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For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God. For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received a spirit of adoption. When we cry, ‘Abba! Father!’ it is that very Spirit bearing witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs, heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ—if, in fact, we suffer with him so that we may also be glorified with him. (Romans 8:14-17)
When our first baby learned to crawl we placed her on a blanket on our floor. She ventured to the edge of it and looked around to see who was watching. She saw us looking and smiled, then put her little hand on the floor. She looked at us again, and then ventured off the blanket onto the floor.
The biblical greeting in so many of the stories has either an angel or the Lord Jesus Himself saying these three powerful words: Be Not Afraid. And in today's passage leading us to celebrate Pentecost we heard Paul echoing the Lord's greeting, but sharing its power and source. It is the Holy Spirit who leads us forward, as children of the Most High; not led by a spirit of slavery or fear; we bear witness that we are indeed children of God, and our purpose is to glorify Him.
Today, thousands of people from around the world and all walks of life will gather as we begin the 2016 General Conference here in Portland, Oregon. We know the Holy Spirit is present and we are asking for all delegates to be able to discern the will of God for the people called United Methodists. I invite you to join in that prayer. There is much to do; the harvest is ready, pray the Lord send us those who will bring the harvest in. And with the boldness and courage of being God's children.
PRAYER: Loving God grant me the power of Your Holy Spirit to glorify You today. Let me walk in courage and boldness as I give witness to all You have done in my life. This I pray in Christ Jesus' strong name, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord.
Eradio Valverde
