Children of God: The Great Inheritance

by Kendra Scott
@thekendrascott 
(formerly@_iamwater)

I was reading excerpts of The Normal Christian Life by Watchman Nee and came across a passage in the book where he jokes with a doctor and asks if his pet dog carries the family name just as his children carried the family name. The doctor laughed at the notion, recognizing that the dog, no matter how well-behaved or intelligent it was, would never have the same privileges as his own children. Nee went on to explain that it is not a matter of how good or bad we are as human beings that determines if we inherit the gift of eternal life. Rather, it is our positions as sons and daughters in the family of God that determines if we inherit eternal life.

We have seen this play out in the media headlines over and over again with members of the British royal family. Some have made poor, reckless decisions.  However, no hardworking, diligent, kind-hearted servant working in the palace was asked to step into the place of the misbehaving family member. No highly-respected civilian was invited to replace the rebellious royal. The family line was not broken by misbehavior. The bloodline remained royal.

Likewise, we who believe and follow after Jesus Christ need not worry about our position in the Kingdom of God. We have been adopted into the Family of God. We are not merely servants, striving to get a piece of the pie through hard work and good deeds. "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith. . . not by works, so that no one can boast" (Ephesians 2:8-9 NKJV). We have been born again into the Family of God (John 3:3), which makes us members of The King's family.

It was God's plan all along to have a family and to have heirs.   "God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure." (Ephesian 1:5 NKJV). God wanted children just like Him. He created Adam and Eve in His image and after His likeness (Genesis 1:26) to be just like Him--just as children on earth inherit traits from their parents. Yet, recognizing that men would fall away and live in sin, God sent Jesus to redeem mankind so that "He [Jesus] might be the firstborn among many brethren..." (Romans 8:29).  Now, as God's children and by His Holy Spirit, we are able to take on more of His character and traits. "If you know that He is righteous, you know that everyone who practices righteousness is born of Him." (1John 2:29). 

So it is not how good or bad we are that determines our inheritance. It is our positions as sons and daughters. We must carry the bloodline and the family name -- that is the Blood of Jesus Christ and Name of Jesus Christ.

"What marvelous love the Father has extended to us! ...we’re called children of God! That’s who we really are. . . ." (1 John 3:1 The Message) . . . "and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ . . . " (Romans 8:17 NKJV). We can now enjoy the privileges of being a son and daughter of God!  Being a son and daughter of God enables us to enjoy the Great Inheritance of eternal life with Jesus Christ. And that's something worth celebrating!


Nee, T'o-sheng Watchman. The Normal Christian Life. Tyndale. 1977. pp116-117.
Second image: Kendra Scott, Mt. Arbel, Israel March 2019 

If you're not sure if you're in the family, just pray this: "Jesus be my Lord and Savior. I want to be part of your family. I am sinner but you died and resurrected to redeem me. Make me born again. Make me a child of God. Amen." (based on Romans 10:9-10)

Life Lesson: Yoke vs Yolk

by Kendra Scott

@thekendrascott 

Rather than reflecting on a revelation given me by the Holy Spirit in my quiet time and meditation, I am reflecting on a lesson that helped bring greater understanding to the scriptures, which I learned from a sermon taught by Pastor Bill Shuler of Capital Life Church in Arlington VA.

In a Sunday sermon, Pastor Bill  clarified an often misunderstood verse:  ^"Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness?" (2 Corinthians 6:14)

Surprisingly, many Christians (believers) misread the word "yoke" as "yolk." However, it is not surprising that this misunderstanding is accepted and rarely corrected. Oftentimes, we view the scriptures as too spiritual and lofty for our human minds to understand, so we are content being left in the dark about certain truths. Well, such complacency toward scripture is the exact opposite of what God was going for when He gave us His Word. The Lord made scriptures a mystery in order for us to seek Him out and get to know Him better, on a personal level. Trying to better understand someone requires that you have a relationship and fellowship with that person. That is exactly what Jesus wanted. I digress.

                     

To clarify this scripture, Pastor Bill explained that yoke was often fastened onto oxen for plowing soil, while yolk, in the simplest terms, is the yellow part of a bird's egg, like a chicken's egg yolk. The images above and below, give us a picture of what the yoke in the Bible was referring too. Pastor Bill further explained that oftentimes a rancher would yoke a younger ox with an older ox in order to train the younger one on how to plow and keep pace. Nevertheless, each was an ox. The ox was never yoked to a horse or to sheep.

  

Likewise, 2 Corinthians 6:14 explains that we, as Believers, cannot be yoked with darkness or with those who do not believe (yet) because we move at totally different paces with totally different purposes. If a horse was yoked to an oxen, it may try to outrun the ox, choking the ox; or the ox might try to gore the horse out of frustration. As Believers, it is difficult to keep a stride with those who do not believe. God could be leading us to go one way, while someone else might prefer to go another way. This is not to say that we never socialize with people who do not believe; it simply means that our deepest relationships are with Christ and with those who are like-minded in following Christ. 

Do not be unequally yoked with someone who doesn't think or believe the way you do. This applies to any type of relationship. You don't even have to be a Christian to know this to be true. Ask a psychologist. It just won't work. Rather, as Christians, if we are to be equally yoked with others, we want to be sure they too are keeping in step with the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:25). 

Now, go enjoy some egg yolk with your best yoked buddy! :)

Favor or not

by Kendra Scott

@thekendrascott 

Luke 4 is a fascinating chapter, especially verses 16-20, which details the beginning of Jesus' ministry. The remarkable thing about this passage is that, in one setting, Jesus goes from being admired (²² All spoke well of him and were amazed at the gracious words that came from his lips. “Isn’t this Joseph’s son?” they asked.) to nearly being killed. 0_0

After Jesus read from the scroll of Isaiah, he laid a pretty heavy claim on those sitting in the synagogue, making them aware that their hearts were hard and they would not truly be receptive to what He had to offer. He reminded them of the hard hearts of their ancestors and how the ancient prophets were not accepted among them but instead they did miracles among foreigners. Jesus said they were pretty much like their ancestors. The people didn't take well to that. ²⁹ They got up, drove him out of the town, and took him to the brow of the hill on which the town was built, in order to throw him off the cliff.


This is a reminder to us that we should not seek people's approval over God's favor (Proverbs 29:25). It's easy to get caught up in compliments and favorable reception when we do something well, but it should not water down the message and calling Jesus provides us. There's a reason the author of Hebrews says, "For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart." (Hebrews 4:12) Truth hurts sometimes.

Jesus wasn't moved by the compliments that He'd received by those around Him when He read the words spoken by Isaiah. He continued to speak the truth, no matter how unpleasant it was to their ears and hearts. If this is not a clear picture of Jesus' character and personality, I don't know what is. Jesus did not (does not) back down from telling the truth, even if it means losing popularity among those around Him. He, knowing He was(is) God, had nothing to fear.-³⁰ But he walked right through the crowd and went on his way.

Likewise we have nothing to fear. Christ's perfect love casts out all fear (I John 4:18). Jesus is our example to speak the truth, not matter what. We simply have to do what the Father does just as Jesus did (John 5:19)  . . . I know, I know, easier said than done but possible nonetheless.

Rhythm of God

by Kendra Scott

For the past several months, I've taken some time out of my day to sit and read my Bible each night in effort to be the "good Christian"  my parents raised me to be. I've been a Christian most of my life but only recently have I made a concerted effort to actually talk to God on a somewhat regular basis --to the One who gives me breath.

So, how does one go about doing this "Talking to God" thing? It seems so ethereal, lofty, at times superficial, escapist, and/or even pretentious. How can God be listening to me, little ol' me? It seems hard sometimes to get people who love me to listen to me.

Well, I'm a seasoned Christian, so those questions don't actually intimidate me any longer. But, what has stomped me is how to STAY engaged with God. It's easy to say a prayer one night or two nights, maybe even three nights in a row, but what about the fourth night? What about on Thursday night when I'm ready to go out and meet up with a friend and then I get home too late and too tired to pray? . . . And then again on Friday night; and then on Saturday when I'm too tired from the work week and just wanna binge-watch movies on Netflix? (Sunday is easy since most of my friends are at church as well). By the time Monday roles around, I have to make another "new week's" resolution and try again. DAG!

Knowing now that I can talk to God about any and everything (I mean, He's the Creator of everything. Nothing shocks Him, not even sex.), I decided to talk to Him about this issue of staying engaged:


"God, how can we (Christians) build a routine of spending time with You? How can I get into the habit of talking to you regularly? Why is this so hard? You are God! You are Love! This should be easy! I know the scriptures. I've learned of your miraculous works. I've even seen you do great things in my own life. I should be running to spend time with you to express my gratitude to You and share my concerns with you so that you can rescue me again. Why is this hard?" I want to be a 'good Christian,' but I find myself falling asleep when I close my eyes to pray, or I replay the events of my day in my head. What kind of Christian am I?!"

As I pondered these things, I considered how devout followers of other religions tend to be more disciplined in their practices than some Christians. Some rise early to pray everyday. Some visit temples at a select time of day or month or year to pray. And, no matter the geographic location, all the followers of that particular religion will do the same thing. It's fascinating. It's admirable. It's easy to be envious of such devotion and discipline. They seem to have a regular rhythm in practicing their faith.

"How can I do this? How do I get into the routine of spending time with You regularly, God? How do I get into the rhythm of talking to You regularly. God, what is your rhythm?"

One Saturday afternoon, The Holy Spirit shared this response:

"The rhythm of God is trust." - God

0_0 (eyes wide open)  -Me

The rhythm of God is trust. The rhythm of God is trust. Wow! The rhythm of God is trust. This is what the Lord told me.The rhythm of God is trust.

It was an eye-opening moment! A revelation! I suddenly envisioned us Christians as musicians sitting in an orchestra pit with the sheet music (God's Word) in front of us, but our eyes ever-following Jesus, the Great Conductor--trusting Him to help us keep the rhythm--telling us when to move and not to move, when to slow down or when to speed up. We have to trust Him. (Proverbs 3:5-6)

I also recalled the stories and exploits of King David (as one example) and how he would pray before going into EACH battle. Though he was an indomitable, fearsome warrior and excellent leader, David wisely sought the Lord for guidance before each battle. If David was just a religious man, he could have easily performed the same exact rituals before each battle in order win over his enemy. But no, God set up their relationship in such a way that David had to ask God for guidance. God wanted David to come talk to Him. God could have easily given him a set of basic rituals and rites to perform before going into battle, but He didn't. He left the door wide open for his son, David, to come talk to Him.

There is a verse, Isaiah 1:18, that says, "Come, let us reason together . . ." (the full verse is great).
God actually wants a conversation with us. God wants to commune with us because He loves us and loves relationship. So, rather than simply enforcing a set a rituals for us to perform daily, God gives us direction one--step--at--a--time, forcing us to come back to Him when we are eager (or desperate) to know more, establishing a rhythm of going to Him based on our trusting in Him. And, He gets a joy out of us, His children, coming to Him for help, advice, guidance, and/or to simply thank Him. He loves His kids and loves having a relationship with us. (Ephesians 1:5)

Keeping this in mind, I find it easier and easier to come back and talk to Him--ironically, creating that "habit" or "routiine" of talking to Him that I wanted before. It's not fellowship in a ritualistic manner but an expression of my affection and devotion to Him. I am conscious of the fact that there is a sense of freewill and independence of mind in my going to speak to Him, which adds the layer of love to our relationship. Were there no freewill in choosing to spend time with God, then it would not be an expression of love but rather servitude. I'd be a servant, not a child of God. But now, I choose to spend time with God.  And when I do choose quality time with God, that makes Him smile...and me too.

TIPS:

Here are just a few tools and tips I use to engage in regular communication with God.

• Beginner? Start off by praying familiar scripture passages like the Lord's prayer (Matthew 6:9-13; Psalm 23; Psalm 103)  or reflect on the sermon you heard at church, especially if you took notes. You can also read a verse and then rewrite it in your own words to try and make it personal and help you better understand it.
• Devotionals can be helpful. It's important to open your own Bible as well when reading devotionals because God's Word is how we best connect to God. He is His Word (John 1:1)
• Distracted? Talk aloud to God about your day. He's a loving Father/Guardian. He's interested in hearing from you. It can be therapeutic as well to process your feelings with Him listening. You may cry, laugh out loud, get angry, feel embarrassed or feel proud, but know that God is listening and wants to help you grow from the experiences and help you mature into your best self. *Another cool trick is to place a light scarf like a veil over your face while you pray to minimize visual distractions.
• Difficult or confusing subject matter? Pray in tongues (Romans 8:26-27)
• Consider using a journal/diary to record your thoughts and then record what you believe God is saying in response to your thoughts. Sometimes an activity during prayer time helps keeps your mind from wandering.
• Remember: Prayer and prophecy are tied together. You have to pray/say what you want to see. God established the world to run on words. He created the world with words (see Genesis 1), so that's what we have to use to get anything done around here--kinda like money is used to get business done. If that seems too spiritual, just read the biography of any great leader. They will tell you that words are important. Or, just notice how media advertise anything and everything a politician or celebrity says. Our words matter!