Whole-Hearted Father | Northlands Church

Whole-Hearted Father

November 14, 2017 | Kristine Wendt

Whole-Hearted Father

by: Kristine Wendt

We have permission of the family name, security of the household, and the sanctuary of fellowship as His Children.

Children of God Love One Another “See what an incredible quality of love the Father has shown to us, that we would [be permitted to] be named and called and counted the children of God! And so we are! For this reason the world does not know us, because it did not know Him.” 1 John 3:1 (AMP) 1 John 3:1, Galatians 4:6-7, Romans 8:15-17, Revelation 22:4

There is little threat that we will over-indulge in our position as heirs. It’s doubtful that we could get more cozy in our place in the household of Father than His love extends. It’s doubtful that we’d abuse the privilege of His lavishness. No, what’s more likely is that we will undermine the adoption inheritance that the Cross and Resurrection afford us by meting out for ourselves how we think we ‘should’ receive it. Daily we get the opportunity to find Him better than we thought He was and by His own Good Good Great nature, He will show up as that. So, what’s the harm or the risk? Indulge and indulge again in the prodigal love of the Father. Let us not make trite or small the offer to make ourselves at home and live by the Family ‘rules’ of the kingdom of Heaven where Jesus sits at the right hand of the Father.

“And because you [really] are [His] sons, God has sent the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying out, “Abba! Father!” Therefore you are no longer a slave (bond-servant), but a son; and if a son, then also an heir through [the gracious act of] God [through Christ].” Galatians 4:6-7 (AMP)
Little children in childlikeness don’t ask permission to be the child. “Dad, can I be your son today? Would that be okay with you? Would it be okay with you if I acted like your son? That’s permissible, too, right?”
No, children who are known in their home, live like they are welcomed and seen by those of their household. The embrace the full permission granted of house and home imbued them in the Family Name. They eat the cereal; they borrow the shampoo and even utilize the electricity; they sleep on the couch; they come home for Thanksgiving break with loads of dirty laundry; they carry the Name without hesitation of any other name being more significant or worthwhile. It pleases the Parent to no end that the child is secure within the supply of Home. The sanctuary of fellowship, family and home bears fruit of unity, camaraderie and joy.
If ever there is an urging that takes place, from parent to child, it’s “Hey Son, I love that you’re doing what you’re doing. It’s an “Us thing”. We’ve done it that way countless times. It’s our family thing, but in this moment, I need you to make a little adjustment. Just a little thing-simply heighten your awareness to what’s going on around you, would you? This is for your benefit.”
“And you did not receive the spirit of “religious duty”, leading you back into the fear of never being good enough. But you have received the “Spirit of Full Acceptance,” enfolding you into the family of God. And you will never feel orphaned, for as He rises up within us, our spirits join him in saying the words of tender affection, “Beloved Father!” For the Holy Spirit makes God’s fatherhood real to us as he whispers into our innermost being, “You are God’s beloved child!” And since we are his true children, we qualify to share all his treasures, for indeed, we are heirs of God himself. And since we are joined to Christ, we also inherit all that he is and all that he has.” Romans 8:15-17 (The Passion Translation)
There is mutuality in the household - the child waits zealously for Father to arrive across the threshold. For just one glance, one exchange. Heirs adore affectionate wisdom and guidance from their Whole-Hearted Father. They cherish the imprint of connection and conversation.

You are marked magnificently with the identity of Heaven; placed there by the potent love of our Heavenly Father, graciously flowing and effervescently endorsing all that you are as His child.

“They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads.” Revelation 22:4 (NIV)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tNmhsJqCW4A — “Child of God” performed by Bethel Music

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank you for your love that seals me in as your child. I feast on what you prepare at this table and I am so humbled to be yours. Audaciously, I ask for more! Saturate my whole being more and more with the fellowship of being a child. Secure me, more and more, in the gloriousness of your Love, so that your love penetrates all else. Amen.

© 2024 Northlands Church and Kristine Wendt. Permission to share so long as credit is given.