Daily Devotional: Thursday, Feb 25

Speaker: Rick Enloe

Theme: The Roman Flower and Garden Show

Weekend Music links on iTunes: Yesterday, Today and Forever by Vicky Beeching, Let the Praises Ring by Lincoln Brewster; Cannons by Phil Wickham; You'll Come by Hillsong.

Think: As we continue to think about God's grafting us into His "tree", in some ways it's like belonging to an exclusive club. Certainly not in the sense that others can't join, because God extends the invitation to everyone. But our relationship to God is a really special one. Both Jesus and the Apostle Paul used the term Abba when they prayed to God-which translates something like ‘Daddy‘. You can almost feel the intimate, childlike trust in God when you hear that term used. We can certainly think of Him as Abba - our Perfect Daddy. He loves us thoroughly and completely.

Instead of barring others from this exclusive relationship though, God extends the invitation to all to join. He wants to give every person the chance to be part simply because He loves them. The rest is up to them - they just need to respond. The Bible says clearly that believers have an exclusive relationship with God, one reserved for those who belong to God's family. Once they respond to Him, they become members of His family.

So here's our job: Let's do all we can to bring as many as we can to hear about the Lord. If you are a little nervous about what to say or how to say it, then just invite them to church or ask them to come to your growth group (that might be less intimidating to some). There's great power when people see normal, regular folks praying together, reading God's Word, worshipping or just being authentic and caring. We're not responsible for their response... just for doing our part in extending God's invitation.

Do: Who's in your life that might be open to hearing about God's love for them? Take a risk and share your faith, invite them to church or your group today.

Pray: God, thank you that you extended your invitation to me to be your child. You are the Perfect Father. Help me to grow closer to You each day, and as I do, use me to help others come to know Your love for them as well. Give me the right words and opportunity to help others find You. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

The eDevotional is written each week by a team of volunteers from Timberlake Church.

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