"For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, "Abba, Father."ROMANS 8:15
On Memorial Day we remembered and gave thanks for the many veterans who have fought for our freedom. The American Civil War was one of the most tragic to American families. Yet, when it was all over many liberated slaves returned to their former owners and begged to be slaves again. Why? They were unable to cope with liberty. Fear drove them back to bondage. They felt unowned, adrift. Under old masters they knew who they were and where they belonged.
Similarly, sin made all of us slaves. Remember how sin made you a slave to fear. Perhaps, you feared life, feared death. the past, the future, or judgment and hell?
Remember when you heard Jesus died on the cross to set you free. You believed in Him as your Redeemer, accepted His blood as the payment for your freedom. He gave His life to liberate you from that slavery.
Be glad you can live free. You are no longer a loser, an outsider, a nobody . You are not in bondage to anything or anybody. You are not at the back door of Father's house, to beg. You have come in at The Door in front. You are His child seated at the Father's table with His family. You are where you belong. You smile at God and are not afraid to call Him, "Abba or Papa."
Go forward: As God's child. Never go back to the old life of fear. The Holy Spirit, the Spirit of adoption, beckons you to new places and to do new things. The adventure continues. Live and love as a son. God's Spirit confirms who you really are, God's liberated child.
Prayer: Father, I'm glad I belong to you. I serve you out of love not fear. Abba, what's next in this new life? I can go anywhere and do anything in Jesus' name. Amen