Accepted in the Beloved
Well now, would you look at that, friend? You’ve done come and dropped in right on time like a refreshin’, cool breeze sneakin’ right on across a hot Texas summertime front porch, and we’re real ready for a little Scripture gab‑fest. I’m mighty glad you stopped by because today we get to talk about somethin’ a lot sweeter than fresh-baked peach cobbler and even stronger than an ol’ Brahma bull that spotted an open gate. Ephesians 1:5 tells us that “God decided in advance to adopt us into His own family by bringing us to Himself through Jesus Christ.” That there means God didn’t just tolerate you. He plum wanted you for His own. And Psalm 149:4 backs it up by saying, “For the Lord takes pleasure in His people.” Friend, that there means you bring God great joy, even on the days you feel about as graceful as a lil’ calf learnin’ to walk on a frozen pond.
When Jesus was baptized, the Father declared from Heaven, “This is my dearly loved Son, who brings me great joy,” in Matthew 3:17. Then Jesus prayed in John 17:22-23 that the Father would love us just as much as He loves Him. Now if that don’t make your heart do a cartwheel like a lil’ ol’ squirrel that done found a whole bucket full of acorns, I don’t know what will. God’s love ain’t based on your charms, your record, or your ability to keep your life from lookin’ like some kind of a goat rodeo. God loves you because you are in Christ, and Christ is in you.
Ephesians 1:6 says we are “accepted in the Beloved.” That there means God looks at you and sees the righteousness of Jesus wrapped all around you like the world’s most perfect quilt. Before Christ, we were without hope, wanderin’ around like a lost lil’ ol’ raccoon in the daylight. But now we’re adopted, cherished, and welcomed into God’s family with full rights and full love. Romans 8:15 reminds us that we have received the Spirit of adoption, by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.” That there’s not distant love. That there’s close, warm, pull‑up‑a‑chair kind of love.
Father, thank You for adopting me, loving me, and calling me Your own. Help me live like someone who belongs to You. Let my life reflect Your kindness, Your grace, and Your heart. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Now, friend, before the fireflies start flickerin’ and distract us both, let me leave you with this notion that you can be takin’ with you. You ain’t just barely loved. You are very deeply wanted. You are not just tolerated. You are greatly treasured. And as you step out into your day, you’ve gotta be walkin’ with the confidence of a lil’ barn cat that finally figured out it plum belongs right up on the porch, knowing full well that the One who lovingly adopted you sho-nuff’ delights in calling you His very own child.
With joy,
Gwen
