Drop Ninety-Eight

Romans 5:8

“But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (NASB1995).

Father’s Day was last Sunday. A day to celebrate Fathers for all they inspire us to be. The other day there was a post shared on the Elisabeth Elliot Quotes on Facebook. It simply had printed on a dry-erase board:

     Religion: “I messed up. My Dad IS Gonna Kill Me.”

     Gospel: “I messed up. I need to call my Dad.”

These two simple sentences sum up who I was compared to who I am. Except, please replace Dad with Mom. Religion does tend to lead us into conformity and people pleasing. To do things for an earthly temporal reward and to hide imperfections due to fear of rejection. The Gospel compels us to admit our imperfections, trust The Holy Spirit to work within our hearts, and love one another in response to the love received. Good works are a result of the good news (Gospel) being lived out. Not to earn salvation but to demonstrate forgiveness and salvation have already been received. Whichever parent you had when you were growing up, trust the Lord to make you more like Him.

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for knowing each of us better than we know ourselves. Thank you for providing solutions before we are even aware of the problems they solve. You love us so much. Teach us to love others better. Help us to move forward from the past, be present, and step into the future You have destined for each of us – to become more like You. May we trust You for the courage and the words to share Your message with at least one other person as often as possible.

In the Name of Jesus we pray,

AMEN