Motivated Spirituality

SylviaSee what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! 1 John 3:1-2

There is a successful business man who is dear to our family. The other day this young father told me with obvious delight about walking his little kindergarten daughter to school every morning. He said, "It is the highlight of my day." He loves her holding his hand. It gives him great pleasure that she wants to start her day with him.

I can't get this picture out of my mind. In a few words he conveyed so much about a father's heart for his child. In that snapshot I can hear that he loved her before she took her first steps. He anticipates her day and a few precious moments with just the two of them. She laughs and skips, he is all smiles deep down inside. He protects her and sees her safely across every street. He talks with her about anything on her heart, because the desires of her heart are important to him. He answers her many questions and coaches her in the things she needs to know. He asks questions because he is immensely interested in every aspect of her life. Wouldn't you love to hear those conversations?

He loves her mother, his bride, which gives his daughter great security. She knows the sound of his voice. She knows that he faithfully keeps his promises. She knows that she can count on him and he is there for her. She knows from experience that he gives good gifts and prepares fun surprises. She has no doubt that he lavishly loves her, because he has shown it day by day. She thinks he knows everything, and she is certain he can fix anything. Her day is circumscribed by his love and care, as he tucks her in bed at night.

He gives her room to explore which results in evitable skinned knees, but he picks her up when she falls and his kiss makes well. He comforts her when she cries. If there were a threat to her life, he would step between her and danger.

When she disobeys, it grieves him. It breaks his heart to have to discipline her, but he knows it is for her own good. He is wisely providing for her future, to secure it the best he knows how.

Does this good daddy remind you of Someone you know? We have a loving Papa God who is just like that, eagerly attentive and eternally affectionate. He walks with us and talks with us every day and has written us a love letter in his Word. His protection and care are certain. His heart toward us is holy and unchanging.

Happy Father's Day, Michael, for how you show us the Father's love. This year I am going to tell my heavenly Abba "Happy Father's Day."

Motivated Audio & Video

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Reflections to Consider

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Motivated Publications

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Publications

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Motivated Music

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Music

  • Jesus be the centre

    Center is a song that speaks of the essence of our life in Christ, and echoes the words the Christ Read More
  • I Lift My Hands

    A powerful hymn of adoration and praise Arkansas Gospel Mass Choir. This succinctly captures the joy of knowing our savior. Read More
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Motivated Reflection

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Audio & Video

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Favorites

  • Transforming this World: The Hope of Glory by NT Wright +

    Wright confronts the perspective that this world doesn’t matter, and that we live only to be in heaven. He shows Read More
  • What is Good in a World that Defies Hope: a talk by NT Wright +

    This is the second part of three talks by NT Wright at Harvard University in November, 2008 on the topic Read More
  • The Stream, the Lake and the River: NT Wright +

      Acts 2.1-21; John 7.37-39; a sermon at the Eucharist on the Feast of Pentecost, 11 May 2008, by the Read More
  • Jesus in the Perfect Storm by NT Wright +

    Zechariah 9.9-17; Luke 19.28-48; A sermon for Palm Sunday, April 17, 2011, In the University Chapel of St Salvator, St Read More
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Hidden Blessings

  • Christ is a Great Savior: a review of the movie Amazing Grace +

    Amazing Grace is a historical drama about William Wilberforce who was elected to British Parliament at the age of 21 Read More
  • Wilberforce, Hollywood's Amazing Grace, Charlotte Allen +

    William Wilberforce's relentless campaign eventually led the British Parliament to ban the slave trade, in 1807, and to pass a Read More
  • Making Beauty out of Ugly Things: Grace by U2 +

    Grace, she takes the blame She covers the shame Removes the stain It could be her name Grace, she carries Read More
  • The True Nature of Grace and Love: a movie review of the Soloist +

    The 2009 movie The Soloist is based on a book by the same name, written by Los Angeles Times columnist Read More
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