Focus

Stop and thank God for being present with you today. Ask for God’s guidance as you hear God’s voice through scripture and the writer.

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Read

Galatians 4:4-7 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)
But when the fullness of time had come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, in order to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as children. And because you are children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!”  So you are no longer a slave but a child, and if a child then also an heir, through God.

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Reflect

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

I don’t know about you, but I just celebrated a fantastic holiday season with my family and my friends. We celebrated with food and fellowship. Catching up with each other over a hot cup of coffee, while we watched the children run around.

When I read the scripture for today, I was struck by the word adoption. My family, perhaps like yours, is a beautiful eclectic mix. There are those of us that are natural-born children of the family, there are in-laws and out-laws, but there are also those like my husband and his two siblings, all three of whom are adopted. The most recent adoption was done as an adult adoption. In one fell swoop, I gained a new sister-in-law, brother-in-law, nephew, niece-in-law and great-nephew. Adoption is a beautiful, love-filled process.

The great news today is that we too are adopted! We are an heir of God. All those who claim Jesus as their savior are my brothers and sisters. What a wonderful thought to begin our new year! Knowing that each day I celebrate alongside my worldwide family. The adopted heirs of Christ, through a process that truly was filled with love.

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Pray

Great God, thank you! Thank you for signing the adoption papers. Thank you for letting me be a part of the family. Thank you for all my brothers and sisters. As we begin this new year, help us increase your family size, celebrating in fellowship that we are loved. In Jesus name, Amen.

Go with God!