“The Spirit himself testifies together with our spirit that we are God’s children.” – Romans 8:16

When someone shows up at my house for the first time, there is always some awkwardness. They will stand on the porch unless they are invited in. When I invite them in, they will stand in the entryway unless I offer them a seat. Then they usually ask if they need to take off their shoes. I sometimes even need to offer them a specific seat before they will sit down. Now, compare that to my children. When they get home, they burst through the door, throw off their shoes, and grab a snack before plopping down in a chair…all the while telling me every little detail about their day. What is the difference? One person is a guest there, and one person belongs there. One person is a stranger, and the other is my child.

With that illustration in mind, let me ask you: are you a stranger to God or are you his child? How confident are you in approaching God? How excited are you to be in his presence and talk with him? How at peace do you feel in his home? A child should never feel uncomfortable in their father’s home or their father’s presence. Quite the opposite, time with him should be the pinnacle of our day. We should have a deep desire to share all our struggles and all our victories with the One who loves us unconditionally. So let me remind you today: we are God’s children! Being in his presence and sharing your heart with him should be the most natural, exciting, and comforting thing you do each day…and I assure you, he enjoys that time with you more than you could ever know!

Loving Heavenly Father, thank You for rescuing us from death, giving us life, and making us Your child for all eternity. Thank You for the seat we have at Your table. Thank You that we are heirs to Your Kingdom. Remind us daily of these facts and let us approach Your throne with confidence, speak to you in peace, and run home with joy.

In Christ’s Service,

Pastor Shane Cannon