SPEAKER_00: There are many voices in this world that try to tell us who we are: our past, our mistakes, our accomplishments, our fears.
SPEAKER_00: The scripture tells us a better story.
SPEAKER_00: Romans 8 15 says, For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear.
SPEAKER_00: Instead, you received the spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, Abba, Father.
SPEAKER_00: Adoption means belonging.
SPEAKER_00: It means being chosen and welcomed.
SPEAKER_00: It means you are not on the outside looking in.
SPEAKER_00: Through Jesus, you are brought near.
SPEAKER_00: You are not a servant trying to earn approval.
SPEAKER_00: You are a son.
SPEAKER_00: You are a daughter.
SPEAKER_00: Today, we remember that we have been invited into the very family of God.
SPEAKER_00: Take a moment to thank God that you are no longer bound by fear.
SPEAKER_00: Thank Him that He calls you His child, fully known and fully loved.
SPEAKER_00: Striving, hiding, or afraid?
SPEAKER_00: Bring these to your Father now.
SPEAKER_00: Ask him to replace fear with the security and striving with rest.
SPEAKER_00: Ask God to help you relate to Him not as a distant authority, but as a loving Father who delights in you.
SPEAKER_00: Thank you for calling me your child.
SPEAKER_00: Amen.