We are "preacher kids," my sister and I, and the nickname PK came to mean some strange things for anyone who was a preacher's kid--"peculiar kids," "precious kids," and whatever else friends, family or foes might dream up! Well today it means "precocious kids" as I go down memory's lane to a funny story. I attempted, at age ten, to teach my three-year-old sister her ABCs. Why, she'd be the smartest kid on the block! Maybe! I was in for a big surprise as I would patiently teach her by rote; she would repeat after me--and then my sisterly pride would turn into total frustration. She would get ALL mixed up with those simple ABCs--would I EVER get through and would she EVER learn! I'm pleased to announce that I did--and she did--the "persistent kids" we really both are!

But how about your spiritual ABCs? Ever try to use a simple A-to-Z learning method to remember God's love for you? Come with me to the Well - the school bell is ringing and we're going to learn our old-fashioned ABCs all over again! No test will be given--except that old slewfoot who hangs around will be watching and wanting you to mess us up! Let it be known that we plan on completing the course--getting an A+--and living like the King's Kids we are meant to be! So come along with your ABC primer and join me at the Well!

A Helping Word...or Two!

ACCEPTED By the Spirit!

Peter learned his ABCs--the hard way. He failed the Lord, denying and forsaking Him as he would never have dreamed of ever doing. The ABCs HE learned were "Accusation, Blunders and Crisis"--and so our Lord had a difficult student on His hands. But nothing is too difficult for God--and one day, after the Resurrection, the test came...."Peter, do you love Me?" Three times the question was asked; three times Peter answered--and it was then, without a doubt, and by the prompting of the Holy Spirit, Peter knew deep within his own spirit, "I am accepted...I am beloved...I am cleansed!"

...And you're accepted too! "The Spirit [himself] beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God (Romans 8:16)." Whatever your failure or shortcoming, God does not mark it in the grade book AGAINST you--then continually point it out! He is for you--believe that truth with all your heart. Do not listen to the accusations of the devil. You are accepted, you are beloved, you are cleansed! Believe the Lord's ABCs and be set free!

BELOVED of the Father!

Jesus knew His ABCs--He was ever aware of His Father's love. In the waters of baptism, God spoke, "This is my BELOVED Son. Hear ye Him!" Jesus was dear to the Father's heart. The Father and the Son had an intimate, close relationship such as we will never comprehend--they communicated easily and freely. Jesus knew, without a doubt that His Father loved Him beyond measure, even when the tests and trials came. Jesus held on to the love of the Father and to the Words of the Father, and He made it all the way to Calvary and beyond--for us.

...And you're beloved of the Father too. You may never have known a loving relationship with an earthly father--and that is unfortunate and sad. You feel like a blundering, broken, unbeloved lost child. But you're NOT! God has redeemed you, called you by name--and you are HIS child, dearly loved and incredibly cared for. The devil's around to point out the negative ABCs--and all your blunders and brokenness as you try to serve the Lord--but listen not! He is a liar. You are LOVED of the Father--you are accepted, you are beloved, and not "blunderer of the year!" You are accepted, beloved and cleansed! Believe the Lord's ABCs and be set free!

CLEANSED by the Son!

Mary Magdalene knew her ABCs--the woman of the night became the woman of the light as Christ cleansed and purified her soul. She loved Him dearly, poured out her love to Him, and was accepted, beloved, and cleansed. The Blood of Jesus Christ cleanses the sins of spirit, soul and body--when we allow Him to "clean us up." And that's what Mary did--she loved and worshipped her Lord in grateful thanksgiving and praise. She KNEW her real ABCs!

...And you are cleansed by the Son too, as clearly as Mary and other people in God's Word. Just as you carefully washed your little child in those early baby and childhood days, so Jesus, with loving care, comes to cleanse you--daily--if you will let Him! The devil would use the negative ABCs to magnify the crises and sins of your life. Jesus comes with a "positive" - and you can know that you are POSITIVELY accepted, beloved and cleansed. That's the ABCs I want to learn, how about you!!

We will all do well to learn the Lord's ABCs and to live in them each day....And should you get really ambitious to do some homework, here's a fun assignment. Go through those simple ABCs you learned as a child. For each one, think of a precious truth that the Lord has shown you in His Word. For starters--He DELIGHTS in me; He ENERGIZES me; He is FAITHFUL to me.....on and on to the letter Zzzzzzzz--He never sleeps but always is watching over me! Trash the devil's ABCs of negative thinking--start thinking GOD'S thoughts toward you and have a great week!

His Healing Words

"I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord,
who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty."(Revelation 1:8 KJV)."

"Lord, I've been listening too closely to the devil who recites his negative ABCs to me--I'm accused, a blunderer and all wrapped up in one big crisis that's unfixable. Lord, I refuse those thoughts - I am accepted, beloved and cleansed. I will live in the power of Your Word and Your thoughts towards me this week. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Featured links

The Indescribable Christ
Here's a tool to help you learn God's Word and live like a PK this week!

The School Room!
Have some fun in Peggie's School Room--lots of learning resources here!

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