November 10 | Galatians 4:1-7

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DAILY READING

Galatians 4:1-7

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REFLECTION

ALL MY BROTHERS & SISTERS

by Jennifer Jerrome

To the question, “Do you have any siblings?” My reply would be, “I have one brother and two sisters.” But that answer isn’t accurate. I am a child of God so I have many brothers and sisters. I am part of a larger family with Christ as my brother.

Both the one who makes people holy and those who are made holy are of the same family. So Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers and sisters (Hebrews 2:11).

For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters (Romans 8:29).

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 8:17).

While our inheritance includes everlasting life, we don’t have to wait for death to receive our Father’s riches. We can experience his goodness and mercy here on Earth. We do this through the Spirit God sent to dwell in us.

Because you are his sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, “Abba, Father.” So you are no longer a slave, but God’s child; and since you are his child, God has made you also an heir (Galatians 4:6-7).

When you 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 (Ephesians 1:13-14).

The number of references to believers as children of God and brothers in Christ is abundant, which shows just how important this message is.

So, when someone asks if you have any siblings, you may be inclined to include only biological brothers and sisters, but don’t forget your larger family in Christ. It is through this family that you will receive the ultimate inheritance.

PRAYER

Father,

Thank you for sending Christ to be my brother. I am proud to be part of your family and look forward to the day I am welcomed into your Kingdom by all the brothers and sisters who have gone before me. Amen

November 9 | Acts 6:1-9

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DAILY READING

Acts 6:1-9

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REFLECTION

Speak Up, Speak Out

by Judy Webb

"And the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith." (Acts 6:7)

There is so much going on here because of the apostles’ discerning leadership. They confronted a problem which had potential to divide the people; widows were hungry and in need of help. The apostles recognized this and worked to provide more workers for the vast amount of Kingdom work in front of them. They delegated others for this job so they could continue to pursue their central task, the Word of God and prayer.

The first deacon’s ministry formed by choosing seven men to solve this problem. And the word of God spread. Satan’s foiled plan of divisiveness backfired on him. First, the people learned how to care for each other, making provisions for the widows, and second the Gospel continued to spread.

One of the seven deacons was a man named Stephen. “Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and signs among the people.” (Acts 6:8) When I first read the story of Stephen, I saw my own inadequacies. Oh, to have that kind of faith and courage. Stephen debated with the Jews. Stephen, stood up to these men and their accusations. But the evil in their hearts would not hear the truth. They did everything possible to discredit him. "These men argued with Stephen, but they could not stand up against his wisdom or the Spirit by whom he spoke." (Acts 6:9b-10)

Before Stephen succumbed to their lies, he shared the Gospel of Good News. Stephen’s testimony has made a difference. Possibly to some in attendance that day, and most certainly today, as new believers discover his story and soak it up.

PRAYER

Dear Lord,

As we read your Word and study the lives of people like Stephen, give us a desire to follow his example. Give us courage when we need it and provide wisdom when we are called to speak up and speak out!

November 8 | Romans 8:12-17

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DAILY READING

Romans 8:12-17

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REFLECTION

Led By The Spirit

by Beth Voltmann

Ponder for a moment that Christ’s Spirit lives in each believer. The apostle Paul wrote that “we have an obligation to live by the Spirit and to put to death the misdeeds of the body.” (Romans 8:17)

What would our lives look like if we daily denied our flesh and allowed ourselves to be led by the Spirit? Imagine reflecting the goodness of our heavenly Father and walking in the way that Jesus walked.

"For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God." (Romans 8:14)

God’s children are not called to an independent lifestyle, but to a life that is wholly dependent on the Spirit. A commentary by David Guzik notes that the Holy Spirit will guide us to daily repentance and then into humility, truth, love, holiness, and usefulness. When led by the Spirit, we can...

• bear the fruit of love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23)

• surrender fear and have our minds governed by life and peace (Romans 8:6)

• call upon God tenderly as our “Abba” (Romans 8:15)

• live as heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ (Romans 8:17)

Suffering may come while living this life of faith - in fact, we know that it will – but it comes with the assurance that we are members of God’s family; we will share Christ’s glory. (Romans 8:17)

Jesus prayed this for his disciples before his death and resurrection: “I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one – I in them and you in me – so that they may be brought to compete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.” (John 17:22-23)

As believers, may we surrender our lives to the Holy Spirit, walk in unity and love, and carry the light of Christ’s love into this dark world. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. (Galatians. 5:25)

PRAYER

Abba, Father, thank you that you did not leave us alone, but that we have the Holy Spirit to guide us each new day. Reveal to us our shortcomings and forgive us when we fall headlong into sinful behaviors. We want to walk in the way of Jesus. May our lives bear fruit as evidence of your Spirit within and may we be transformed into Christ’s image with ever-increasing glory!