SWHW Bible Reading Plan: September 2021Sample

Top Takeaway From Audra Haney:

As a foster-to-adopt mom, I love that Paul compares Christ’s reconciliation, restoration, and rescue plan to adoption. 

While adoption is definitely legal and transactional, it is overwhelmingly relational. My son is knit into our family, not just through paperwork or court dates, but through passionate pursuit and sacrificial love. 

At four weeks of age, he didn’t know he needed rescue or a family, but the Holy Spirit pursued him through our family - even before he was conceived in his mother’s womb. While he is not my biological offspring, I love him as fiercely as my own blood. 

As Paul explains the New Covenant in Romans 8, he emphasizes that we aren’t tied to God through our compliance with the law, transactional checkboxes, or to-dos. We are tied to God through passionate pursuit and sacrificial love. 

It is overwhelmingly relational. 

Through the reconciliation of Christ on the cross, through the life and death of God’s perfect Son, through the rescue of His Resurrection- He calls us His own children. 

“For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. 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. 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 8:14-17

My son shares in all that it means to be a part of our family. Our emotional resources, our social resources, our physical and financial resources. We joyfully include and bless him in all these things! You better believe that when he cries for his daddy and mommy - we are quick to be by his side.

Likewise, he shares in the struggles, responsibilities, and callings that God has placed on our family. However, no matter how difficult it is, we walk together. 

How much more does your Heavenly Father invite you into His family through Jesus?

It isn’t a daunting and fear-inducing checklist. It isn’t a formal transaction. We are sons and daughters. 

How would your daily life change if you were to simply live as a dearly loved daughter and accept ALL the responsibilities and resources of your heavenly family?

Abba, thank You for pursuing us even before we were knit together in our mother’s wombs. Thank You that You knew our names, You knew our stories, and You had a beautiful rescue plan in place. Help us to fully partake in all that it means to be Your family. The privileges. The responsibilities. But mainly, let us live and delight in Your love. We are so thankful to be called Your children. Amen.