Who Do You Belong To?

Written By Betty Predmore

1 JOHN 3:7-24

(December 3)

Ancestry is the rave right now. People order the kits, take the samples, and send them off to see what they can find out about the people they belong to.

My adopted son just ordered his kit, and I am excited for him to know a little more about his genealogical history, as we don't have a lot of information.

I have not done that yet, but I do have a ton of old photos and keepsakes to remember the people in my family who came before me. It is important to me to not only remember, but to preserve those memories and memorabilia for the generations to come.

Of far more importance in our lives is who we belong to spiritually. Do we live according to the word of God, doing what is right and good? Or does our sin cause us to live our lives belonging to the devil?

If we have been born into God's family, we are protected. God came to destroy the devil and his evil works. The way you choose to live your life tells the world if you belong to God or to his enemy.

One great indicator of belonging to God is showing love to others. This doesn't mean to just love those who are nice to you or easy to get along with. It isn't about only the people who do things that benefit you. It also means to love those that are hard to love. Any believer is worthy of our love.

When we act in this love, we show that we are alive in Christ. But when we live in hatred and anger towards others, this clearly shows that the enemy has control over our lives.

How do we know how to love? How do we know what real love is? The answer is very simple. Jesus is our example of true love. He came to this earth, lived, died a terrible death ... all for the sake of us. He gave up his life for us, so why shouldn't we be willing to do the same for other believers?

What does this look like? If you see someone with a need ... meet it if you are able. If you notice someone who looks hopeless ... give them hope. Pray to have eyes that are open to see the needs around you and pray for a heart that is willing to be the help.

When we choose this way of life, we will still sin at times. It doesn't make us perfect. But that is why Christ died, to pay the price for those sins. And the expectation is for us to live a life of true appreciation for that gift and a desire to do all we can for others. In this way, we show the world that the enemy has no authority over us. We belong to God.

Betty Predmore

Betty Predmore is a writer, blogger, speaker and ministry leaders. She is the founder of Mom-Sense, Inc., a ministry designed for mentorship, connection and service to women of all life circumstances. Through this ministry, women are encouraged and supported with scripture and life application. Mom-Sense helps women overcome life struggles through small group classes with biblical curriculum, individual counseling, bible studies, and other areas of support.

Betty also directs the Imperial Valley Life Center, which is a non-profit faith-based pro life women’s resource center. She has a passion for saving the unborn and supporting mothers through pregnancy and motherhood.

Betty loves to speak at events, sharing the love of Jesus with other women. She does this through practical life application mingled with God’s word, and sprinkled with humor. Having experienced a broken home, divorce, abuse, grief, single motherhood, blended families, and adoption, she uses the broken places and movement of God in her own life to share His word in an inspiring way. She enjoys sharing her blogs on social media as a way of reaching out on a broader spectrum. Betty has many speaking topics which can be found on her website: www.bettypredmore.com

As an author, she has had the opportunity to impact women and reach deep into their hearts with her words of inspiration and encouragement. Through Pondering Virtue and Whispered Grace, she has created wonderful tools for the woman who is seeking direction in her spiritual walk.

Betty serves on the writing team of A Wife Like Me, and is also a contributor to Moms Encouraging Moms and Gift of Thorns. Her blogs have appeared in several magazine publications throughout the years including Southern Faith Magazine, Purposeful Life, and Aspiring Woman Magazine.

While Betty thrives on her ministry opportunities, her greatest blessings come from being a wife to Jim and a mama to their wonderful collection of children, who bring joy, laughter, and an occasional tear to her days.


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