You Have a Good Good Father

The Bible is clear about what our relationship with God is. He is our Father; we are His children. In fact, God is identified as our Father 265 times in scripture. Most of those are found in the New Testament because through Christ, we have a new identity as an adopted child of God (Romans 8:15). The word “father” conjures up different images for people. For some, “father” is associated with warm memories and laughter. For others, absence or rejection. This is why it’s so important to understand that God is not only our Father, but He is a good Father. In scripture, we see a Father who embraces the prodigal son as well as the older brother (Luke 15). We see a Father who provides for us and cares about our needs, even more than the sparrows’ (Matthew 10). And we see a Father who goes after every one of His children, pursuing a relationship with them, just as a shepherd tirelessly searches for a lost sheep (Luke 15). The two truths that have the most transformative power in your life are that you are God’s child and God is a good Father. Choose to believe that today. *** Original devotion by Andrea Lucado  AndreaLucado.com Scripture Readings Luke 15:20 (NIV): So he got up and went to his father. “But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him. Luke 15:28-31 (NKJV): “But he was angry and would not go in. Therefore his father came out and pleaded with him. So he answered and said to his father, ‘Lo, these many years I have been serving you; I never transgressed your commandment at any time; and yet you never gave me a young goat, that I might make merry with my friends. But as soon as this son of yours came, who has devoured your livelihood with harlots, you killed the fatted calf for him.’ “And he said to him, ‘Son, you are always with me, and all that I have is yours. Matthew 10:29-31 (NCV): Two sparrows cost only a penny, but not even one of them can die without your Father’s knowing it. God even knows how many hairs are on your head. So don’t be afraid. You are worth much more than many sparrows. Romans 8:15 (NIV): 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.”