Adoption is the biblical truth that God has welcomed us into his family as his own sons and daughters by virtue of our union with Jesus. Part of the work of the Holy Spirit is to confirm this adoption within us.

- Gospel Centered Life by Bob Thune

If you have the Spirit you are a child of God, in good standing with the Father.

A question for reflection:

Do you live with an orphan mentality or the mentality of one who has been adopted into God’s family?

Lies of Orphanhood

Orphans Believe:

“No one is looking out for me.”  (Therefore, it’s all up to me to   make a way.)

“I better not let anyone too close. Then they really might see the real me.” (Therefore, I’ll keep my walls high, so I don’t get hurt).

“My past will always define me.”   (Therefore, I won’t let   forgiveness seep into my heart).

“No one wants me.”  (Therefore, I will keep numbing   myself to try to make it through).

Adopted Children:

Sense God’s invitation to let go of their worry, because they know they have the Father’s love, support and provision.

Let others into their life, their real life, because their identity is secure as God’s child.

Let God’s favor define them, not their past sins or present moral record.

Pray what is on their mind – talking to their Father — not feeling like they have to pretend before God. They just to speak to him.

A question for reflection:

Do you live with an orphan mentality or the mentality of one who has been adopted into God’s family?

Meanwhile, the moment we get tired in the waiting, God’s Spirit is right alongside helping us along. If we don’t know how or what to pray, it doesn’t matter.

He does our praying in and for us, making prayer out of our wordless sighs, our aching groans. He knows us far better than we know ourselves, knows our pregnant condition, and keeps us present before God.

That’s why we can be so sure that every detail in our lives of love for God is worked into something good.

Eugene Peterson in The Message

Romans 8:26-28