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Are we adopted children of God? I am not, I was born into the family of God. A child born into a family cannot be adopted into it. We have the Spirit of adoption, (Romans 8:15) but the adoption is later (v.23). The word "adoption" means "son-placed". It happened to a Jewish boy when he was brought into the inheritance of his family. He was fully grown. Our adoption is the aim of God in salvation. To be son-placed in His eternal plan. We are not there yet, but when He comes we will receive the "adoption" (Romans 8:23). —Harold G. Smith

Israel was God’s vineyard, but He was disappointed—it brought forth wild grapes (Isaiah 5:1-7). By contrast, the Lord Jesus calls Himself "the true vine." He said, "For I do always those things that please him," (John 8:29). It is little wonder that twice over, the Father rent the heavens to declare His delight in the Son. The Lord Jesus is the vine, and we are the branches (John 15:5). The Father is looking for fruit in our lives. Are we rising to His expectations? Or are we disappointing Him? May the Lord enable us, like our Lord, to bring delight to the heart of the Father daily. —W. H. Burnett

Former enemies, now reconciled! Even when we were dead in sins, God made the reconciling move. We did not deserve it, and we would never have done it ourselves. But, through the work of His Son, God indeed did move to reconcile us, His enemies, back to Himself. How supremely praiseworthy and kind! —Mark Fenn

Esther’s love and conviction for her people was most noble. She was totally devoted to them and willingly put her life on the line. She had great faith in a great God. She trusted Him, because she knew Him. Defying the law and knowing the consequences, she confidently proclaimed, “If I perish, I perish.” Let us be like Esther, uncompromising in situations that push us to compromise. May we be confident in God, even to the point of laying down our lives for Him. —James Comte

A letter was sent to the question page of a gardening magazine. It asked how best to get a bush to flourish and bear fruit, when it had not done so despite much care and attention. The answer given was, “You are too kind to it. Put it where it will be a bit stressed and it will flower and fruit.” Sometimes the Lord allows us to pass through times of stress so that we will become more dependant on Him and emerge better able to glorify Him and be a blessing and help to others. If you have current troubles, perhaps He is accomplishing this in you! —Brian Powlesland

These words were first spoken of Melchisedec, but how applicable they are to the Lord Jesus. How inestimably great He was, and is! Great in His glory; great in His humility; great in His deity and great in His humanity; great in His love and great in His power; great in His holiness and great in His tenderness. Every virtue, every pleasing feature can be seen in Him who in His greatness loved me and gave Himself for me! —Jim Flanigan

There is an organization called, “Anonymous Anonymous” that is designed for people who wish to keep their problem a secret from their fellow man. They may accomplish this for a time, but for those who die without God's salvation, the books will one day be opened, at the great white throne judgement, and they will be judged by the One who wanted to be their Saviour. Receive Jesus Christ as Saviour today. —Milton Haack

To a brother reading this today: how long has it been since the believers in the assembly heard your voice? Are you relying on those other “favoured few” to do what God requires of you as a priest? All too often, we excuse our lack of study and preparation for the meetings by saying, “That’s not my place.” Perhaps you’re not a preacher, but you are a priest by the new birth. Our great High Priest expects you to perform in this capacity, with as much as is in you. This is your place. Can He count on you? —Rick Morse

Here is the inevitable downward spiral along the path of sin. I saw, I coveted, I took, I hid. Aachan’s demise started with a look and what he did could not stay hidden. It is the same old story—sin and a refusal to listen to the word of the Lord. We know its pattern well. It is the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the pride of life. Don’t toy with sin—it will eventually be revealed and end up hurting you and others.—Mark Kolchin

What is true worship? Where does it come from? Is some worship better than others? Pure worship that pleases God and ascends above the strictures and empty approbation of men into the very presence of God Himself is Spirit led worship. It is worship that flows from hearts that are willing to let the Spirit of God glorify Christ to them. Worship is these self-same hearts now overflowing with love for Christ—love that expresses itself in glorious song, or silent tears; prayers of adoration or shared thoughts that focus on Him alone. May our worship be such today—not for us but for Him. —S. McEachern