Sometimes Change is Good

Time has surely passed since I last posted. There have been so many changes and it has been very busy! The changes have included moving, sending a son off to military, preparing another for college (next year), etc. One of the things that has been on the forefront is finding a new church. Stepping out and visiting new churches is scary to be sure. The first visit is a bit awkward and then there is the pressure to figure out if that is where God would have you. But I believe this is part of something bigger that God has been doing in our lives.

About six months back, the Lord our God began preparing us (as a family) for something. We simply do not know what yet. God has opened our eyes to some things, allowed us to be sifted in other areas, and allowed for growth in Him.  It is with excitement and trembling we take each step forward and sometimes a few steps back. As time moves forward. . . He ask for more and more to be given to Him. Often times we are deeply convicted of something we paid no attention to in the past. And that is where I am beginning to see that change is good.

Now please know that I am not speaking against any denomination or church. I would not so long as they preach the Word of God and believe in King Jesus as Lord and Savior. There will be no denominations in Heaven and we are all the same church! That being said, it is easy to do what you have always done. For example, your comfort zone may be with a particular denomination, certain friends, style of music, or even type of building for worship. While all those things may be wonderful. . . I wonder how often they keep us from being stretched or hinder our growth? This is what I have noticed. . .

In visiting other churches, we are required to go back to the Bible for answers. It causes questions to be raised as to why we do certain things or believe certain things. So much of what we do or believe falls back on tradition rather than the Word of God.  That is dangerous ground. I have been strongly convicted over past months that I must look to the Word of God for proof of everything. Other than Jesus Himself, there is no one who has walked this earth that knows everything and always speaks 100% truth. Sure there are many who desire to speak 100% truth, but Romans 3:10 says that "As it is written, None is righteous, just and truthful and upright and conscientious, no, not one". So despite our best efforts, we cannot always be right.

The Bible is the very word of God. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 says that every word of it is "God breathed!" Are you hungry for more of the Lord? Are you wishing He would speak to you today? He will! All you need to do is open His word and read. While reading. . .remember that you are reading the living breathing words of the God who created all things including you. His desire is to have a relationship with you and that begins with a humble heart reading His words. I pray that His Word will greatly minister in and through you today! Praising Him with you!

Close to my heart - Adoption

Today's topic is one very near and dear to my heart. It is adoption. Since all of our children are adopted, it is something that we have given a great deal of thought to. Often I will hear people say they would love to adopt one day. I say, in most situations "no time like the present". Just think. . . somewhere there is a child hoping each day that you will be brave enough and convicted enough to come and get them. Somewhere there is a hungry child that has not had a hug today that aches for someone to call mom or dad.

Sometimes people will say, I just have not been "called" to adopt. I have to beg to differ. You have! James 1:27 says, "Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world." I believe the pollution of the world is selfishness. As long as we think selfishly, we will not accept this calling. But clearly God means for the orphans to be taken care of. If you are a Christian, then you are called!

The next big objection is money. How true it is that nearly everything comes down to money these days. Sad isn't it? Especially when you consider that "...but as they go on their way they are choked by life's worries, riches and pleasures..." (Luke 8:14) We let money just suck the good right out of life by giving it so much importance. Do you believe God's Word? Do you believe He is in control of everything? Do you believe that He intends to take care of the orphans? Do you believe that if you are doing His will that He would then withhold the resources necessary to do the job? He love us and provides for us. That includes the orphans.

We have a real life story of this. Our daughter was adopted from China. We did not have the money for the adoption and began on faith. We were simply being obedient and that was all we had to go on. God provided every cent needed. Some was provided through Show Hope, some through anonymous donations to the adoption agency, and much of it was provided through extra opportunities to earn it. But it was all provided (no loans necessary)! It was and continues to be a blessing beyond words!

Now, I cannot talk about adoption without going one more place.  Did you know that God loves you enough to adopt you? If you are a Christian, He already has.  You have been adopted as the son or daughter of the Most High God.  If you have not accepted Jesus as your Savior, then He is waiting for you.  He wants to adopt you as well.  Sometimes that is hard for us to accept that God could love us that much, but it is true. No matter who you are or what you have done.  He wants you as His own. His son, Jesus, died a horrible dealth that was meant to completely cover the debt of all you have ever done wrong (sins).  All you need to do is tell Him you know that you have sinned, you want His forgiveness and for Him to be your Savior.  That simple! Don't wait another day. This is the most important thing you will ever do. You could be living today as the son or daughter of the Most High God!!!

If you have questions about any of this, please don't hesitate to contact me.  You can do so through comments and just ask me not to post your comments if you want them private.