EVIDENCE OF ADOPTION
Devotional for Wednesday April13, 2022
Morning Hebrews 12:7-11
Noon Psalm 19
Evening Romans 8:12-17
In the times of Jesus we lived with a lot of law and little grace, but I believe that in our times we live with a lot of grace and little law. It is true that fulfilling the law of God, in our condition as fallen men, is a difficult task, but we need it, even when it seems annoying. Through the law, we can know what sin is and, by removing it from our lives, we become sanctified. Sanctification is a painful process, but that is the testimony that we have been adopted as sons and that our Father has not abandoned us.
On occasions, God shows you his love through his mercy, but on other occasions, he does it with the rod that teaches you what is good and convenient; that is a sign that he has taken you as his son, he has adopted you, justifying you and making you, a vile sinner, a citizen of his kingdom. If we have received this privilege, then let us live for Him by keeping His Word, faithfully witnessing a true conversion and not being Christians in name, who go around ridiculing the name of Christ.
-Yanet Torres
Morning Hebrews 12:7-11
7 If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not?
8 But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons.
9 Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live?
10 For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness.
11 Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.
Noon Psalm 19
1 The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork.
2 Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge.
3 There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard.
4 Their line is gone out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them hath he set a tabernacle for the sun,
5 Which is as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, and rejoiceth as a strong man to run a race.
6 His going forth is from the end of the heaven, and his circuit unto the ends of it: and there is nothing hid from the heat thereof.
7 The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.
8 The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes.
9 The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether.
10 More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.
11 Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward.
12 Who can understand his errors? cleanse thou me from secret faults.
13 Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression.
14 Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.
Evening Romans 8:12-17
12 Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh.
13 For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.
14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.
15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.
16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:
17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.
Prayer Guide: [Costa Rica-Bataán] and [Bolivia-Santa Cruz]
The Challange for the Month: Search for scriptures that describe God's character, and then take time to do a Bible study to reflect on how you can apply those characteristics in your own life. Remember that you are an ambassador of God who should strive to represent him in a worthy manner. Find out what are the requirements God has for those who are citizens of HIS kingdom. Apply those requirements in your life and pray daily for these things.
Annual Bible reading: 2 Kings 24, 25, 1 Chronicles 1
