Letters From Grandpa #299

LETTERS FROM GRANDPA

• 299

Dearest grandchild,

Today’s letter will hopefully bolster your self esteem by emphasizing your importance to God. You are more important to God than words can convey. When David Embree was director of the Christian Campus House in Springfield, Mo. he received a letter which began “Dear Mr. House”. We are all familiar with computer generated letters and “robo” calls from people who have no idea who we are and could care even less. It is refreshing to realize that our relationship with God is different. God knows us intimately and loves us completely! David came to realize this and wrote: “O Lord, you have searched me and known me” (Ps. 139:1). This beautiful psalm points out that God knew David before he was born and knitted him together in his mother’s womb. Read the Psalm! It points out that no matter where David went or what he did, he could never escape from the watchful eye of his loving God. Recognizing this loving relationship with God can transform your life. David was important to God, and so are you!

Have you heard the joke about the husband who said to a marriage counselor: “Old ‘whatshername’ here doesn’t think I pay enough attention to her”? Oops! Names are important to wives and they are also important to God! There are literally trillions of stars and God has given every star a name (Ps. 147:4). Further, God appointed Adam to be the first taxonomist and authorized him to give names to every beast and every bird on earth (Gen. 1:19,20). Sometimes God even gives names to babies before they are born. He did this for Ishmael (Gen. 16:11); Isaac (Gen. 17:19); Cyrus (Is. 44:28); Maher-Shalal-Hash-Baz (Isa 8:3); Jezreel (Hos. 1:4); Loammi (Hos. 1:9); John the Baptist (Lk. 1:13); Jesus (Matt. 1:21); Etc. Names are important to God! Sometimes God also gives new names to people at special times in their lives. He did this to Abram (Gen. 17:5); Sarai (Gen. 17:15); Jacob (Gen. 32:28); Solomon (2 Sam. 12:24,25); Pashur (Jer. 20:1-6); Simon (Jn. 1:42); Etc. God has promised a “new name” to those who are overcomers (Rev. 2:17). You can be sure that God not only knows your name but has even numbered the hairs on your head (Matt. 10:29,30).

Every parent knows it is easier to do things for a child than to teach them to do things for themselves. Good parents, however, take the time to teach their children how to work and be self sufficient. God is a Good Father! He made the heavens and earth in only six days. He could have very easily taken care of the Garden of Eden all by Himself. Like a loving Father, however, He taught Adam how to do it. Most children treasure the opportunity to tag along and “help” Daddy. In this regard we have been granted the privilege and honor to tag along and be laborers together with God (1 Cor. 3:9).

It is interesting to note that sometimes God even designated a special ministry for His children before they were born:

• Before Jeremiah was born God set him apart to be a prophet to the nations (Jer. 1:5)
• Generations before Cyrus was born God determined that he would rebuild Jerusalem (Is.

44:28).

• Before Samson was born God determined that he would deliver Israel from the Philistines

(Judges 13:5).

• Before John the Baptist was born God determined that he would go forth in the spirit and

power of Elijah and prepare the way for Jesus (Lk. 1:17). God knew that John the Baptist

would be born hundreds of years before it came to pass (Mal. 4:5 - 6).

• Before Jesus was born God determined that He would save the people from their sins

(Matt. 1:21).

• Paul was set apart from his mother’s womb to be an apostle to the gentiles (Gal. 1:15).
• Etc.
• It is exciting to consider that God may have a special work for us to do. Consequently, He is

capable of orchestrating everything in our lives to especially equip us for that special mission.

WE ARE MEMBERS OF HIS BODY

When God designed the human body every part had a purpose. Medical science is reluctantly recognizing this. In New York in 1945 61% of 11 year old children already had their tonsils removed. Doctors back then thought that tonsils were not necessary and removing them was considered a health benefit. By the end of the century, however, doctors reversed themselves. They now recognize the health benefits of tonsils and only remove them in emergency situations.

When you are baptized into Christ you become a member of His Body: “For we were all baptized by One Spirit into One Body” (1 Cor. 12:13). Like the hand, or the foot, or the eye, or the ear, every member of the body has a purpose (See 1 Cor. 12:12-31). In Rom. 12:6 these functions are called “gifts”. The Bible word for “gift” is “charisma”. The root of this word is “chara” which means “joy”. When you discover and use your spiritual gift, you will not only experience joy, but you will help make an increase of the Body unto the building up of itself in love (Eph. 4:16)

I am praying that God will help you to realize why you were born and the purpose for your existence. Recognizing this will fill your lives with “inexpressible and glorious joy” (1 Pet. 1:8).

I love you,

Grandpa Boyce