A Child of God.

1 John 3:1
" 1 See how very much our heavenly Father loves us, for He allows us to be called His children, and we really are! But the people who belong to this world don't know God, so they don't understand that we are His children."




I love that, "And we really are!". I the love joy the writer has in exclaiming that; we're God's children, it's something to be excited about! I often compare the similarities to our heavenly Father and earthly fathers, and it always makes me smile & reminds me of how much of a Father He really is. Some of the verses that always comes to mind with that are in Hebrews 12.

Hebrews 12:5-6
" 5 And have you entirely forgotten the encouraging words God spoke to you, His children? He said, 'My child, don't ignore it when the Lord disciplines you, and don't be discouraged when He corrects you. 6 For the Lord disciplines those He loves, and He punishes those He accepts as His children."

and...


Hebrews 12:10-11
" 10 For our earthly fathers disciplined us for a few years, doing the best they knew how. But God's discipline is always right and good for us because it means we will share in His holiness. 11 No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening - it is painful! But afterward there will be a quiet harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way."

and also...

Hebrews 12:7
" 7 As you endure this divine discipline, remember that God is treating you as His own children. Whoever heard of a child who was never disciplined?"


It always confused me when people thought God didn't love them because they felt like He was punishing them. It sucks hardcore, and hurts beyond belief sometimes, but without discipline & correction, there's no growth. I'm glad that we have a Father who loves us enough to correct us and increase our growth, and I love that He walks next to us the whole way as well.
Also, I love that we have a Father who doesn't play favorites. This is something I was blessed with to have on earth, and I love the example that Ada (daddy) has set for us; it's a wonderful thing to see someone imitate God's character.


Also, also, if you do happen to listen to Adventures in Odyssey, you should go listen to The Secret Keys of Discipline, case #20 A Journey of Choices =]


And once again, I leave you with this: