“But to as many as did receive and welcome Him, He gave the right [the authority, the privilege] to become [Children of God], that is, to those who believe in (adhere to, trust in, and rely on) His Name.”
John 1:12 AMP
When my son was an adolescent and teenager, he played baseball, basketball and football. Like any parent, I loved going to his games and watching him play and compete, that is, when I wasn’t on the road traveling in my job as a professional baseball scout. While sitting in the stands, my eyes were always laser focused on him. Not the other players who were not my child. I watched his every move on the court or field. Cheering him on, pulling for him and encouraging him while watching him play. And often, whether he performed or not, I would put my arm around him after the game and say; “Son, let’s go get an ice cream.” Now, nearly ten years later I have yet to go back to his high school to watch another football game. Not because I don’t support the program, but simply because I no longer have the same passion and excitement watching the games because not one athlete on the field is my child. They aren’t my own. They don’t belong to me. I have no relationship with them. I don’t know them.In a similar way, the Bible is clear that all people throughout all of time are God’s “creation” (Colossians 1:16), and that God loves the entire world (John 3:16). However only those who are spiritually ‘born again’ are “Children of God”(John 1:12; John 11:52; Romans 8:16; 1 John 3:1-10). We become a Child of God because we are adopted into God’s family by faith, trust, and surrender to Jesus Christ. Salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone, in Jesus Christ alone. If that describes you, be encouraged, God’s eye is on you. You are His child. He is watching you every second of every day. You are the apple of His eye. He has a right relationship with you. He is proud of you. Not because of your performance on the field of life, but simply because He deeply and passionately loves you, His child. His love for you is not conditional. It is not merit based. It is not performance based. He is cheering you on and wildly crazy about you. And on your worst of days, Jesus gently puts His arm around you and says, “My child, let’s go get an ice cream.”That is God’s amazing love and amazing grace.Love God! Love People! Live Sent!Be Worth Being,KevinSUBSCRIBE TO "OVER THE HUMP" DEVOTIONALKevin Burrell has worked in professional baseball as both a player and MLB scout for the past 42 years, and currently serves as an area scouting supervisor. Kevin was drafted in the 1st round of the 1981 free agent amateur draft (25th selection overall), and played ten years of professional baseball with four different organizations. He and his wife, Valerie, live in Sharpsburg, Ga.
Imagine that you could sit down and pick the brains of some of the top leaders in the country! That's the premise behind the Linch with a Leader podcast. Learn how these leaders - all among the best in their respective field - have risen to the top, while continuing to grow spiritually and chase after the Lord.
