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

Romans 8:14-17 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)

For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God. For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received a spirit of adoption. When we cry, “Abba! Father!” it is that very Spirit bearing witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs, heirs of God and joint-heirs with Christ—if, in fact, we suffer with him so that we may also be glorified with him.

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Reflect

When I was a young person, I lived in a small town with a local grocery store. That store had credit accounts for their regular customers. My Dad had an account there and everyone knew my Dad. So if I needed (or wanted) anything from the store, I could go in and say “Just charge it” without any concern about the debt. I knew it would be paid. (And I knew I’d better not abuse that freedom.) I was fortunate to grow up in such a secure way. But that is nothing to the secure blessing of being adopted by God, to be his daughter! As children of God we are free to receive all that we need from the God of all creation. And not only that, but our debts are paid! So even when times are tough, we have nothing to fear. Our Parent, God has got us. Jesus our brother is with us. The Spirit of God reminds us of the eternal love and life we are given. “Joint heirs with Christ!” Can you imagine? We don’t have to imagine. Let us believe it. Let us receive it.

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Pray

Our Loving and Living God,

We praise you for loving us so much that you have made us Your Sons and Daughters. Help us to live as your children, secure in your love, eager to live in your way, empowered by your Spirit, now and forever.
In Jesus name we pray,

Amen

Go with God!