Our theme centers on our identity in Christ. We truly understand who we are only when we realize whose we are. And comprehending whose we are becomes clear only as we reflect on the Bible’s revelation of the unconditional, lavish, merciful, relentless love of our Father God. With eyes only on the father, read the story Jesus tells in Luke 15:11-32. Did you see the father waiting, watching, and longing for his son’s return? Did you notice how he ran to embrace his wayward child? Now read John 3:16; Romans 8:31-39; and Ephesians 3:14-21. Do you know God as your loving Father, a Father who longs for relationship with you? Talk with your Heavenly Father.

Slavery is an abomination! In the U.S., as we approach Independence Day, we would do well to repent and pray for healing of the wounds of slavery that still plague us. God’s people Israel have been enslaved numerous times, and slavery still exists in our world today. So, having said that, what do we do with our call to be slaves of God (Romans 6:22)? Can we get past old images and create new ones in our hearts and minds? Are we willing to yield our lives to God (Romans 12:1-2)? How can we be God’s slaves and also God’s children and heirs (Romans 6:22; 8:16-17)? Read Romans 6:12-23 and Philippians 2:5-8. Pray you will trust God’s heart and yield to God’s love.

How do you define freedom? Many see it as license to do as they want. But is license true freedom? Consider that we find true freedom only under the umbrella of God’s love, protection, and authority. Because God created us, God knows what is life-giving, purposeful, and able to fill us with true joy. Did the son (Luke 15:11-24) find true freedom in living for himself or in the father’s presence and under the father’s loving authority? Do you really trust that God knows/wants what is best for you? Read John 8:31-36; 15:9-11; Romans 6:12-23; and 2 Corinthians 3:17-18. Talk to God about what it means to embrace your identity as one who lives under God’s grace-filled lordship.

Read John 14:31; 15:10; 2 Corinthians 5:21; Hebrews 10:5-7; and 1 Peter 1:18-20. As you reflect on Jesus’ obedience, read Romans 6:12-23. Eugene Peterson reminds us that we cannot treat God as our equal or as one who bows to our dictates and allows us to define life’s parameters. Rather, God is “the God of exodus and Easter, the God of Sinai and Calvary. If we want to understand God, we must do it on his terms. If we want to see God the way he really is, we must look to the place of authority—to Scripture and to Jesus Christ” (A Long Obedience in the Same Direction; Intervarsity Press, 2000; 63). Pray you will have a right perspective as you ponder obedience to God.

Grace is unmerited favor; it is God’s riches at Christ’s expense. Read John 6:28-29; Romans 6:12-23; 2 Corinthians 5:14-15; and Ephesians 2:8-9. Today we celebrate our nation’s freedom, but our far greater joy should be in the freedom we have in God’s amazing grace. Sing or pray Newton/Tomlin lyrics: “’Twas grace that taught my heart to fear, and grace my fears relieved; how precious did that grace appear the hour I first believed…My chains are gone, I’ve been set free. My God, my Savior has ransomed me. And like a flood His mercy reigns, unending love, amazing grace” (2006, sixsteps Music). In prayer, ask God how you can share grace with others.

As you read Romans 6:12-23 again, notice what we are freed from and what we are freed for. We are saved by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8-9); what insight does Ephesians 2:10 add? In Romans 6, we learn that sin is not to reign in us; what is to reign (6:13,16,18-19)? Who is to reign as Master/Lord (6:13,22)? What is the gift (6:23)? Does Jesus, in Mark 12:28-31, help us understand true freedom and how it is lived out? What insights does Peter add in 1 Peter 1:22-25; 2:1-5,9-10? Read Revelation 4:8-11; 5:9-13; pray, and tell the Lord you want him to reign in you.

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