When I was in college, long distance calls were expensive. I would call home once a week and look forward all week to talking to my mother and father. I was thinking about those calls home this week when I read a story about President Harry Truman. After he announced to the world that World War II had ended, he called a small clapboard house in Grandview, Missouri. A 92-year-old woman answered the phone, “Hello…Yes, I’m alright. Yes, I’ve been listening to the radio…Now, you come and see me if you can…Goodbye.”

The elderly woman returned to talk to her visitors. She told them, “That was my son Harry. He’s a wonderful man…I knew he’d call, he always calls me after something that happens is over.” I guess we’re all alike. No matter how old we are, we yearn to call  our parents when something good happens.

Paul wrote the Book of Romans to the church in Rome, which he had never visited. In chapter 8, Paul shows the consequences of our actions. (vv. 12-17) Deeds done according to the flesh – our natural, selfish desires – lead to death. (vv. 12-13). In contrast, a life lived by the Spirit leads to life. (vv. 13-14) Paul’s argument is easy to overlook. When we trust our own devices and desires, we’re walking a path that will lead us to death. When we embrace the power and leading of the Spirit, we find life.

Through Jesus, we can have God as our Father. We who follow Christ are brought into the family of God. Romans 8:15 says “the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship.” Verse 17 say’s we’re now “heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ.” We don’t speak to God as a slave, but now we can speak to God using, “Abba, Father” (v. 15).

Do you have news? Do you need something? You can call on the One who is your eternal home!

Prayer  – Dear God, thank you for being the One to whom I can call on in prayer anytime. Amen.

Romans 8:15   – “By the spirit we cry ‘Abba, Father.’”

I’m grateful to so many who read and share these devotions every week. I’m retiring but will continue to write and share the weekly devotion with you. If you’d like to contact me, my email address will remain tommyherndon@vaumc.org. Melissa Knabe will continue selecting images and creating the layout for these devotions.

By the Rev. Tommy Herndon
Images: Quino, Joyce Busola & Ante Hamersmit, Courtesy of Unsplash