Daily Devotion, May 16, 2020

Devotion:

Read Matthew 6:7-15.

  The prayer Jesus taught us to pray begins with the title he used in his relationship with God. As a human, he taught us about the personal relationship he had with his heavenly Father and let us know we could have such a relationship ourselves. You can know this God as intimately as you know your parents or other close human relationships you have. You can talk to God and know that God hears you and will never leave you. This is the God who made you, who gave you life and loves you even more than the best human father ever loved their child. And just like the best of human fathers, this God will hold you accountable to how you live your life. As I often like to say “God loves you as you are, but loves you enough not to leave you as you are.” Part of that accountability is an expectation that you will forgive those who have wronged you, knowing that your heavenly Father will likewise forgive you of your sins.

  How is your relationship with your heavenly Father going? Can you talk to God about anything? Are you able to share your frustrations and fears, as well as your celebrations and desires? Do you know that God is on your side? If your relationship with God is not as close as you would like, talk with one of our pastors or a trusted Christian who can help guide you to that place. If your relationship with God is close, who might you help develop their own close relationship with the One Jesus said we could call “Father”?

Personal Worship Option:

One of Chris Tomlin’s hit songs is “Good, Good Father.” Not only does he describe God in that way, but goes on to affirm that our core identity is found in knowing we are loved by this heavenly Father (“It’s who I am…”). Celebrate the God who loves you as a “good, good Father.”