How can we ensure God remains our "Father" and not just in crisis? Opening the Text Romans 8:15: “For you did not receive a spirit of slavery that returns you to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship, by whom we cry, ‘Abba, Father!’” Key Truths About Our Father • Adoption is permanent: once granted, it is not revoked (John 10:28–29). • The Spirit within keeps the relationship alive, not our fluctuating feelings (Ephesians 1:13–14). • “Abba” is intimate—more than a rescue call; it’s everyday family language. Why We Drift to Crisis-Only Faith • Comfort can dull dependence; prosperity masks need (Deuteronomy 8:11–14). • Busyness crowds out quiet fellowship (Luke 10:40–42). • Unconfessed sin cools affection (Psalm 32:3–4). • Cultural self-reliance pushes “I’ve got this” until trouble hits. Keeping the Father at the Center Daily • Stay in the Word: listen to His voice before the world’s (Psalm 1:2; Joshua 1:8). • Pray relationally, not transactionally—adoration first, requests second (Matthew 6:9–13). • Confess quickly; sin loses power when exposed (1 John 1:9). • Gather with believers who treat God as Father every day, not just Sunday (Hebrews 10:24–25). • Thank Him for ordinary blessings to recognize His constant provision (1 Thessalonians 5:18). Practices That Nurture a Continual Relationship Daily • Begin mornings with a brief “Good morning, Father,” acknowledging His presence. • Read a Gospel paragraph and note one Fatherly attribute you see. • End the day recounting three ways He fathered you (guidance, protection, correction). Weekly • Sabbath rhythm: set aside technology breaks to listen for His Spirit (Mark 2:27). • Serve someone anonymously; partnering with the Father grows intimacy (Matthew 6:3–4). Seasonally • Fast periodically to remind the soul who sustains it (Matthew 4:4). • Review journal entries to trace His faithful fathering across months (Psalm 77:11–12). Scriptures That Reinforce the Point • Galatians 4:6–7 — adopted children, heirs, not slaves. • Matthew 6:32–33 — the Father knows our needs before crisis. • 1 Peter 5:7 — casting all anxieties because He cares continually. • Psalm 23:1 — “The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want” in green pastures and dark valleys. Takeaway Points • Sonship is secure; intimacy is nurtured. • Daily dependence prevents crisis-only calls. • Simple, consistent habits keep “Abba” on our lips when skies are clear and when storms rage. |
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