FATHER - 11.3.2015

Have you thanked Him?
Have you praised Him?
Have you made it your priority to agree and cooperate with Him today?
Have you taken that deep breath and listened for what He has for you today?
1 Timothy 2:1 (The Message)
1-3The first thing I want you to do is pray. Pray every way you know how, for everyone you know.

“You obey not to get God’s attention, but because you have been the object of his attention since before the world began.”
― Paul David Tripp

God stands before you with His arms open wide. He always accepts you. He always confirms your value… You are His prized possession. No matter what you go through in life, no matter how many disappointments you suffer, your value in God’s eyes always remains the same. You will always be the apple of His eye.” ― Joel Osteen

Yesterday I was with a team of folks from Newark, Ohio. 
They desired to join arms as CHAMPIONS. 
I am so blessed they are now part of the team!

But like most of my chats there was another truth to be shared, another confirmation to explore.

That truth was that GOD is a loving FATHER, a Father who gave His best for us. A Father who values us to a level we could never comprehend or imagine. A Father who has made us, yes silly disobedient us, the object of His affections, the apples of His eye, His prized possessions. 
A GOOD Father.

Psalm 68:5 (AMP)
A father of the fatherless…Is God in His holy habitation.

No the discussion was not revelatory, but comforting.

When we are working with people who are deeply afflicted with the disease and pain of addiction, often at the root is condemnation. Folks often turn to dangerous and addictive substances due to a lack of belonging or from a deep sense of being unlovable or disposable; from feeling “fatherless” if you will.

That is why as we MINISTER to the broken we MUST be reminded of amazing love of OUR Father so that we can richly and freely share it.

I have loved you with an everlasting love…(Jeremiah 31:3 ESV)

Are you feeling a little unloved today?
Maybe you have been trying to “be obedient” to get your FATHER’S attention or you are working at upping your performance so He will take closer notice of you and embrace you more.

Be reminded…the FATHER’S love for you is immeasurable.

The love of God is greater far
Than tongue or pen can ever tell;
It goes beyond the highest star,
And reaches to the lowest hell…

Yet more importantly it is tangible.
It hung on a cross at Calvary. It rose on the third day.
It changes everything.
It reverses the course of addiction.
It opens the pathway of son-ship and daughter-ship for each of us.
It is freely given.

Will you walk in it today? 
Accept it today? 
Allow it to energize and affirm you today?

“Imagine that Jesus is calling you today. He extends a second invitation to accept His Father's love. And maybe you answer, "Oh, I know that. It's old hat."

And God answers, 'No, that's what you don't know. You don't know how much I love you. The moment you think you understand is the moment you do not understand. I am God, not man….Did you know that every time you tell Me you love Me, I say thank you” - Manning

Wow!
Ephesians 1:3 (ESV)
Blessed be the God and Father…

Have a LOVED day!
I love you ALL!
FREEDOM CHURCH (CHAMPIONS NETWORK)