Mar 22

But perhaps it is the whole idea itself of God desiring to have children that bothers some. It should not. Such a desire is very common within our own lives. We do not think it strange at all when we hear someone say, "I really want to have children."

Far from thinking such a desire to be strange or unnatural, we view it as a natural desire of the human heart. Who do you think put that there? The source of our wanting to have children comes, like everything else, from God, who wants children for his family. Every good desire we have as human beings comes from God.

"Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father. . . ." (James 1:17).

Interesting, is it not, that this verse refers to God as Father? Verse 18 then goes on to emphasize God's exercise of his free will by saying that "he chose to give us birth. . . ."

God has free will; we have free will because he made us in his image (Gen. 1:27). He has given us birth; we also have free will to give birth to children if we so choose. But far more important than that is the fact we can be children of God -- if we so choose.

What have you chosen for yourself in this regard? Are you a child of God? Or does your focus in life center around your own family?

Scripture for today: James 1:17, 18
Thought for today: I did not have a choice for my earthly parents. But I do have a choice for my spiritual Father.
Prayer for today: Father in heaven, you chose to give me birth. Through the exercise of my free will, and in response to your first choosing me, I choose you as my true Father.

MAR 22