WORSHIP

SCRIPTURE

Scripture Reading: Genesis 1-3

Growing up I didn’t have a close relationship with my dad. I loved him, but my proximity to him was very limited due to unfortunate circumstances. He’d spend most of my adult life on a state-sponsored vacation and pass away shortly after. Aside from a Christmas, I haven’t hadn’t spent more than two hours with my dad in over twenty years.

Yet the other night when a country song came on, I started clapping, dancing, and let out a “Yeehaw” in our kitchen followed by my mother declaring, “You’re just like your father.” She went on to describe how my voice, mannerisms, sense of humor, and dashingly handsome good looks all remind her so vividly of my dad.

I may not have spent time with my dad growing up, but he is part of me today, I’m born in his image. I have his smile, jokes, and apparently his dance skills.

When Scripture declares in Genesis 1:26, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness,” and confirms again in verse twenty-seven, “So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them,” God’s word is telling us we’re made to not just reflect the image of God, but that He is part of us.

There is a longing deep within us that spiritually longs to act as our Father does. Solomon writes in Ecclesiastes 3:11, “He has also set eternity in the human heart.” Deep within our created soul is the image of our Dad.

Our mission as Christians is to intentionally cultivate the image of our Father so we look more and more like Him. The pathway to this new identity is through His Son Jesus Christ, empowered by the Holy Spirit. This trinitarian understanding of God is the foundation of our identity in Him. God created me in His image, reconciled my relationship with Him through His Son, and has empowered me to be more like Him by His Spirit.

As we go through our day, the prayer and longing of our heart should be that our words and actions look like our Father. And if your earthly dad wasn’t a great dancer, maybe the Holy Spirit will give you that charismatic shuffle too.

Have a great day!

PRAYER

Honor God

Matthew 6:9-10, “This, then, is how you should pray:“‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven…”

In your own words, take a few moments and honor God. Reflect on the price He paid to have a relationship with you, and His love for you.

Ask God

Matthew 6:11 Give us today our daily bread.

Picture God extending His hands towards you. What are you concerned about that needs to be placed in His hands? What is the “bread” you need from Him? Ask Him.

Submit to God

Matthew 6:12-13 And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.

Imagine yourself entering a dark room, with a person in front of you, holding a flashlight, leading you. That’s what God does. As He leads you, tell Him how you desire to follow Him.

Closing Prayer

Lord, you are so good. So gracious. Thank you for loving me, sending your Son to die for me, and empowering me by your Spirit. I surrender my life to you, and am so thankful for your love.