"'I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants.’ So he got up and went to his father."' (Luke 15:18-20 NIV) The youngerContinue reading "The Father’s House"
Accept Discipline
As you endure this divine discipline, remember that God is treating you as his own children. Who ever heard of a child who is never disciplined by its father? No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening—it’s painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained inContinue reading "Accept Discipline"
Baba
Yet you, Lord, are our Father. (Isaiah 64:8 NIV) My mother once told me that my first words as a baby were dad or "baba," to be more precise. When I became a Christian, I also learned to call God my Baba. A Sunday school student, who used to hang on to my every word,Continue reading "Baba"
Abba, Father
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 8:15 NIV) I know someone who always begins their prayers with “Abba,” a word that I’ve adopted in my own prayersContinue reading "Abba, Father"
Our Father in Heaven
"This, then, is how you should pray: "'Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name...”’ (Matthew 6:9 NIV) I grew up in a culture where it’s inappropriate to address an adult using his or her first name, unless you are invited to do so. I referred to others as “aunt,” “uncle,” “sir” or “madam” forContinue reading "Our Father in Heaven"
Your Fate Is Sealed By God, Not People
A stone slab was placed over the opening of the den. The king sealed the cover with his signet ring and the signet rings of all his nobles, fixing Daniel’s fate. (Daniel 6:17 MSG) There's an interesting statement that is stated differently in Daniel chapter 6: the law of the Medes and Persians can neverContinue reading "Your Fate Is Sealed By God, Not People"
In An Instant
The devil led him up to a high place and showed him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world. And he said to him, “I will give you all their authority and splendor; it has been given to me, and I can give it to anyone I want to. If you worship me,Continue reading "In An Instant"
Where Are They Now?
That day the Lord saved Israel from the hands of the Egyptians, and Israel saw the Egyptians lying dead on the shore. (Exodus 14:30 NLT) There's an interesting story in the Bible in Exodus 14 that I really encourage you to read and meditate on. After many years of being enslaved and mistreated by theirContinue reading "Where Are They Now?"
I Was Blind But Now I See!
"Neither this man nor his parents sinned," said Jesus, "but this happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life." (John 9:3 NIV) The blind man in John 9 lived with a label all his life until Jesus came along, that is. Since his birth, he was known for his disability.Continue reading "I Was Blind But Now I See!"
He Wants to Give You Far More
He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all--how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? (Romans 8:32 NIV) Some people have a hard time believing that God wants to give them His best. It has never occurred to them that although they mayContinue reading "He Wants to Give You Far More"
Rising with the Son 