“Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is.” 1 John 3:2 NKJV
God our Father,
Beloved. Yes, we are Your beloved children. Sometimes it is hard to take in especially if we are not sure our earthly father loved us. From the moment we accept Christ into our lives we were adopted. We did not have to wait till we meet You face to face. Or pass a test. Or be good enough. You signed the agreement in Your Son’s blood. Done deed. But being adopted we do not have all the family likeness yet.
Here in the first letter of John, You remind us that we are not what we shall be. Saved believers are not perfect, are we? I can say that from personal experience but only about myself, we are not here to judge others!
We would love to be more and more like Christ. Hank You that You do not expect an immediate change to perfection overnight. Or to try so hard all the time we burn out! Your love patient, kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonour others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. It does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. (1 Corinthians 13:4-7).
Help us and forgive us as we go, learning and hopefully improving along the way. Oh that we would not be stubborn or have to keep learning the same lessons over again! One day, yes one day when Jesus is revealed (John thought it would be soon), or we meet You at the end of our lives, we shall become like Christ. What a day of rejoicing that will be.
Keep us, heavenly Father, one step at a time, one day at a time, as Your beloved children, in Your love becoming more like Your Son.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen
Suggestions for prayer . . .
God our Father,
For family, friends, neighbours, be with them and steer them the right, good and blessed way.
For our church family, ministers and all who serve, that they have good health: body, mind, soul.
For all the Royal family. Charles ongoing treatment. Kates full recovery.
For our local councillors and those who will be up for election.
For our government and MPs and their families. Raise up and bring down the right people.
For those who need healing in their bodies and from fear, trauma, bad memories.
For an end to the war in Ukraine. Change Russia to end their attack.
For Gaza an end to killing. Bombard them with Your peace and a way to negotiation..
For changes in Yemen, Myanmar, North Korea, Chine, Sudan, Syria and other countries where there is war, aggression, oppression, dictatorship, slavery.
For those who are in need of a vision of heaven and the life to come.
For schools trying to fit in all the education planned before the Easter break.
For us fresh eyes to see You and all the good things You have given us.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Tuesday 20st February 2024
I could not decide so here is my dilemma. The first is an updated version of the original hymn which is below. Both lead me to worship. The first more thoughtful and the second lively and victorious. I pray one of them blesses you.
One day You’ll make everything new, Jesus
One day You will bind every wound
The former things shall all pass away
No more tears
One day You’ll make sense of it all, Jesus
One day every question resolved
Every anxious thought left behind
No more fear
When we all get to heaven
What a day of rejoicing that will be
When we all see Jesus
We’ll sing and shout the victory
One day we will see face to face, Jesus
Is there a greater vision of grace
And in a moment, we shall be changed
On that day
And one day we’ll be free, free indeed, Jesus
One day all this struggle will cease
And we will see Your glory revealed
On that day
And when we all get to heaven
What a day of rejoicing that will be
When we all see Jesus
We’ll sing and shout the victory
Yes, one day we will see face to face, Jesus
Is there a greater vision of grace?
And in a moment, we shall be changed
Yes, in a moment, we shall be changed
In a moment, we shall be changed
On that day
When we all get to heaven
What a day of rejoicing that will be
When we all see Jesus
We’ll sing and shout the victory
We’ll sing and shout the victory
Slightly different words spoken not sung on video . . .
We will weep no more
No more tears, no more shame
No more struggle, no more
Walking through the valley of the shadow
No cancer, no depression
Just the brightness of Your glory
Just the wonder of Your grace
Everything as it was meant to be
All of this will change
When we see You face to face
Jesus, face to face
Sing the wondrous love of Jesus
Sing His mercy and His grace
In the mansions bright and blessed
He’ll prepare for us a place
When we all get to heaven
What a day of rejoicing that will be
When we all see Jesus
We’ll sing and shout the victory
While we walk the pilgrim pathway
Clouds will overspread the sky
But when traveling days are over
Not a shadow, not a sigh
Let us then be true and faithful,
Trusting, serving every day;
Just one glimpse of Him in glory
Will the toils of life repay.
Onward to the prize before us!
Soon His beauty we’ll behold;
Soon the pearly gates will open;
We shall tread the streets of gold.