A Morning Reflection: The Quiet Before Dawn

 

A Morning Reflection: The Family of God 

In the quiet hush before the sun begins to paint the sky, there's a unique stillness. Here on the porch of our log cabin, the air is cool and carries the promise of a new day. Even in this pre-dawn tranquility, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee is starting to drift. You see, my adopted uncles, Mr. William Love and Mr. Jerry Landry, have a fondness for my early-morning coffee – they claim it's the best in the world! 

So, even before the first rays of light, I'm up and at the Mr. Coffee maker, a small act of service for my chosen family.

This quiet moment before dawn, and the simple act of making coffee for loved ones, reminds me of the broader concept of family. While our initial understanding might be rooted in blood ties, life beautifully illustrates that family can also be found in the connections we choose. Just as I've been blessed with the love and companionship of my adopted uncles, our faith offers an even grander, more inclusive definition – our connection through Jesus Christ.

Bill and Gloria Gaither beautifully captured this sentiment in their song, "The Family of God":

For I'm part of the family The family of God

You will notice we say brother And sister 'round here It's because we're a family And these folks are so near When one has a heartache We all share the tears And rejoice in each victory In this family so dear

I'm so glad I'm a part Of the family of God I've been washed in the fountain Cleansed by His blood Joint heirs with Jesus As we travel this sod For I'm part of the family The family of God

From the door of an orphanage To the house of the King No longer an outcast A new song I sing From rags unto riches From the weak to the strong I'm not worthy to be here But, praise God, I belong

Sing the song I'm so glad I'm a part Of the family of God I've been washed in the fountain...

if you would like to find out where you can here this song click on the link below

Music video by Bill & Gloria Gaither performing The Family of God play list 

This song resonates with the scriptural truth that through faith in Jesus, we are adopted into God's family. Consider these verses:

• John 1:12: "But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God,"
• Romans 8:14-17: "For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, ’Abba! Father!’ The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him."
• Galatians 3:26: "for in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith."
• Ephesians 2:19: "So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God,"
• 1 John 3:1: "See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him."
• Matthew 12:49-50: "And stretching out his hand toward his disciples, he said, ’Here are my mother and my brothers! For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.’"

These passages illustrate that the family of God is open to all who believe. It is a family built not solely on earthly ties, but on a shared faith and the boundless love of our Heavenly Father, made accessible through the sacrifice of His son.

Would you like to become a member of this family of God? If so, you may consider saying the following prayer:

Image of God and Jesus inviting us to join the Family of God

Heavenly Father, I acknowledge my need for you. I believe that Jesus Christ is your Son and that he died and rose again for me. I turn away from my past and ask for your forgiveness. I invite Jesus into my life to be my Lord and Savior. Thank you for welcoming me into your family. Amen.

As the darkness begins to fade and the first light appears, may we be filled with the warmth of belonging, knowing we are part of a loving family both here on earth and in the eternal embrace of God.

Have a good Morning, everyone and God Bless 

Go With God