John 3:16 We are redeemed by Love

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. ~John 3:16

Because sin had separated us from fellowship with the Father, His greatest act of love was to redeem us. He gave His only Son – sacrificed Him to a painful death – so that all sin could be atoned for and by grace we are renewed to be able to once again stand in His presence. But it doesn’t stop there.

God’s love daily permeating our lives gives us the opportunity to have communion with each other. Christ did not leave us alone when He returned to heaven. He gave us His Spirit to live in us. But He also gave us the fellowship of other believers. Living in the power of that love for one another drives us to reach out even more. We are given a support system to face the struggles and temptations that attack daily. We have loved ones around us to encourage, admonish, and guide our steps. The body is God’s love in action.

Further Thoughts:

1. How has God redeemed your life? Where were you and where are you now spiritually?
2. In what ways are you continuing to work on that love relationship that He paid such a high price for?
3. Read Acts 2:42-47 and Hebrews 10:25. How are believers to relate to one another?
4. What changes do you need to make to live a stronger love relationship with fellow believers?

Father, thank You for Your sacrifice. Help me to make the most of our relationship and my fellowship with other believers. Amen.

1 Corinthians 13:3 Nothing I give will matter.

If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames but have not love, I gain nothing. ~1 Corinthians 13:3

Many people believe that they can give more money or take on more responsibilities that eat up their time to make a difference. The problem with that philosophy is that it is centered in the “I” not in the “them” mentality. Even taking a seemingly pure concept executed with the wrong motives negates the power of the act. The action is not taken for the purpose of meeting another human being’s need. It is not taking into consideration another person’s feelings, sadness, or despair and trying to relieve their pain. Acts done for self- promotion are empty, selfish movements in the eyes of the Almighty.

The actions that make a difference are in giving out of pure love. Giving of money to someone because they desperately need it done completely out of love for them and not to elevate your status in their eyes. Giving of your time to an event so others can experience more love or help is giving out of a God-centered heart. Even giving of yourself to sacrifice for Christ must be done not as a holier-than-thou pious act, but done out of true love for your Savior. We walk a fine line as human beings to act out of love and not out of selfishness. But the pure heart is the heart God seeks.

Further Thoughts:

1. How did Christ demonstrate a pure heart and pure motives with His life?
2. Is your present giving – whether money, time, or actions – done out of love or for self-satisfaction? Explain.
3. What needs to change in your life to give out of love?

Father, make me conscious moment by moment that my motives are not selfish, but from a heart of pure love. Amen.

I Cor. 13:1-2 Nothing I say, know, believe, or accomplish will matter.

If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. ~1 Corinthians 13:1-2

Every man and woman desires to live his or her life to mean something. They are looking for a life of significance – one that makes a difference. But too often what they end up actually pursuing is a life of success. There’s a big difference between the two. We can be successful in our educational endeavors or our careers by man’s standards. We may have thoughts that stump the greatest minds. You may have several degrees or make a lot of money. You may have hundreds of people who answer to you and be judged successful by the world. But even with all that, you still may not be living a life of significance.

How we love is how we will determine the mark we will make on our world – at least any mark that matters. God says that we can try and try to make a difference, but the only difference He cares about is through how we love. Love is where life truly and significantly happens.

Further Thoughts:

1. In what ways was Christ’s life unsuccessful but was significant?
2. What are you pursuing – success or significance? How is your life living that out?
3. How do you love God and others? Are you building significance into your life? If no, what needs to change?
4. Find other passages of Scripture that show us that significance is measured by love.

Lord, I want my life to make a difference in the way You would want. Teach me to love for significance. Amen.

1 Corinthians 13:13-14:1 The New Community Defined By Love

And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. Follow the way of love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy. ~1 Corinthians 13:13-14:1

The word “love” has lost so much of its true meaning. Movies, television, and reduced societal moral values has lowered the meaning to lust, like, even tolerate. But that is not the design of the word used in 1 Corinthians. God’s love is an absolute love – one that “never fails.” It’s a love not for what you can do for me in return, but one of just because you are you.

Unconditional love is not something seen very often today. We don’t even see it in every situation between a parent and a child – which you’d expect. We certainly don’t see it consistently in marriages. On rare occasions we see love demonstrated through heroic acts of sacrifice, but those are few in comparison. So to completely understand what true love is and how to live that way in community with God and others, we can only look to the love God designed and Jesus lived out. That is true love and the most important foundation to community.

Further Thoughts:

1. What has been your experience with love? Give examples.
2. Have you ever known unconditional love from another human being?
3. Do you believe unconditional love is possible for mankind?
4. How can we live in true love for those around us? What needs to change in our thought process and actions?

Father, I don’t know how to truly love You and others except by Your example and through Your Spirit within me. Fill me with more love. Amen.

Isaiah 55:11 Returning to the Original Plan

… so is my word that goes out from my mouth; I will not return to me empty but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it. ~Isaiah 55:11

God did not offer salvation just to forgive us, but because He desires to have a relationship with us. He wants to redeem us from our sinful way of life and return us to His first design. This world as we know it is not the original plan. Sin, selfishness, greed, hate – these were not in God’s blueprints. We have allowed these distortions to destroy God’s original intent.

But now because of Christ’s sacrifice and the continuing work of the Holy Spirit through God’s Word, we can be in relationship with the Almighty once again. When we set in motion a plan to follow Him, study and meditate on His Word, live as Christ lived, we are mentored by His Spirit to live a transformed life. That growing, vibrant person can be in an active relationship with the Creator of the universe. That was the original plan.

Further Thoughts:

1. Are you living a transformed life that God can be in relationship with? If no, why not?
2. In a concordance, look up the word “redeemed.” What does God’s Word say about it?
3. To remain consistently in the Word, we all need a plan of action. What’s yours?
4. What accountability will you put in place to remain faithful to your plan? You don’t have to do this alone.

Father, I so want to have a relationship with You. Thank You for Your redeeming love that continues to transform my life back to the original plan. Amen.

Hebrews 4:12 - SOAP

For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. ~Hebrews 4:12

In Wayne Cordero’s book Divine Mentor he says that people are always asking him to mentor them. He always says, “Sure. Meet me at this coffee house from 6:30 – 7:30 a.m.” How does the pastor of a church of 20,000 mentor everyone who asks? Here’s how he does it.

Whoever shows up follows Pastor Cordero’s SOAP plan. “S” (Scripture) – for 20 minutes they all read the same passage silently. “O” (Observation), “A” (Application), and “P” (Prayer) – for 20 minutes they silently write down what God is teaching them from that passage. They write out everything they observe from the teaching. Then they write how they can apply the truths to their own lives. Lastly, they write out a prayer asking God for help in living out these truths in their lives.

The attendees finally each read aloud to the rest of the group what they wrote down. You may say, “But Pastor Cordero isn’t mentoring them. They are just reading the Word.” Actually, he is guiding them to the best mentor they could have – the Holy Spirit. Jesus said that when He left, He would leave a teacher to guide us -- His Holy Spirit.

Today, walk through the SOAP system with the Scripture above – Hebrews 4:12.

Scripture: Hebrews 4:12

Observe: What are your observations about this passage.

Further Thoughts: Ask yourself some questions and apply this passage to your life.

Pray: Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you today to follow these truths

Psalm 119:11 His Word Protects Us

I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. ~Psalm 119:11

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police have the responsibility to uncover and retrieve counterfeit money. But in their training the Royal Canadian do not study counterfeit bills. They only study the real thing. The reasoning is that if they know what the genuine product looks like in every detail, they will instantly recognize a currency that doesn’t belong.

The Scripture hidden in our heart will protect us by providing us with the genuine truth to measure everything else against. If I know God’s truths, I will also know when I am being tempted to sin. If I’ve learned His precepts, then I will recognize false teachings that may try to lure me away from Him. The enemy is the father of lies, and he will try every means possible to entice us to succumb to the destruction of his lies. But with The Truth firmly planted in our minds and hearts, we have a weapon that will slice any deception into shreds. Use your “sword of the Spirit” to fight against the powers that will cause your defeat. The Word is in your hand.

Further Thoughts:

1. Why does Scriptural memorization need to be an integral part of our spiritual habits?
2. Should all spiritual teachings be weighed against the Scriptures? Why or why not?
3. What must be coupled with memorization to keep us from sinning? (HINT: The Pharisees knew the Scriptures.) Explain.
4. What is your active plan to make the Word of God an integral part of your life?

Father, I choose to keep Your Word very close to my heart. Protect me by Your sword. Amen.

The Rhema becomes our daily mentor

Wayne Cordero in his book, Divine Mentor, writes how Christ and His Spirit is the best mentor we can find in this life. We have access 24/7 to God’s Word, Christ’s example, and the Holy Spirit’s teaching. Therefore, we must just take time to absorb the instruction that is available to us.

The Word of God as it stands in printed form is the Logos. The truth stands as truth all by itself. But there are times that you can be reading the Word, and it’s like the words comes flying off of the page into your heart. The truth to your present circumstances and challenges becomes crystal clear. Every door is suddenly open and your mind is full of ideas, peace, and certainty. In that moment you are seeing the world through God’s eyes. Absorbing His wisdom. Experiencing the Word as a living, breathing, active force that can change your entire perspective. That is understanding the Word as your Rhema or personal word from the Lord for your life today.

Further Thoughts:

1. What is your “go to” plan when you need help, counseling, or direction in your life?
2. Have you ever experienced the Logos becoming your Rhema? Describe.
3. What is each part of the Trinity’s role in touching our lives with Rhema?
4. How is it that an ancient writing can be relevant to life and its circumstances today?

Father, I need Your guidance in my life. May Your Word become my Rhema each day. Amen.

John 17:17 "The Bible is the inerrant and infallible Word of God"

Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. ~John 17:17

After Christ and His grace-filled sacrifice, the Word of God is the next greatest gift God has given to us. We can actually hold in our hands and study for ourselves the very words of the Almighty God of the universe, just as He had them written down by some particularly chosen men. The Word of God is literally “God-breathed” and made available to all mankind to read, meditate upon, and follow.

In the beginning God spoke directly to Adam and Eve. After the Fall, He spoke to the people through the prophets. Next, He sent His Son, Jesus, 100% God Himself, to walk among us. And finally, we are left with the Word of God along with His Holy Spirit to guide our lives. The power of the Word of the Almighty is within our very hands and heart. Moses tells us in Hebrews that the Word of God is “living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword.” The Word holds all dominion over the enemy. Nothing can stop us when we grasp the truth and power of the Word of God.

Further Thoughts:

1. How has the Word of God impacted your life?
2. How would your life change if you did not have the Word?
3. What difference does it make if the Word is inerrant and infallible or not?
4. Is truth still truth even if no one believes it? Explain your answer.

Father, what a precious gift You have given us in Your Word. We are not only given the wisdom of the ages, but also power over the enemy. Thank You for this amazingly powerful life tool. Amen.

Proverbs 3:5-6 "What we know/believe about God matters"

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. ~Proverbs 3:5-6

How we view God affects every aspect of our life. The thoughts we form, decisions we make, actions we take – they are all done from a starting paradigm of what we believe about God. If He is just another god that we appease with our weekly songs and prayers, then we should be able to plan out our own paths and face our own demons in whatever way we choose.

But…if He really is the Almighty, omniscient, omnipresent, creative, intelligent, loving, grace-filled all-powerful God, then we can trust Him with our life. I don’t have to have it all figured out; He’s got it under control. I don’t have to understand everything happening. He does and I can trust Him. I don’t have to be afraid of tomorrow because as long as I am surrendered to Him and Him alone, He will make sure tomorrow happens just as it is supposed to happen. I am in His capable and gentle hand. It makes no sense to trust any one else but the one true God.

Further Thoughts:

1. What in your life are you hanging on to that God wants to control and why?
2. Do you have trust issues? Explain.
3. Does our trust in God depend on the trustworthiness of man or on our circumstances? Explain.
4. Who is in control of your life right now? Explain how well that is working.

Father, I know you are trustworthy. Help me to daily surrender to Your control and guidance of my life. Amen.

Genesis 1:1 "God is Creative and Smart"

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. ~Genesis 1:1

We serve such an amazing God! He is not only the creator of all; He is creative. Look at the amazing shapes and colors all around you in nature. He came up with universe after universe and at the same time designed the extraordinary complexities of an atom. Then He made man and woman. And not just one set. He made it so we can reproduce and new life is made in a miraculous combining of cells. And then that life breathes, thinks, moves, and creates in the image of the Father. We stand in awe of His amazing creations and breath out thanksgiving with our lives.

What a mind, if we can so contain His intelligence to a human word! And His thoughts are so beyond our thoughts. He exists and sees beyond time and space. When we are trapped in our large and small challenges of life, He sees the big picture and knows the truth of all that has been, is, and will be. He is the one we want to call Lord.

Further Thoughts:

1. List God’s creative ways.
2. What creativity did He put in you?
3. What creativity and smarts did the Creator place in you?
4. How can you use your gifts for His honor and glory?

Father, You created me and all around me. Your intelligence surpasses all. And I was made in Your image. May I always use the parts of You that You’ve placed in me to honor my Lord. Amen.

Psalm 139:2-4, 7 "God is Omniscient, Omnipresent, and Omnipotent"

You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue you know it completely, O Lord. Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? ~Psalm 139:2-4, 7

What I have said, that will I bring about; what I have planned, that will I do. ~Isaiah 46:11b

These three huge words describe the very best friend we will ever know or who will ever know us. Our omniscient God is all-knowing. No thought you have ever had was hidden from Him. Every idea you have formed, He knew your intentions. Your heart is His reading material and your mind an open book.

God’s omnipresence allows Him to be everywhere at the same time. No corner of the universe is without His presence. When we are on the mountaintop, He is there. When we walk in the valley, He walks with us.

God’s power is omnipotent. There is no one greater or more powerful than He is. Nothing and no one can overcome Him. He is not fatigued or on vacation because His power is endless. He never sleeps nor does He ever need our help. The only thing He needs from us is our friendship.

Further Thoughts:

1. Describe your ideal friend. How does God compare with your description?
2. Are these attributes of God overwhelming? Why?
3. In what ways do these attributes of God help us in living a holy life?
4. Find other Scripture that talks about God’s omniscience, omnipresence, and omnipotence.

Father, You are the best possible friend anyone could have. You know every part of me, are always with me, and empower me to face each day. Thank You. Amen.

Proverbs 14:19 "God is Good and Righteous"

Evil men will bow down in the presence of the good, and the wicked at the gates of the righteous. ~Proverbs 14:19

Evil cannot remain in the presence of the goodness and righteousness of God. His holiness overpowers and overcomes any challenge evil can cause. He is perfect goodness. His ways are always right. His whole being embodies holiness like no other so that His goodness and righteous cannot even be understood by our mere human minds. The Creator creates what is good and righteous; evil distorts that creation but can never change it.

All the adjectives we use to describe someone that is good – superior, excellent, magnificent, marvelous – pale in comparison to the goodness of our Lord. And His righteousness will win out over all opposition.

This passage in Proverbs is not referring to God’s presence or His gates. It’s talking about those who receive Him. We are given the power of the greatest Being of goodness and righteousness to live within us. By the power of His presence in our lives, we can overcome evil with His goodness.

Further Thoughts:

1. In spite of the evil in the world, what examples of God’s goodness and righteousness do we see every day?
2. Why do some people have trouble viewing God as good?
3. How does knowing that God’s goodness and righteousness live within us change the way we face the challenges of each day?

Holy Father, Your presence empowers me to face any challenge the enemy may throw at me. Thank You for overcoming evil with Your goodness and righteousness. My life has hope. Amen.

1 John 19 "God is Just and Perfect Grace"

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. ~1 John 1:9

The justice of God depends upon a transgression being made right. A price must be paid for sin and He paid it. The atonement made on the cross covers anything we have done against the Lord. Nothing is exempt. Therefore, we are only left with the responsibility to humble ourselves and confess the sins we have committed and turn away from our transgressions.

Although we may have to deal with some consequences of sin, the punishment is paid for. Redemption is undeserved and filled with the amazing grace of our Lord. Even in all our wretchedness, without any call for rightfully deserving it, He offers His grace to cover our sins with His atoning blood. What greater gift was ever given to put all things right again.

Further Thoughts:

1. Do you ever feel like God is unfair? Why?
2. Why are there still consequences for sin even when they have been forgiven?
3. How have you experienced God’s amazing grace?
4. How do we live out justice and grace in our own lives?

Father, thank You that you are just and full of grace. Without Your grace I would still be living in my wretched sin. You are truly amazing. Amen.

Ezekiel 38:23 "The Holy God Lives in Community"

And so I will show my greatness and my holiness, and I will make myself known in the sight of many nations. Then they will know that I am the Lord. ~Ezekiel 38:23

To truly know and love someone, you must spend time with them and get to know their attributes – who they are; what makes them tick; their likes and dislikes. That is what we will be doing this week, and we are beginning with God lives in community. We’ve already discussed that He lives in community with Himself in the form of the Trinity. But, as well, the very reason He created us was to live in community with us. He desires a relationship with His creation.

In Ezekiel we learn that He promises to share His greatness with us. We do not serve a distant, tyrannical deity who has no desire to be a part of our lives whatsoever. We serve a God of love who wants to be involved in every aspect of our lives. He showed His love through creating an amazing world for us to live in. He gave us free will to choose to have a relationship with Him. After we messed that one up, our God provided a way to restore the union we had with Him through great personal sacrifice. Now He lives within us in moment by moment communion. Does God hide from us? Absolutely not. Look around. He is continuously revealing His presence.

Further Thoughts:

1. List specific ways God continues to reveal His greatness and holiness to you.
2. Why do we so often fail to see God’s activity in our lives?
3. What have you been doing lately to purposefully live in community with God?

Father, open my eyes to your activity in my life. Quiet my spirit so I can hear Your words of love and direction in my life. I want to love You more each day. Amen.

Romans 8:14-15 "The Reminder of Relationship"

...because those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” ~Romans 8:14-15

When we were living without God and in sin, we were walking alone. But now, with His Spirit living within us, we are His children. The separation of sin has no power on our relationship. Because of Christ, we are once again in full relationship with our Creator through His Holy Spirit.

I am no longer alone as a child of God. I walk with the Almighty Creator of the Universe guiding me, teaching me, counseling me every day. There is not a moment He is not with me. He knows me inside and out and still loves me. He applauds my strengths and helps me in my weaknesses. When a new lesson is to be learned, He is right beside me walking through the difficulties and the trials. There is no friend closer or more loyal than my God. And there is nothing I can’t face when His Spirit is with me.

Further Thoughts:

1. How is your life different today walking with the Spirit compared to when you lived without Him?
2. How does being a child of God and part of a large family of believers affect how you live?
3. The Holy Spirit is constantly giving to us in this relationship. How do we give back?
4. Is there ever any reason to ever feel alone again? Why or why not?

Holy Spirit, I love the fact that You are always with me – guiding me and simply living life with me. Thank You for helping me be my very best. Amen.

Titus 3:5 "His Role in Our Lives"

“…he saved us not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy, He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit….” ~Titus 3:5

The Holy Spirit of God gives us rebirth and renewal. Rebirth occurs at the time we ask Christ into our lives. In that moment, the Holy Spirit comes to reside within us and we are made as new – like we have been born again as a newborn baby. The slate is wiped clean. All the sins of the past are gone and remembered against us no more.

But, unfortunately, we have developed habits of sin that must be removed from our life and that can be a timely process. By the renewal power of the Spirit, we can overcome the temptation of those old ways of sinning and choose a new path. As we walk this way, the Spirit guides us and reminds us of the commitment we have made to God to be His child. He will lead us through valleys and mountaintops to teach us what it means to be a true follower of Jesus Christ. We are never alone. Our Spirit Counselor will be with us every step of the way.

Further Thoughts:

1. Describe what you felt like when you received Jesus as your Savior.
2. Afterward, what kinds of struggles with sin did you face? Were they any different than before you received Christ?
3. List roles the Holy Spirit plays in our lives. Support with Scripture.
4. What do we need to do to be more in tune with what the Holy Spirit is saying to us?

Holy Spirit, thank You for Your presence within me. Teach me Your ways. I am listening. Amen.

Romans 8:11 "He Frees Us From the Tyranny of Sin"

And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit, who lives in you. ~Romans 8:11

When we receive Christ and the Holy Spirit comes to live within us, we are no longer bound to the sinful nature we were born with. Its oppressive power over us can be defeated by the power of the Spirit. Sin’s tyranny will have lost its reign. The bondage we have lived in no longer exists.

The Holy Spirit is the One we allow to put to death the misdeeds of the body. [Romans 8:3]

Thomas a Kempis, a 15^th century Augustinian monk, said that changing our habits toward sin will be at first difficult. “The flesh will cry out, but it will be restrained by the Spirit.” We have the power of the Holy Spirit not only guiding us away from our sinful nature, but helping us to resist the temptations that plague our lives.

Further Thoughts:

1. If the Holy Spirit lives in us, why are we still tempted by sin?
2. What is the relationship between temptation to sin and our decision to sin?
3. How does the Holy Spirit help us when we are tempted?
4. Write about a time the Holy Spirit clearly guided you away from the temptation to sin.

Holy Spirit, continue to help me when I am tempted to resist that which is death to me. You are my Protector. Amen.

Acts 1:8 "He Empowers Us"

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.
~Acts 1:8

The Holy Spirit is the one of the Trinity that most of us fail to recognize often enough. Think about this. The power of the Almighty Creator of the universe is with you at all times. He will guide your every step. He will enable you to do the unimaginable. Jesus even said that we would do greater things than He did. That could only be possible through the power of the Holy Spirit. His power is unlimited, and that power is at our fingertips.

Am I suggesting we become super-powers or god-like beings? No, something even greater. We have the opportunity even in our frail, human existence to do the extraordinary – to be led by the omnipotent, omniscient God moment by moment. Yet how many times do we struggle and stumble along on our own strength when the Wisdom of the Ages is waiting to lead? Let the Holy Spirit empower you to be all you can be. He’s waiting.

Further Thoughts:

1. What do you allow in your life that drowns out the still, small voice of the Holy Spirit?
2. What would be possible for you if you allowed the Holy Spirit to empower you every day?
3. How does the Spirit’s power make us witnesses to others?
4. What would happen if all believers lived in the power of the Holy Spirit?

Father, You have given us a tremendous gift and source in Your Holy Spirit. Help me to embrace the power You give. Amen.

Ephesians 1:13-14 "He Confirms God's Work in Us"

And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession--to the praise of his glory. ~Ephesians 1:13-14

Before we came into a relationship with God, the Holy Spirit did not live within us. He was at work around us. He would try to draw us to Him. But He did not live within us. That distinction is reserved for God’s children only.

His presence confirms two things. We are members of the family of God with full rights as heirs. His Spirit confirms that we are His children and co-heirs with Jesus Christ. And secondly, the Holy Spirit marks us with a seal. His presence guarantees that we have a reservation in heaven and eternity with the Almighty. What an amazing gift. He is working in us as His children now and as His children for eternity. By His Spirit we are made into a new creation for His glory and presented with a hope for eternity.

Further Thoughts:

1. What difference does it make in our daily lives that we are children of God?
2. Why do we need to have a seal on us for heaven?
3. How does your earthly inheritance compare with your eternal inheritance?

Holy Spirit, thank You for Your seal on my life that binds me not only to a family, but to Your eternal presence. Amen.