Powerful Blood!

Having the right bloodline is important. In many cultures, it could be the difference between life and death, success and failure. And the Bible is all about being part of the right bloodline. 

Ruth, for instance, was added to the right bloodline and changed her life forever, but we can add that it was her faith and loyalty that allowed her entrance into a royal bloodline. Consider that in church﹘the body of Christ (Ephesians 1:22; Colossians 1:24)﹘when we are added to the church (Acts 2:47, 1 Corinthians 12:27), we are added to His body, or into His bloodline. 

There is a special characteristic that's recognizable among God's royal family. Jesus tells us in Matthew 7:16-20 that we will “know them by their fruit.” God’s people, those who are part of His bloodline, will demonstrate distinct characteristics that mimic our Maker. The Israelites wanted a bloodline to rule over them made up of “kings like everyone else has.” But more often than not, those of the human royal bloodline didn't fit the mold; they hardly had any of the faith and loyalty that Ruth modeled. 

It's in Christ (His bloodline) that we now have hope to be what God wants from His children. We are redeemed from an old way of life, and a powerful change takes place in the blood. Apart from that bloodline, we are hopeless. 

Throughout the Bible, blood redeems us from the price against us that we could not pay. 1 Peter 1:18-19 says, "For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold (you were redeemed) ... but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect.” 

Blood is life! (Genesis 9:4) "But now in Christ Jesus, you who once were far away, have been brought near by the blood of Christ." (Ephesians 2:13). Colossians 1:20 says, "And [God] reconciles to Himself all things… by making peace through His blood, shed on the cross." Jesus made a divine bloodline available for us, and it changes our life. Praise God for life-giving blood

Change Your Mind

"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect."—(Romans 12:2)

One of the most climactic passages in the Bible (in my opinion) is found near the middle of Paul’s letter to the Romans. Romans wasn’t the first epistle Paul wrote, but it is definitely regarded as one of the most profound and probably the most referenced defense of the Gospel addressed to believers. One of the important things we gain from reading it is to see how Paul addresses real-life arguments and misunderstandings of the role of Christ for humanity. 

The truth is that we all have things we don’t understand well about what it means to live for Christ. Even Paul and the other apostles struggled with understanding at times and doing what the good news reveals about God’s will for us and what that means in everyday life. 

The Jews thought they understood being a Jew pretty well. In fact, they took a lot of pride in that idea without realizing what it all really meant. Eventually, those who were seeking to worship the Father in spirit and in truth realized they would have to change the way they thought about…everything in order to do the will of the Father. 

Being a Jew wasn’t bad, any more than being a Pharisee; it was acting rebellious or hypocritical that was bad. It seemed their titles blinded them from what God was calling them to be. Nothing is different for us. Being an American isn’t bad, any more than being of a particular race, or having a certain IQ, or earning however much money you earn. It’s thinking differently that is the real challenge. 

God had a very important ritual that He established for those living prior to Christ’s arrival: The Day of Atonement (Leviticus 16). Atonement just means reparation for a wrong or injury, which in humanity’s case is sin! God was willing to atone (cover over) sin on our behalf. It was a day that involved many prayers of thanksgiving and sacrifices to demonstrate their understanding of the importance of that event. Sadly, they struggled with really getting it; they hadn’t changed their minds yet! 

It took Jesus coming to the earth to model for us how to live, and being willing to be the perfect sacrifice, the lamb who would take away the sins of the world! Once He lived and was sacrificed for us, this could finally make more sense. The challenge still remains, though, that we must change the way we think about life and godliness. 

Romans 12 highlights many amazing practices that help us in that. “Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality…” (Romans 12:9-13)

Grandparenting

Acts 2:39, "The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off–for all whom the Lord our God will call." 

A gray-haired woman in her 70s walked down the aisle of a plane, stopped by an empty seat, and asked the person sitting next to it, “Excuse me, do you have any grandchildren?” When the very surprised person responded, “Yes, I do!” the woman moved on down the aisle. Asking the same question, the person next to the empty seat stammered, “No, but we wish we did.” Sitting down, the woman said, “Wonderful! Now, I will tell you about mine!” Does that sound like you? 

Bragging on your grandkids is a blessing I hope you don’t take for granted. But that time as a grandparent is more than showing off pictures to strangers, it’s about showing Christ to those precious little people who bring you so much joy. Yet, a growing number of grandparents are on repeat mode of parenting. For them, those little people aren’t just weekend visitors but permanent residents and their responsibility. Whether or not this describes your situation, grandparents play a huge role in the emotional and spiritual development of a child. 

I’m speaking from the perspective of a parent just entering the teenage phase. Although I have no experience as a grandparent, I can see the tremendous value of their presence in my kids' lives. What should young parents expect from their parents' involvement in the lives of their children? Here are a few things that grandparents' experience and wisdom can do to aid the parent in the heat of the battle:

Be proactive and seek ways to get involved and stay involved in their life. Many times, a younger person will end up mimicking the actions of those who are constantly in their life. This may also require you to become familiar with texting, Facebook, Instagram, Tik-Tok, etc. Besides, that may be a great opportunity to spend time with your grandkids letting them teach you a thing or two about technology. (You may also be able to introduce them to the art of sending cards and writing letters.) 

Keep the main thing, the main thing. There’s nothing more important than for all of us to hear, “Well done, good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:21. 23). However, that means we never quit trying to shape, encourage, inspire, train our children to put God first. Psalm 71:18, “Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, O God, till I declare your power to the next generation, your might to all who are to come.” How are you doing with that? 

Surround your grandchildren with a hedge of prayer, when you’re with them and when you’re alone. Listen to them. Invite them into your life, but remember that they will want you to be part of their life, too. Do your giving while you are living. Send a grandchild to Bible School. Help as many families as you can find with the support and hope they need by your actions. Although grandparenthood sounds amazing, it’s important to remember that it’s not over until we are called home. Stay in the action, help those who need it, and love others passionately.