Special As a child on the way to our grandparents’ house in the mountains, we used to stop by this mall in Colorado Springs. There was this painter in the hallway of the mall who would quickly create these beautiful scenes of landscapes while you watched. It was so fascinating how, with each stroke of a specific color, something that was already in his head would slowly be constructed strategically on the canvas. As wonderful as it would always turn out to be, it had already been formed in the imagination of its creator, something that would represent a very special passion of his heart. Long before there was even a canvas to paint on, there was in the heart of our Father God, a very special passion for the forming of His creation in each of us. He saw us returning the love He would pour out on us by abiding and knowing Him as our Father God in a place where He would provide for us. Though there was a fall that fractured this image, in Christ was provided a way for what He desired to be presented perfectly and complete. Now, by His mercy and grace, everyone, no matter the present condition of their life, can experience this creation in their heart. They can actually represent the passion of the Father from so long ago as the image of Christ takes form on the canvas of their heart and life. By simply calling on His name they can receive an inheritance as His own child as if it were so from the beginning – because that is how it always has been in His heart. With every stroke applied in His presence, there is further realization of our eternal destiny with Him in Christ. Notes The Father’s passion proclaimed Jeremiah 24:7 (NLT) 7 I will give them hearts that recognize me as the LORD. They will be my people, and I will be their God, for they will return to me wholeheartedly. How this passion can be Jeremiah 31:33 (NLT) 33 “But this is the new covenant I will make with the people of Israel after those days,” says the LORD. “I will put my instructions deep within them, and I will write them on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people. The fulfilling of His prophecy as us in Christ – the forever praise of His grace and kindness Ephesians 2:4-7 (NLT) 4 But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, 5 that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!) 6 For he raised us from the dead along with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ Jesus. 7 So God can point to us in all future ages as examples of the incredible wealth of his grace and kindness toward us, as shown in all he has done for us who are united with Christ Jesus. In Him we’ve been made special through the free gift of righteousness Titus 3:4-7 (NKJV) 4 But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared, 5 not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, 6 whom He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 that having been justified by His grace we should become heirs according to the hope of eternal life. Calling – the only qualification Romans 10:12-13 (NKJV) 12 For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, for the same Lord over all is rich to all who call upon Him. 13 For “WHOEVER CALLS ON THE NAME OF THE LORD SHALL BE SAVED.” To become His new covenant, must rise with Him Romans 6:4 (NLT) 4 For we died and were buried with Christ by baptism. And just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glorious power of the Father, now we also may live new lives. The Spirit that raised has come to write Romans 8:11 (NLT) 11 The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, he will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you. The expectation of all those who love His appearing 2 Timothy 4:8 (NKJV) 8 Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing. Overview: Long before creation, God’s passion was for those who would return His love and experience His provision as Father God. Though Adam’s fall fractured this image, in Christ this was made possible by His coming to live inside and writing His nature there in our hearts. As we rise with Him to eternal life, we are born again as His new creation with an inheritance from Him as His children. The only qualification for everything in Him is to simply call on Him. As His fulfilled passion for creation, we are given an eternal destination with Him. Prayer: As I move towards You now in worship, I am yielding my heart and mind to the nature of Christ You have brought to life there. As You fill me with this revelation, I give my passions to fulfilling Yours as Your child in the image of Christ. Declarations: As I have called on the name of the Lord, I have been given new life in Him as a free gift of righteousness. I am partaking of this new nature as I dwell in Him and His Word. As my passions are transformed from the deadness of the world, I am alive to an eternal destination in Him. My pressing to this higher calling is causing my life to influence the world around me with a compelling urgency to call on His name as well.