Children by Choice

Today is a happy day.  We got to go to an "adoption day" party.  Two beautiful little girls were (finally) formally, legally adopted today into a wonderful, loving family.  We got to share in the joy of the family, and it got me thinking about a different kind of family--God's Family, His Church.

I know I keep jumping around a lot, but I went to Romans 8 today for my devotional.  I've been talking a lot about redemption lately, and this scripture continues that thread, talking about how we are separated from our sinful selves by God, and how we have to WORK at living that out.

We have to deny our sinful natures, and not let our lives be dictated by what we know we shouldn't do, even when we feel like we want to do it.  And we do it because of the gift God has given us, life through His Son.

Paul, the author of Romans, tells us that when we accept God's Spirit, He brings us into His family.  Romans 8:15b says, "Instead, you received God's Spirit when He adopted you as His own children.  Now we call Him, Abba Father."  We get to call Him Daddy.

This passage really blessed me today because it dealt with two separate issues I was thinking about.  This family I was talking about earlier, the one that adopted the two little girls?  They have already adopted another boy and have an older foster daughter.  These children have been given the chance to have a Dad, just as we have.  But, like any family, there are expectations and rules, love and compassion.

Lord, thank you for the opportunity to be called your son.  Thank you that you chose to adopt me, and that you give me purpose, family, and a future.