Return, rebellious children,
declares the Lord,
for I’m your husband.
I’ll gather you —
one from a city and two from a tribe —
and bring you back to Zion.
EPHESIANS 5:1-2 (GNT)
Since you are God's dear children, you must try to be like him. Your life must be controlled by love, just as Christ loved us and gave his life for us as a sweet-smelling offering and sacrifice that pleases God.
THE ESSENCE
We can live as either rebellious and distant children of God or as close children, who act just like him.
DAILY FODDER
Our status as children of God seems unaffected by our response to him. His love does not depend on us. But our ability to thrive as his children is definitely affected by our eagerness to embrace his loving agenda and lifestyle.
PRAYER
Our Father in Heaven, thank you for welcoming me into your family. Forgive me for distancing myself from you so that I can do my own thing. But, frankly, a distant relationship never seems to work so well. Help me to stay close to you. Gently remind me when I step away that I want to be close. I want to live a Christ-like life — loving and sacrifical. Amen.
THE LORD’S PRAYER (ABP)
Our Father in Heaven,
we hold your name in the highest regard.
Please come and establish your reign here on earth
so that everything that happens here will align
with what is happening in heaven.
Our Father in Heaven,
we hold your name in the highest regard.
Please come and establish your reign here on earth
so that everything that happens here will align
with what is happening in heaven.
Give us enough food for today.
Forgive us our wrongdoing,
and we’ll forgive those who have wronged us.
Shield us from the trials and temptations that come our way.
Lastly, we pray that you will protect us from all forms of evil. Amen.
and we’ll forgive those who have wronged us.
Shield us from the trials and temptations that come our way.
Lastly, we pray that you will protect us from all forms of evil. Amen.
