RED ROVER RED ROVER LET LEIGH ANN COME OVER
- Key Verse
- Then Peter began to speak, "I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism, but accepts men from every nation who fear him and do what is right." (Acts 10:34-35 NIV)
READ THE PASSAGE
Central Truth
There is no "Golden Ticket." There is no "Best In Show." There is no hierarchy with Jesus. He loves us, accepts us, and has room for us all. None of us can be good enough, pretty enough, thin enough, or rich enough to obtain salvation through our deeds.
Reflections
I have learned to use my particular set of abilities to help me maneuver through life. I remember the sheer terror of playground team games. As long as I was not chosen last, I felt a little superior. If a friend of mine was the team captain, I knew I would be assured a spot. I would not have to know the sting of humiliation as each captain fought over not having the last person left on their team.
I remember applying for art school and hoping that my audition would be good enough to be accepted.
I remember a famous, Academy Award winning director telling me I did not have the looks to make it in Hollywood.
I remember choosing models for fashion shows solely on whether they fit the sample outfit and could walk a runway.
I remember asking my mother who was her favorite child, my brother or me. She responded in that careful parent way, saying she loved each of us equally. My brother, I suspect, was probably easier to love. I needed the reassurance more.
I remember calling a prospective student and telling him that he was denied entry into our school based on his GPA.
God, however, has never required me to audition, perform, adapt, or transform. I am His favorite. I won the audition. My portfolio was accepted. His passion for me is without bounds. But I'm not the only one. He is so vast and all encompassing that we are each His favorite. He doesn't require a performance or a grade point. God doesn't need any of our self-honed and refined skill sets to barter for His acceptance. He accepts all of us. Even better He loves all of us simply because we exist. Truthfully, if God awarded based on athleticism I would be bereft of blessings. Mathematical and analytical skills are not my strong suit. I am loved because I am loved. Therefore, I am His favorite.
Discussion Questions
Because God loved us, “He gave His one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life." (John 3:16 NLT)1. How have you tried to gain God's acceptance?
2. How have you learned to stop striving and accept God's love for you?
3. Have you ever questioned whether you were good enough? How did you resolve these feelings?
4. Do you feel like a favorite? What is it that makes you feel special to God?
5. How would you explain to another that God does play favorites?
Harold
February 3, 2010 06:26 AM
This is cute, Leigh Ann, from the title to the questions. Thanks. The idea of being someone's favorite speaks of special attachment, and since, as Lance said yesterday and you say today, God loves all of us regardless of how we have lived, he has a special attachment to each one.
Delia Bustamante
February 3, 2010 08:34 AM
Thank YOu! Very encouraging , just perfect for today of all days...God Bless you for your wonderful reminder!!
Martha
February 3, 2010 09:00 AM
What a great reminder that we are loved without regard to our accomplishments! How thankful I am for that truth. Thanks, Leigh Ann, for stating it so well.
Kathy
February 3, 2010 09:25 AM
WOW Leigh Anne... What a wonderful and uplifting devotional today!!! Exactly what I need to be reminded of - we are accepted into God's Kingdom no matter who we are by believing in Jesus Christ. Such a BIG difference in the kingdom of man here on earth. Thanks for sharing.
Reta Selitto
February 3, 2010 09:30 AM
Leigh Ann, Thanks for the ever needed reminder. How often do we forget the true the love of our heavenly father and replace it with our own ideas of acceptance. It was good for my heart this morning to hear once again I am loved without stipulations.
February 3, 2010 10:08 AM
Love your take on this. You've experienced both sides of the coin in a real way. You truly seem to understand that God loves us because we are His. As a new father, this has become more clear personally. Thanks for sharing!
Brenda
February 3, 2010 03:10 PM
Thank you so much for your insight. I don't often enough that God loves me just as I am.
Pam
February 3, 2010 04:07 PM
Leigh Ann - Thank you! This was meant for me today.
Gary Brandenburg
February 3, 2010 04:07 PM
Well done Leigh Ann - you're the apple of His eye!
Lisa Stewart
February 4, 2010 12:26 PM
Thanks for sharing this inspiring and encouraging message of God's love in such a practical manner. I will share this message with my students during our class devotion! Blessings!
jgarellano
February 4, 2010 04:05 PM
Leigh Ann, Thank you for reminding me that God loved me unconditionally even before I accepted Jesus Christ as my savior. In fact, it was the reason he sent his son to die for me.