Embracing Our Identity as God's Children

“See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when Christ appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. All who have this hope in him purify themselves, just as he is pure.” (1 John 3:1–3, NIV)

While All Saints Day is the first day of November, many churches celebrate the first Sunday in November. The day is a poignant time for Christians around the world to remember and honor the saints, known and unknown, who have walked the path of faith before us. It's a day that transcends time, connecting us with the cloud of witnesses who have finished their races and now dwell in the presence of God. This sacred day is not only a remembrance but also a celebration of the holy lives that continue to inspire and guide us in our spiritual journey. It serves as a heartfelt reminder that we, too, are part of this vast family of believers and are called to live lives worthy of the calling we have received.

Being God’s child is an intimate and powerful identity that shapes our entire existence. It means we are loved beyond measure, chosen by grace, and adopted into an everlasting family. This divine kinship brings comfort in times of loneliness and strength in moments of weakness. As children of God, we are inheritors of a legacy of faith, hope, and love. The reality of this identity is empowering; it encourages us to rise above our daily challenges and live with purpose. In recognizing ourselves as God’s children, we also acknowledge our responsibility to emulate the traits of our heavenly Father – to show compassion, to act justly, and to walk humbly with our God.

All Saints Day rekindles our awareness of this spiritual lineage and our place within it. It’s an opportunity to reflect on the beauty of our faith that connects us not only with those who are physically present but also with the saints who have set a benchmark of faithfulness. This connection bolsters our understanding of being God’s child, knowing that we walk the same path they once did, fueled by the same spirit that they were. It is a day of unity, a day of solidarity, and a day that reinforces the profound truth that in every age, God's children are called to reflect His light into the darkness, just as the saints once did.

If you are unable to attend worship or your church doesn't observe All Saints Day, please think of the many saints who have made an impact on your own walk with Christ as the video plays. Then, as you are led, pray the prayer below thanking God for placing them in your life.

Gracious and Everlasting Father, we raise our hearts to You in gratitude and praise. You, O Lord, are the Architect of ages, the Shepherd of saints, and the Giver of grace. Today, we remember with joy and thanksgiving the saints of all times and places who have walked the path of righteousness, lighting the way with their lives of faithful witness.
We thank You for those who taught us, not just with words, but with the eloquence of their lives. For their courage in adversity, their steadfast faith in trials, and their infectious joy in Your presence, we give You praise. They were vessels of Your truth, bearers of Your love, and reflections of Your glory. In their stories, we find the map of Your grace and the depth of Your commitments.
Thank You for the silent prayers they uttered, the sacrifices unnoticed by all but You, and the ripples of their godly influence that continue to shape our world. For their compassion in action, their patience in suffering, and their unwavering devotion to Your calling, we lift up our voices in adoration.
May their memories spur us on to greater deeds of love and service. Let their examples of faithfulness remind us that we, too, are called to be saints in this present age—living testimonies of Your kingdom here on earth.
We praise You, Lord, for their lives that bore fruit that endures and for their whispers of wisdom that still echo in the corridors of time. Bless us with their spirit of perseverance and the joy of their heavenly perspective.
Together with the saints of old, we join in the eternal hymn of Your glory, for You are worthy, O God, of all honor, all glory, and all praise, forever and ever.
In Jesus' Name, Amen.

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MSAC Bible Challenge

Sunday: John 3-4, Monday: John 5-6, Tuesday: John 7-8,
Wednesday: John 9-10, Thursday: John 11-12, Friday: John 13-15,
Saturday: John 16-18, Sunday: John 19-21
Outlines and summaries