
So be encouraged. Keep up the good fight. Keep living life striving daily to become more like Christ. But also live within the assurance that nothing can separate us from the love of the Father.
Blessings,
Pastor Tim
Ephesians 3:14-21
For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith-that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.
This article originally appeared in the March 2014 edition of the FBC newsletter. Click here to view the rest of this newsletter.