God’s Letters from Philippi #1

My beloved,

I want you to know who I am.

I am, first and foremost, God your Father. I am not impersonal, but personal. I am not absent, but present. I am not callous, but caring. Let me be that Father to you today. Don’t keep me at arm’s length. Let me in, all the way in. Let me be your Father. Especially in that wounded part of your heart you hide so well.

And I am, first and foremost, the Lord Jesus Christ. I am all I promised I would be. Every good thing ever whispered about me in the past is true. I am Lord. I am King. I’ve not come to just relax with you, but to renovate you. I’ve not come to fix a few things, but all things.

Let me be your King today. Let me rule in every area of your life today. Let me bear the burden of being in charge. Let go of the reins. Give up the need to control. I’ll take the wheel today. Especially in that one area giving you so much stress today.

And as Father and King, what I most desire is to grant you grace and peace. Be on the lookout today. Keep your eyes open. Because my gifts of grace will be everywhere. In the sunrise. In the cup of hot tea. In the warm embrace of a friend. In a word from a book that lifts your spirits. When you least expect it, expect grace to arrive.

And peace. You’ll have to slow down to catch it. It’s elusive. It’s shy. But I promise it will be there today. Stress, anxiety and fear don’t have to be your normal. Close your eyes. Breath in and out. Receive my present of peace today.

I want you to know who I am.

And I want you to know who you are.

You are, first and foremost a servant. A slave. But don’t take that the wrong way. I’m no terrible taskmaster. And you’re no sub-human servant. I’m the most gracious and generous King you’ll ever find. And you find purpose in my service. You’ll be filled up by emptying yourself for me and others. So don’t fight for your rights. Don’t demand your way today. Play second chair. Shine the spotlight on others. Look for opportunities to give the assist rather than taking the shot.

And you are, first and foremost, a saint. I’ve made you more holy than the Pope. I’ve deemed you more righteous than Mandela, Teresa, Graham, and King. Yes, I know you don’t always act like a saint. But that’s how I see you. That’s what my blood has made you. That’s what my Spirit is recreating within you. So today, become who you are. Live out the name I’ve already given you. Choose holiness rather than hatred. Choose righteousness rather than revenge. Take off that name tag which says, “Hello, my name is Sinner.” And put on a name tag which says, “Hello, my name is Saint.”

Today, remember who I am. And remember who you are.

With love,

Father