Our Spiritual Birth Certificate

June 23, 2013 President Barak Obama’s American birth certificate has always been in question. Even the one finally produced is in question as to its authenticity. All of us that are born in the United States of America have no question as to our citizenship, because it is a matter of public record, either signed by the attending physician or state records of some kind. Besides our legal birth certificate, usually with fingerprints to prove it belongs to us, we have another “birth certificate” more authentic and lasting. It never gets lost nor destroyed. It is recorded in the Lamb’s Book of Life, with our name that is indelibly written by God Himself and He will not erase it (Rev.3:5). When we are “born again” (born of the Spirit), we are adopted into the family of God and the Father gives us a new name, and “it’s written down in glory.” When we are reborn spiritually we become citizens of hope - “You will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy, at your right hand there are pleasures forevermore” (Ps.16:11). This hope never disappoints or shames us for believing in this hope of our citizenship (Rom.5:2-5). This hope is what anchors our minds, will and emotions in this turbulent world in which we live. Because we are not citizens of this world, but are just sojourners and strangers, we live in hope of that heavenly kingdom – our real home (I Pet.2:9-11a). Our spiritual birth certificate (the Word of God) spells out all of this – how to be born again and how to live and die in God’s kingdom. There is a blind civil rights lawyer from China who is seeking asylum in the United States for him and his family so they can be free. If he was permitted to come and desired U. S. citizenship and met all the requirements, the moment he was “naturalized” he would be free from all the laws and bonds of his former homeland and would have the benefits and protections provided to all natural-born citizens. The former laws that ruled him would no longer apply but he would be free to live and enjoy his new “homeland.” Such it is with those who have met the requirements of becoming a citizen of that spiritual kingdom – the Kingdom of God. They are free from the requirements and bonds of their former kingdom (the kingdom of darkness). In that former kingdom (Satan’s) we naturally sinned, we were born in sin and couldn’t help it. But, in our new kingdom we are free from the bondage of sin because we have been born again and have a new birth certificate. We even have a new name. Before our name was “sinner,” but now it is “the Righteousness of God in Christ Jesus” (II Cor. 5:21). When the Father looks at us He says, “There goes the ‘Righteousness of God in Christ Jesus’.” We have to become accustomed to our new name and that sin is no longer our master; and we must learn all about the benefits and responsibilities of our new Kingdom; and rejoice in our new birth certificate which reads: Name: The Righteousness of God in Christ Jesus. Time of birth: The moment I believed. Nearest of kin: The Almighty Father God and my elder brother, the Lord Jesus Christ. Telephone number: Jeremiah 33:3. Address: Kingdom of God. Future Address: Streets of Gold, Kingdom of Heaven.

A Poem For My Daddy

June 15, 2013 This blog is for all fathers – soon to be fathers; want to some day be fathers; children of fathers; grandfathers; fathers-in-law; and especially the M.I.A. fathers. All fathers are not “Daddies.” You can father a child but never be a “Dad” - there are too many of these in the world. Some fathers would like to be “Dads” but just don’t know how. Maybe their fathers didn’t know how either, so couldn’t set the example for their children. But it is never too late to learn. The first step is to become a child of God by choosing to believe in Him – the only true and faithful, Father God. Watch and follow the example set by Him – loving, compassionate, forgiving, gentle, kind, understanding, faithful, always there for you, never gives up on you, merciful, patient, doesn’t keep records of your wrong doings, and sees your failures and loves you anyway (with an unconditional love) - this is your heavenly Father! His example is perfect. You can never be perfect but you can learn to be perfect some day as you ask your “Abba Father” (Daddy) to show you how and enable you to be that wonderful Daddy, one day and one step at a time. Learn from God’s Word, which tells you all about how to be like God and a godly father, and all things about life and godliness (II Pet.1). If you are a child (whether male or female, little or big), we are to “honor” our earthly father – this is the fifth Commandment, (Ex.20:12), and it promises if we obey it our days will be long. To “honor” means to show respect by obeying and glorifying them –we are making them look good. Your father may be a M.I.A. father (one who is not there for you, either in person or in spirit), but instead of criticizing him to others, pray for him, love him and show him respect because God created him to be His representative here on earth. You may not respect the wrong things your father does, or has done, but you must still be courteous and respectful to him. By showing him love and honor, he will see your godly attitude and be convicted (convinced of his wrong doing). By criticizing your parent, mother or father, you cause your “neighbor to take up a reproach against” your parent, or the one you are criticizing” (Ps.15: 3). You can think of something/s positive about him, and you must think on those thing/s (Phil.4:8). Having the attitude of Jesus toward His Father (obedient & honoring), others will see the beauty of Jesus in you and will desire to be like Him. Ephesians 6:1 says, “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is just and right.” Notice the phrase, “in the Lord.” As long as they are not asking something of you that is either illegal or immoral, we should obey them. Of course when you become grown and have to make decisions for yourself, you may like to ask for counsel of your earthly father but you should seek first the Heavenly Father’s counsel in His Word and in prayer. Hopefully the two counsels will be agreeable, but if the two counsels differ, then obey God’s counsel (Acts 5:29). Below is a poem written by a good friend. It has very wise counsel for every father whose children are watching their every word, act and deed. A POEM FOR MY DADDY Draw me a picture, Daddy, of the man you want me to be. You choose the colors Daddy, so that I can see - What a real man is, my Daddy, strong, yet kind and true, Able to say, when I am wrong, but able too - Not to be proud when I am right, not to be loud or brash, But to have an even temper, and try hard not to clash. Sketch me honest, Daddy, because as you already know - The world is not fair – but God is good, my Na-naugh’ tells me so. She says you love me, Daddy, - I believe it’s true. At this time I am only four, and Daddy, I love you too! She says it isn’t easy to always do what’s right. Daddy, paint me, as best you can, and I’ll try with all my might - To grow up to be a fine man, show me what that is. My Na-Naugh’ says you’re an artist and I don’t want to miss - What you want for me, my Daddy, because I’m sure it’s good. If you’ll teach me the right instructions - I’ll grow up as I should. I like Randy Travis, Daddy. Na-Naugh’ says that you sing too. She got me his disc of Jesus’ songs, because I told her he sounds like you! She wrote this for me, my Daddy, ‘cause I can’t write just now, But if you’ll paint a fine life for me, then I will know how - To grow up to be a fine man, to know how to take and to give. You won’t regret it, Daddy, if you’ll teach me well how to live. (written December 22, 2007)