"Whatever is good and perfect comes down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow. He chose to give birth to us by giving us his true word. And we, out of all creation, became his prized possession. So get rid of all the filth and evil in your lives, and humbly accept the word God has planted in your hearts, for it has the power to save your souls." ~James 1:17, 18, 21 (NLT)
This is such a beautiful portion of Scripture...the picture of the Father of all lights choosing to give us birth through the implanting of His word in our hearts. Just as He doesn't force us to believe in Him for eternal salvation, He doesn't force us to do what verse 21 says,
"...humbly accept the living word to do its finishing, sanctifying work in us."
I know, scary word huh? Being "sanctified" however, has nothing to do with the "holier than thou" portrait that I so quickly conjure up in my head. When we take that humble step of accepting His offer to implant His word in our hearts, it's piercing, fire producing, light encompassing, purifying work that takes place in the darkest crevices of the heart, produces something that cannot be found here on earth. It literally brings heaven to earth with the unmistakable, promised gifts of divine peace, joy, and righteousness.
"For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit."~Romans 14:17 (NIV)
~ Jeri Heintz
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