The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory. Romans 8:15-17
I'm not sure how many of you will remember this TV show from the 50's. Danny Thomas played a somewhat fuddled father in the show. (I know I just dated myself. I can hear you younger folks saying, "Danny WHO?" <smile>)
It's not the actual show I'm thinking of - it's the title of the show that came to mind this morning.
You see, I'm going to share a secret with you.
I don't read my Bible every day.
Sometimes, I think I go through the day without praying, at least not a conscious, set-aside prayer time.
It's not something I'm proud of - but it happens.
Before I came to Christ, I had this idea that Christians were far more perfect than I was. They read their Bible every day. They prayed every day without fail. They were quite pious and righteous and could quote Scriptures at will.
Now, after having walked with Christ for many of my adult years, I have to say that I still don't meet that standard.
Oh, my intentions are good. I want to have a regular time with God every morning in my life. I want to pray without ceasing, as Scripture tells us.
Sometimes, the day gets away from me. Some days there is too much pain.
There has been a sideways advantage to this. I am seeing firsthand how much better my days go when I am able to spend time in His Word. I am seeing how much better my attitude is when I do take that time for conscious prayer.
I am making more of an effort to spend time reading God's work. "Hiding Romans 8 in my heart" is helping me do that. While I have no idea if I will actually get this memorized, I am trying and reading every day. It's funny, but once I start reading it can be difficult to stop. I find God nudging me, guiding me, and lifting me up.
Thinking the Bible only tells us about God falls so short. It also tells us who we are, illness and all. I know I am imperfect as I stand, but I am a child of God. And when I do know who I am, it becomes so much easier to ... as the show said "Make Room for Daddy."
Father God, I know that viewing you as a father can be difficult for those who had imperfect fathers here on earth. I pray that we can each come to see you as a loving, caring father - perfect where our earthly ones were imperfect. Help us to not only make room for you in our lives, but give our time to you as welcomed gifts. Amen and amen.