Sunday, April 27, 2014

Open Arms

There is nothing more heartwarming for me that when one of my kids reaches out to me with open arms looking for a hug from dad. They do this in good times and bad, and I comfort them in both. We are fortunate to have a Father like that in God. Paul spoke of this to the Romans and to the Galatians.

Romans 8:14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.
15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.
16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:
17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.
18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.

Here Paul says that we receive the Spirit of adoption, and we cry out “Daddy, Father.” He explained it in more detail in his letter to the Galatians.

Galatians 4:4 But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,
5 To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.
6 And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.
7 Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.

Here Paul explains that God gave us the same Spirit that was in Jesus, making us sons with Him. Just as my children reach out to me, we can reach out to God. Just like my children know that this is true no matter how tough things are or how much they may have messed up they can reach out to me, we too can be in tough times and have messed up and still reach out to God. It is a lie of the enemy or our flesh that makes us think He will not receive us if we call out to Him.

James 4:10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.

Today, if you need comfort, regardless the reason, humble yourself and let the Spirit cry out “Daddy, Father” and open your arms to Him. He will lift you up.

Prayer
Father, We praise and exalt You. We thank You for never turning Your back on Your people. We thank You for always being there, waiting with open arms, to receive us and lift us up. Please keep us under the shadow of Your wing today. Please send today the healing, the deliverance, and the provision we need in a powerful and strong way. In Jesus’ (Yeshua’s) name. Amen.