Romans 8:15-16 “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.”

I remember back when my kids were just tiny babies.  At first they didn’t focus on anything really.  Even though their eyes were open they gazed around at things but it took a few weeks before they would really focus on my face.  It brought a sweet moment of love the first time I saw them really looking at me.  Then they started babbling and making sounds but no words.  I can still feel the joy I felt when they finally connected the sound “Mama” to me.  It takes no time at all after that for them to call Mama and Dada whenever they want something.  This is how it is with children.  They need us for everything at first and even as they grow into their own independence we hope they will continue a loving and deep relationship with us.  We are children of God.  When we first begin to see and recognize him as our Father, I imagine he feels joy and love too.  As we grow into our independence, he longs for us to continue a loving and deep relationship with us, just as we do with our children.  Seek the arms of your heavenly Father.  Call on him and grow a deeper, more loving relationship with Him.  His Spirit calls to us reminding us of Him.  He desires a relationship with us and the blessings He shares with us are beyond measure.

Lord,

Just as our earthly parents always remain our parents so you always remain our heavenly Father.  Pull us into your arms of love during this season of preparing to receive your ultimate gift of love.  Guide our hearts into relationship with you in our everyday lives.  Speak Spirit and let us hear.  Amen.