Living Free Every Day®
Today's Scripture
"God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure." Ephesians 1:5 NLT
Thoughts for Today
When we receive Christ as our savior, God adopts us! He becomes our Father and we become his sons and daughters.
In Psalm 68 we learn that he fathers the fatherless, defends the widows and places the lonely in familiesall expressions of his fatherly love and caring.
Consider this
Perhaps you have lost your father by death or desertion or some other circumstances. Be encouraged to know that you still have a fatherone who is perfect and loves you unconditionally. Trust him to guide you and teach you. To protect you and provide for you.
Are you a widow? Losing a spouse can bring about loneliness, fear, financial challenges, and so much more. But take comfort in knowing you are not alone. God your Father is with you, and he has promised to defend you. He will make all things possible. Delight in his presence.
Are you lonely? God understandsand he cares. Remember that your heavenly Father is always with you. He promises to set the lonely in families. He has a plan for youand it is a good plan.
Whatever your need might be, remember that you have a Father who loves you, who will never leave you, and who delights in you. You are so special to him. Trust him to meet your need. He will never let you down.
Prayer
Father, thank you for adopting me into your family. Thank you for understanding and caring about everything that concerns me. I know that I have nothing to fear because you love me and are with me wherever I go. In Jesus' name
These thoughts were drawn from
Restoring Families: Overcoming Abusive Relationships through Christ by Janet M. Lerner, D.S.W. This study helps to minister to families caught in the cycle of abusive relationships. The curriculum deals with overcoming these abusive relationships through Christ and is recommended for use in support groups and Christian counseling.
Note: This curriculum was written especially for small groups, and we encourage people to use it that way. However, it can also be used effectively as a personal study for individuals or couples.
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