Your Own

For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by Him we cry, “Abba, Father.” – (Romans 8:14-15, NIV)

The true children of God are those who let God’s Spirit lead them. The Spirit that we received is not a spirit that makes us slaves again and causes us to fear. The Spirit that we have makes us God’s chosen children. And with that Spirit we cry out, “Abba, Father.” – (Romans 8:14-15, ERV)

The mature children of God are those who are moved by the impulses of the Holy Spirit. And you did not receive the “spirit of religious duty,” leading you back into the fear of never being good enough. But you have received the “Spirit of full acceptance,” enfolding you into the family of God. And you will never feel orphaned, for as He rises up within us, our spirits join Him in saying the words of tender affection, “Beloved Father!” – (Romans 8:14-15, TPT)

When we seek the Lord and give Him our heart, He welcomes us into His family. There is no being “enough”, for in Him, we are called His very own. I love The Passions Translation, as the reminder that we have “received the ‘Spirit of full acceptance,’ and that because of that, we are “enfolded into the family of God,” are powerful phrases that help my heart hold fast to who I am in Christ. It is the love of God that compels us to love Him and love one another. No matter what our relationship with our earthly fathers is like, we have a Heavenly Father that loves and accepts us perfectly. In this broken world, that is everything. May we ever look to the Lord, our Daddy God, to lead us in His love in all that we say and do, for we are His and He is ever-present to help us and uphold us as we navigate each new day.

Lord, we come to You,

“Home.” – photo by Dee Jones of Open Door Photography ❤

And give You our trust;

Our heart in Your hands,

Where we are enough.

All that we’re lacking,

Is found in Your grace;

The strength, hope and peace,

To run well our race.

Thank You, Lord Jesus,

That we’re called Your own;

Ever included,

And perfectly known.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that when we place our trust in You and invite You to be Lord of our lives, You welcome us into Your family as children of Your own. Thank You that we can look to You as our “Abba, Father” in all things and at all times. Forgive us for forgetting that we are included in Your beloved family, not worker bees nor outcasts. Teach us to embrace who we are in You. Lead us to love those around us in such a way, that they can clearly see our Father’s heart in all that we say and do. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we praise You, our Everlasting Father, and seek to live out each day as Your beloved children. Amen.

© Shannon Elizabeth Grabrick and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present

Praise the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavens. – Ephesians 1:3

Rooted in Discipleship

This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples. – (John 15:8, NIV)

Show that you are my followers by producing much fruit. This will bring honor to my Father. – (John 15:8, ERV)

Your abundant growth and your faithfulness as My followers will bring glory to the Father. – (John 15:8, VOICE)

 

Yesterday, our pastor continued in a series that is unpacking our foundational beliefs. The focus this week, was on discipleship. Pastor Omar opened with the question, “Is being a disciple of Jesus about what we do or who we are?” As he continued, it became clear that who we are as a disciple, permeates into everything we do. However, it is less about “what” we do specifically, and instead, whether or not we bear fruit; the fruit being that of the Spirit – love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. (Galatians 5:22-23) The fruit found in our lives, is what demonstrates discipleship to the world. He went on to talk about what it takes to actually bear fruit; for a seed planted will not grow if it is not set in good soil, nourished and cared for properly. Soil that is rich in what is right and intended for our good growth exists when we are planted in the Presence of God, the Word of God, and the Family of God. Each of these three are necessary to grow our faith and spur one another on into all that we have been called to become. May we ever be intentional to invest in the soil of our lives, so that we may be bearers of the fruit of God.

 

It is to God’s glory,

When we bear much fruit;

It shares of His story,

His grace, resolute.

Choose to plant in good soil,

Enriched with the things;

That grow and establish,

Deep roots and strong wings.

Roots grown in God’s presence,

With time in His Word;

And wings to keep flying,

Surrounded and heard.

Our peace, patience, kindness,

And gentleness too;

Love and faithfulness,

Show growth that is true.

A life with self-control,

Too, tells the story;

Of a most faithful God,

And brings Him glory.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You desire for each of us to be Your disciples – not by what we do, but rather in who we are. Thank You that You show us what it is to grow and invest in good soil so that we may establish deep roots in You and bear much fruit. Forgive us for the times that our fruit has been bruised or rotten, as we allowed our own egos or agendas to get in the way of what You were doing in or through us. Teach us to trust You more, so that we are intentional to invest time in Your presence, Your Word, and in the community to which You have called us. Show us how to love well and bear fruit that lasts. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we love You and choose to follow You as life-long learners. Amen.

 

© Shannon Elizabeth Grabrick and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present

 

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. – Galatians 5:22-23