Verse of the Day - Romans 8:16

For his Holy Spirit speaks to us deep in our hearts and tells us that we are God's children. ~ Romans 8:16 (NLT, 1st Edition)

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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. ~ Romans 8:15-16 (TNIV)

I like this idea that the Holy Spirit is a witness to our adoption as God's children. As if He stands up in family court to validate the adoption papers. Often the one needing to hear the testimony is us. We falter in our faith at times, feeling bad about ourselves over sinful choices made...sometimes we wonder if we're even saved, when we get sucked into bad behavior time and again. Lord, am I really your child, or just an imposter?

To the witness stand comes the Holy Spirit. Remember, His essence is truth, and He speaks only what the Father and Son tell Him to (John 16:13-15). No need to put His hand on a Bible and swear to tell the truth...that's a given. He recounts the time when you made the choice to acknowledge your sin, to lay down your right to rule your life, to turn your back on your old way of living, to trust God to live through you. Spiritual birth, He says to those in the courtroom. I was there...I am a witness to this adoption. And I have remained there as a permanent mark in this life and will remain until the Lord Jesus redeems this child on that great Day.

How the Holy Spirit speaks to our spirit is a mystery. But He does. He goes to the deep parts of our soul and gives us truth, reminding us who we are and why we're here. He reminds us of the Lord's ways and our responsibility to follow His ways as His children. He comforts us deep inside when times are hard and things get fuzzy. He is our witness and counsel in the spiritual courtroom.

If you have given your life to Jesus, you are a new person (2 Corinthians 5:17). He has placed in you His Spirit, and you are a child of God (John 1:12). Adopted and sealed -- done! Don't be swayed by your feelings of inadequacies or failures. Listen to the Spirit within you...He's the one with the truth...He's the faithful witness. And then rest in your adoption as a child of God -- you are safe in the Father's arms.

Love,
Joelene