Tag: Father
Day 3–A Helper Forever
Scripture reading for June 3: John 14:15-18 “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments. And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of Truth, Whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him. You know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you. I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.”
In the last major teaching to His disciples, Jesus prepares them for His leaving them through the cross in death and then ascension to heaven following His resurrection. If you remember, God had promised that His Son Jesus would be “Immanuel,” which means “God with us.” Now Jesus explained that instead of His physical presence, God the Father would answer Jesus’ prayer to send them another “Helper,” the Spirit of Truth. The Holy Spirit would be with them ‘forever!’ The world could not receive this ‘Helper,’ because it cannot see Him or know Him. Those in the world are blind to this “Helper” Who was the Gift of the Father in heaven.
Jesus went on to say that His disciples would know Him (the Holy Spirit of Truth) and allow Him to dwell in them and be with them continually for an unlimited time–forever. His disciples would not be left as an orphan without support and family presence. In the form of the Helper, Jesus Himself would come to them and be with them in a way that was not limited to physical location or time. The Holy Spirit within them would cry “Abba” “Father”, marking them as distinctly belonging to God’s forever family. (Romans 8:15-16)
O how we as first responders and all believers need God’s Gift of the Holy Spirit with us and living in us! God’s amazing love is given to us through the Holy Spirit. (Romans 5:5) It is in the power of the Spirit we can obey God’s commandments and walk in truth. When we set our mind on the Spirit, we enjoy life and peace (rest). (Romans 8:5-6)
Prayer: Father God, thank You for not leaving us as orphans, but giving us Your Gift of the Holy Spirit of Truth. Fill me with Your love and truth. Empower me as I set my mind on Your indwelling presence, to walk in obedience to Your commandments. I am comforted forever by Your presence. Amen.
Not a slave but a son!
Scripture reading for August 20: Galatians 4
“In the same way we also, when we were children, were enslaved to the elementary principles of the world. But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!” So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God.” Galatians 4:3-7
According to Paul, anointed by the Holy Spirit, the world view of those outside the faith is one of slavery to the elementary principles of the world. Those in that slavery don’t necessarily look at their lives that way. The god of this world has deceived them to think of themselves as free to do whatever feels good to them. Those practicing Judaism also were in slavery to those same principles but their religion gave them hope through keeping the law of God through human effort. But by the works of the law, no human flesh will be justified. (Galatians 2:16) But God has provided a remedy to deliver those in slavery to this world and to human effort to be good.
God’s plan was to send His Son, Jesus Christ, in the form of human flesh, born of woman, and born under the law. Jesus Christ would suffer temptation from every elementary principle of this world and from the evil one, Satan. He would in the power of the Holy Spirit resist sin and then offer Himself as the Redeemer of all in slavery. He, the Firstborn Son, would defeat the slave master, Satan and send all who would believe in Him a gift from the Father, the Holy Spirit. The Spirit of God would bear witness inside each believer that they were no longer slaves, but sons of God through faith. “Abba! Father!” would be the cry of our reborn hearts as we were adopted back into the forever family of God!
In what ways do you now recognize that you were once a slave to the elementary principles of this world? How did you come to have a change in your world view and the need to make changes? Has religion ever been a hinderance to finding new birth and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit Who cries “Abba!”?
Prayer: Father God, thank You for sending Your Son Jesus Christ to redeem us all from slavery. I once thought I was in control of my destiny but was really a slave. When I humbled my heart and acknowledged my slavery and sins, Jesus forgave me and I was filled with a new world view of sonship in God’s family! Praise Abba! Amen!
Children of God
Scripture reading for June 24: Romans 8
“So then, brothers, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. 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!” The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs–heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with Him in order that we may also be glorified with Him.” Romans 8:12-17
Paul described those he wrote to and himself as debtors to God for the amazing gift of the Holy Spirit and salvation from sin and its penalty. The Holy Spirit now empowered them with true freedom. There was no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus concerning past sins or sins that may even now be committed. There was mercy and forgiveness available through Jesus Christ from the law of sin and it’s penalty of death and eternal separation from God. All believers are debtors to Jesus Christ, God the Father. There is nothing we can do to repay God, however, but to say “Thanks be to God!”
Paul plainly told these Roman believers about the wonderful Gift of the Holy Spirit that they had received as they repented of sin and trusted in Jesus Christ. They no longer were under bondage to their old sin nature that was bent on their death and destruction. They now were indwelt by God’s Holy Spirit Who would lead them in defeating the old nature. The Holy Spirit was producing eternal life, God’s very nature and life, in them. The Holy Spirit was a Spirit of adoption, bearing inner witness to each person that they were God’s child. In fact, the Spirit enabled each person to address God as “ABBA!” This word was an affectionate term meaning ‘Father’ or ‘Daddy.’ All believers are in the family of God and heirs of God’s gift of eternal life in abundance!
Have you ever felt that God didn’t care for you or want you in His family? How does this description of God’s provision of salvation through Jesus show His love to you? Have you felt the joy and freedom of knowing God as “Abba?”
Prayer: Abba! Father God! Thank You for Your great love demonstrated to me through the sacrifice of Your only Son, Jesus Christ. Thank You for the gift of forgiveness of sins and deliverance from condemnation. Thank You for adoption into Your forever family! Amen!
Truth? or Lie?
Scripture reading for April 16: John 8
“Jesus said to them, “If God were your Father, you would love Me, for I came from God and I am here. I came not of My own accord, but He sent Me. Why do you not understand what I say? It is because you cannot bear to hear My Word. You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because no truth is in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies.”” John 8:42-44
Jesus confronted those religious leaders who were seeking to trap Him and kill Him. As God does nothing by judgment without first warning those in danger, so Jesus spoke plainly and explained to them their deception through Satan’s lies. (Amos 3:7) He plainly told them they were under their father the devil and doing his will. He warned them that the devil was a murderer from the beginning, as Cain killed Abel after the fall of man. They were blind to the light of Jesus and God’s Word because they were under the devil’s fatherhood and lying nature. Their deception was turning them into murderers because of the lie they believed. Only the truth would make them free! (John 8:32, 36)
Jesus taught that when God is our Father, we love Jesus! Jesus came from God as His only Son as One sent on a mission to reveal the Father and His amazing love for mankind. Jesus was sent to the Jews first, descendants of Abraham, but they could not bear to hear Jesus’ Words. They would need to humble themselves and repent of their murderous ways and their pride in clinging to the devil’s lies. They would have to confess and repent to receive God’s Fatherhood. Jesus laid out the Father’s world view to lead them to freedom from the devil’s lies.
Have you ever believed something so strongly that you hated anyone who would threaten that belief? Why was it hard for these religious people to hear Jesus’ plain but convicting truth? In what way was the devil behind the deception? Is this still the case in our modern culture?
Prayer: Father God, thank You for sending Jesus as the ‘Light of the World’ to illuminate my heart through the truth of His Word. Thank you for drawing me to true repentance from the lies of the devil. Deliver me from the evil one today for Yours is the Kingdom and glory for ever and ever! Amen!
Lowly in heart
Scripture reading for January 15: Matthew 11
“At that time Jesus declared, “I thank You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children; yes, Father, for such was Your gracious will. All things have been given Me by My Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal Him. Come to Me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart and you will find rest for your souls. “ Matthew 11:25-29
In our current culture, we revere those who have degrees from prestigious universities. We hold in high esteem the scientists, engineers, politicians and technology gurus who are famous in our land. It was no different in Jesus’ day and culture. There politicians, emperors, religious leaders, and military strategists took center stage. Children were looked down on as were the women and slaves of the society. But Jesus came with a different view of life that He said was hidden from these prominent and proud members of the culture but was revealed to children and those lowly in heart.
The hidden truth concerned the identity of Jesus Christ. First, He was the Son of God the Father. No one could figure this out on their own, God must reveal it to them. All things in heaven and on earth belonged to Him because of His Father’s will. Those who considered themselves ‘wise’ and ‘learned’ would not find these essential truths. But Jesus called out to those who were humble enough to listen. If they would come to Him, they could learn this powerful truth that would bring them rest and joy. Jesus would give them a ‘lowly’ heart, like His own, and gentleness instead of harshness and violence.
Are you weighed down with a pursuit of worldly knowledge, woke acceptance, or religious duty? Are you seeking acclaim and accolades for your accomplishments? Have you responded to Jesus’ call to come to Him for rest and true understanding?
Prayer: Lord Jesus forgive me for seeking my satisfaction and praise from the ‘wise’ and ‘woke’ in our culture. I come to Jesus afresh today to learn from Him and become like Him in my heart and attitudes. I want to learn gentleness and live a life of rest and peace. Amen.
Abba! Father!
Scripture reading for November 19: Romans 6-8
God has given fathers the responsibility of modeling the character of God, the Father. They are to teach their children how to love, serve, and give their lives to God and others. Sin has marred this process so that many times fathers teach the opposite to their children. Children hate their fathers or in many instances don’t know their father or want to. In Romans 8, Paul teaches us about the new relationship that salvation brings with our heavenly Father through the Holy Spirit.
“For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by Him we cry, “Abba, Father.” The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs–heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in His sufferings that we may also share in His glory.” Romans 8:15-17
When we repent and invite Jesus to be Lord of our lives, the Holy Spirit comes to live in us. We are adopted into the family of God. The Holy Spirit gives us a deep understanding that we are children of God and our inner man cries out, “Abba”, which is the Greek word for “Daddy”. Jesus taught His disciples to pray, “Our Father in heaven.” (Matthew 6:9) He told them that He only did what his Father showed Him to do. (John 5:19-20)
We become “co-heirs” with Christ in the Father’s family! (Romans 8:17) This means that we are in the will! We have an inheritance from our Daddy’s estate! God owns everything! He made the universe, stars, planets, and every living thing visible and invisible! He rules as King so we are heirs of the highest royalty! This truth is beyond comprehension with our natural mind! We must have revelation to grasp what God has given us! (1 Corinthians 2:9-10)
There is one stipulation that is often overlooked: we must be willing to share in His sufferings. When Jesus lived on earth, He suffered temptations and overcame them by the Holy Spirit. He suffered persecution, physical torture, and even death because of His willing obedience to the Father Who loved Him and us. He loved us enough to endure the pain and shame of crucifixion so that we might be adopted into Father’s family! (Hebrews 12:1-2)
As you go through your day today, take time to talk to your “Abba” and tell Him how much you appreciate what He has provided! Take any inconvenience or suffering as opportunity to thank Him for the coming glory and your future eternal inheritance!
Equity for all through Father and Son
Scripture reading for October 31st: John 12, Psalm 67, Proverbs 31
John 12: 44-50 “And Jesus cried out and said, “Whoever believes in Me, believes not in Me but in Him Who sent Me. And whoever sees Me sees Him Who sent Me. I have come into the world as light, so that whoever believes in Me may not remain in darkness. If anyone hears My Words and does not keep them, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world but to save the world. The one who rejects me and does not receive My Words has a judge; the Word that I have spoken will judge him on the last day. For I have not spoken on My own authority, but the Father Who sent Me has Himself given Me a commandment–what to say and what to speak. And I know that His commandment is eternal life. What I say, therefore, I say as the Father has told Me.””
Jesus Christ came to reveal the Father to His lost children, Jew and Gentile. All mankind lived in darkness and because of sin they could not see the glory of God their Father in heaven. Jesus came down specifically to bring light to that darkness. He was the ‘Light of the World’ and here declares that anyone who believes in Him, also believes in the Father Who sent Him. He proclaimed only the Words of His Father in Heaven, that man might know their Father’s love and desire for their salvation and restoration. Jesus was not on earth as a judge, but as Light. His Words were eternal life to those who would believe, but would also judge those who refused to come to the Light and see. Real ‘equity’ is offered by our Father to all nations, tongues, and tribes through His Son and His Bride, the Church who shares this Good News! All people are under the same offer of mercy and will be judged for failure to respond.
Psalm 67:4-5 “Let the nations be glad and sing for joy, for You judge the peoples with equity and guide the nations upon earth. (Selah) Let the peoples praise You, O God; let all the peoples praise You!”
Prayer: Father God, thank You that You want all nations to know You through Your Son Jesus Christ. I gladly repent and receive this Good News. You are wise, kind, merciful, and loving as revealed by Jesus Christ. Through Your Spirit, cloth me with strength and dignity and use me to share Your Wisdom and kindness to all nations that they might worship You. Let all receive and none be judged by Your Word.
Proverbs 31:25-26 “Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come. She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.”
“You will die in your sins”
Scripture reading for October 25th: John 8, Psalm 63, Proverbs 27
John 8: 21-27 “So He said to them again, “I am going away, and you will seek Me, and you will die in your sin. Where I am going, you cannot come.” So the Jews said, “Will He kill Himself, since He says, ‘Where I am going, you cannot come’?” He said to them, “You are from below; I am from above. You are of this world; I am not of this world. I told you that you would die in your sins, for unless you believe that I am He you will die in your sins.” So they said to Him, “Who are You?” Jesus said to them, “Just what I have been telling you from the beginning. I have much to say about you and much to judge, but He Who sent Me is true, and I declare to the world what I have heard from Him.” They did not understand that He had been speaking to them about the Father.”
Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father in Heaven, came to reveal His Father to lost mankind. Jesus spoke plainly in rebuke to these religious leaders who were attacking Him after He had told the woman caught in adultery that she was forgiven and to sin no more. He proclaimed Himself the ‘Light of the World’. They were critical of Him for promoting Himself. Jesus said that there were two witnesses: He and the Father. Jesus stated that He only did what the Father asked and said what the Father said. Their failure to believe would result in them dying in their sin. It was the sin of unbelief. This rebuke was not intended to be a condemnation, but was Truth given that they might repent. Their question: “Who are You?” would be answered fully when Jesus was ‘lifted up’ in crucifixion, buried, and raised from the dead!
Psalm 63:8-10 “My soul clings to You; Your right hand upholds me. But those who seek to destroy my life shall go down into the depths of the earth; they shall be given over to the power of the sword; they shall be a portion for jackals.”
Prayer: Father God, thank You for the plain truth about each person: we will die in our sins unless we believe in Jesus. I choose to put my trust in You alone! My soul clings to You and Jesus upholds me. You alone are worthy of praise, honor, and obedience. I ask that the Holy Spirit bring this rebuke to all the lost yet in my family and among my neighbors. Fill me with Your Spirit to proclaim Jesus the Christ.
Proverbs 27:5-6 “Better is open rebuke than hidden love. Faithful are the wounds of a friend; profuse are the kisses of an enemy.”
“Abba! Father!”: the cry of God’s Son
Scripture reading for March 27th: Galatians 4, Psalm 61, Proverbs 30
Galatians 4:3-7 “In the same way we also, when we were children, were enslaved to the elementary principles of the world. But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!” So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God.”
Paul, although a pious Jew, recognized that as a young child he was in slavery to the elementary principles of this world system. That is how all humans are born the first time. But at just the right time in the timing of God our Father, He sent His Son, Jesus Christ into the world. He was born of a woman and grew up under the law as a Jew. He perfectly kept God’s law as an obedient Son. His purpose was to redeem all men and women and to free them from slavery to their flesh and the law by a promise of eternal life and forgiveness of sins through His sinless sacrifice on the cross. All who would believe the promise would receive the Gift of the Father, the Holy Spirit, Who would cry “Abba! Father!” in our heart.
Psalm 61:4-5 “Let me dwell in Your tent forever! Let me take refuge under the shelter of Your wings! (Selah) For You, O God, have heard my vows; You have given me the heritage of those who fear Your Name.”
Prayer: Abba! Father! Thank You for forgiving my sins and giving me the gift of the Holy Spirit. Through the Holy Spirit I now can understand Your Word and plans. I know God as my “Abba”–Daddy. You have given me an inheritance of a dwelling place in Your eternal kingdom and full right of sonship. I trust every Word of my Father as Truth and seek to live a life that pleases You by faith in that Word. Amen!
Proverbs 30:5-6 “Every Word of God proves true; He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him. Do not add to His Words, lest He rebuke you and you be found a liar.”
The disciple’s prayer pattern
Scripture reading for July 6th: Matthew 6
Key Scriptures: Matthew 6:7-14 “”And when you pray do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask Him. Pray then like this: Our Father in heaven, hallowed by Your Name. Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.””
In this Sermon on the Mount, Jesus covered many topics, but focused in on prayer. Prayer was not to be endless repetitions of empty phrases, but should be short and concise and focused on the basics of everyday life. Prayer admits dependency and begins with worship. The disciple is to know and address God as “Our Father”. They are members of a family where the Father is the provider, protector, and mediator of trouble. The Father has plans and purposes that family members know and support in agreement and unity. The Father instructs His children to forgive others their debts just as each of them has been forgiven. If there is no forgiveness, there is no understanding of God’s amazing grace and God cannot give us grace either. It is not salvation by works however, but always salvation and forgiveness by grace alone through faith in God’s mercy offered through the Cross of Jesus Christ. Asking and receiving are all by faith.
Matthew 6:33 “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.’
Faith confession and prayer: Father God, thank You for teaching us to pray simply for our basic needs. I need Your provisions for life and ministry, protection from evil and the evil one, mercy and forgiveness for my sins on a daily basis. I pray today this simple prayer: Our Father Who is in heaven, Hallowed by Your Name! Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. For Yours is the kingdom, power and glory! Forever and ever! Amen!