Hello Dear Friends,
When considering what to share for this Friday email, I’d like to draw on what the Holy Spirit has currently been teaching me from Scripture and an insight I’ve been marinating in for a bit now.
I’ve recently found myself meditating over and over again on the 8th chapter of Romans. I read it each day as part of my devotional time and have been fascinated by how often a verse or thought will strike a chord in my own heart based on a recent struggle, thought, or doubt with which I’ve been wrestling. On the flip-side, I’ve also found comfort as a verse will help assuage fear and help speak peace. The nugget I’d like to highlight this time is from the 15th verse which says:
For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” (Romans 8:15, ESV).
A spirit of slavery leads back to fear (which I can wrestle with every day). BUT as followers of Jesus that’s not where we have to stay, because instead I (you/we) have received the Holy Spirit who is our proof that we are children of God, and through whom we can identify ourselves to our Loving Heavenly Father by His endearing name! As sons/daughters of God we a) belong, b) are safe, c) have identity, and d) are loved (completely!). I’m convinced God knew what He was doing when he used the imagery of children to their father, because He knew how deeply we all crave that connection, not only with our earthly fathers but also with our Heavenly Father.
The neat thing about the Sabbath is it’s another one of those confirmations of God’s delight in us as His children. It’s a gift He’s given us to enjoy and it’s an opportunity to meditate on His goodness as our Loving Heavenly Father. May you be encouraged on this day to reflect back on the truth that as sons and daughters of God, we belong, are safe, have identity and are loved completely.
Encouraged with you,
Clyde
