Long ago accepted

[snugsnug]

“Long before he laid down earth’s foundations, he had us in mind, had settled on us as the focus of his love, to be made whole and holy by his love. Long, long ago he decided to adopt us into his family through Jesus Christ.” Ephesians 1:4 The Message
Orphan or Adopted…?
You are the focus of God’s adopting love. His love actually changes you on the inside from being a wandering orphan to being a promised son or daughter. When you live as an orphan … you live life longing for acceptance. Many live as orphans after they have been adopted into Christ’s family. They just cannot believe that their life is presentable inside and out. This is the gift of the Promised One. He always keeps his word. He is making you whole and holy through Jesus Christ. There isn’t any other way. God describes your life as one of His “settled ones” before He ever created the earth. You are that “old” in God’s selection. He wants you to learn how to be gripped by His adopting promises. He knows it takes a long time for most of us to really accept His total acceptance. And yet … your heavenly Father is patiently working through every cell in your body for you to radically accept His adopting gift in Christ. It only takes a moment … your adopting papers have already been signed and delivered for your whole acceptance and new life inside and out …
“So let’s do it — full of belief, confident that we’re presentable inside and out. Let’s keep a firm grip on the promises that keep us going. He always keeps his word.” Hebrews 10:23-24 The Message