Tucked somewhat obscurely in the book of Jonah is a short verse that simply says, "The sailors were awestruck by the Lord's great power, and they offered him a sacrifice and vowed to serve him." 1:16 Have you ever thought about that verse. What does it mean within the greater story?
If Jonah had not disobeyed God and ran. The storm would not have come. If the storm had not come Jonah would not have been thrown into the sea. If Jonah had not been thrown into the sea the storm would not have stopped. If the storm had not stopped the sailors would not have acknowledged the one true God as God in their lives.
Now it was not God's intention for Jonah to sin through disobedience, but it does show that God can bring good from any situation. If Jonah had not sinned against God, God still would bring those sailors to Him; however, in His wisdom and sovereign will He chose to move in the way that He did. See our God is big enough to use our disobedience and negative experiences for His glory. Even when I miss God, remember He is big enough to set me back on track and bring Himself glory at the same time.
God did not allow Jonah to drawn in the sea, but prepared a way to put him back on the right track. In the process some unknown sailors turned their life over to God.
When you miss God, ask for forgiveness, let God place you back on track. Then see how God uses your mistake for His glory.
Adoption can be a very scary process, filled with many opportunities to make wrong decisions. Have peace in knowing that God will keep us on track in spite of ourselves.
Our Family
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Follow Me or We Must Do More
My title for today's blog is “Follow Me” or “We Must Do More”. (Kind of reminds me of the old Rocky and Bullwinkle show.) I believe we are at a turning point in Christianity. Christ is coming soon. As the last day draws nearer, we must do more. To do that we must follow Christ.
John 21:15-23
15 After breakfast Jesus asked Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?[a]”
“Yes, Lord,” Peter replied, “you know I love you.”
“Then feed my lambs,” Jesus told him.
16 Jesus repeated the question: “Simon son of John, do you love me?”
“Yes, Lord,” Peter said, “you know I love you.”
“Then take care of my sheep,” Jesus said.
17 A third time he asked him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”
Peter was hurt that Jesus asked the question a third time. He said, “Lord, you know everything. You know that I love you.”
Jesus said, “Then feed my sheep.
18 “I tell you the truth, when you were young, you were able to do as you liked; you dressed yourself and went wherever you wanted to go. But when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and others[b] will dress you and take you where you don’t want to go.” 19 Jesus said this to let him know by what kind of death he would glorify God. Then Jesus told him, “Follow me.”
20 Peter turned around and saw behind them the disciple Jesus loved—the one who had leaned over to Jesus during supper and asked, “Lord, who will betray you?” 21 Peter asked Jesus, “What about him, Lord?”
22 Jesus replied, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? As for you, follow me.” 23 So the rumor spread among the community of believers[c] that this disciple wouldn’t die. But that isn’t what Jesus said at all. He only said, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you?”
There are three things that Christ calls Peter to. These are things He also calls us to.
First, Jesus calls for the care of his flock. This passage opens up with Christ asking Peter if he loves Him. Three times he asks, three times Peter responds, yes Lord I love you. Three times Christ tell Peter to care for His flock.
1 Peter 5:2-4
2 Care for the flock that God has entrusted to you. Watch over it willingly, not grudgingly—not for what you will get out of it, but because you are eager to serve God. 3 Don’t lord it over the people assigned to your care, but lead them by your own good example. 4 And when the Great Shepherd appears, you will receive a crown of never-ending glory and honor.
Second, Jesus calls for complete surrender. Starting with verse 18 Jesus begins to explain what will happen to Peter in the future. At the end Jesus says, “follow me”. In a way this is Christ saying, yes bad things are coming for you but don’t worry about it. Surrender to my will for your life.” Don’t focus on what is coming, focus on Christ.
1 John 3:16
16 We know what real love is because Jesus gave up his life for us. So we also ought to give up our lives for our brothers and sisters.
Third, Jesus calls for focus on the task. At the end of this section of scripture we see Peter getting annoyed with Christ. He looks over his shoulder and says, “but what about him?” Jesus responds by saying “don’t worry about Him, you follow me”.
2 Peter 1:12-15
12 Therefore, I will always remind you about these things—even though you already know them and are standing firm in the truth you have been taught. 13 And it is only right that I should keep on reminding you as long as I live.[a] 14 For our Lord Jesus Christ has shown me that I must soon leave this earthly life,[b] 15 so I will work hard to make sure you always remember these things after I am gone.
Isn’t this what Christ did? Jesus cared for His sheep. Jesus surrendered to the will of the father. Jesus stayed focused on the task. Like Peter, Christ calls each of us to Love His flock, to surrender to His will, and to focus on the task that is laid before us. Surly this is the heartbeat of adoption. See one of the things Jesus was doing was preparing Peter for his call to the Gentiles.(Acts 10) In the end it was all about loving God’s people. A part of loving people is loving orphans.
James 1:27
Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you.
Find a way to care for orphans...or help those that are!
Darren
John 21:15-23
15 After breakfast Jesus asked Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?[a]”
“Yes, Lord,” Peter replied, “you know I love you.”
“Then feed my lambs,” Jesus told him.
16 Jesus repeated the question: “Simon son of John, do you love me?”
“Yes, Lord,” Peter said, “you know I love you.”
“Then take care of my sheep,” Jesus said.
17 A third time he asked him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”
Peter was hurt that Jesus asked the question a third time. He said, “Lord, you know everything. You know that I love you.”
Jesus said, “Then feed my sheep.
18 “I tell you the truth, when you were young, you were able to do as you liked; you dressed yourself and went wherever you wanted to go. But when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and others[b] will dress you and take you where you don’t want to go.” 19 Jesus said this to let him know by what kind of death he would glorify God. Then Jesus told him, “Follow me.”
20 Peter turned around and saw behind them the disciple Jesus loved—the one who had leaned over to Jesus during supper and asked, “Lord, who will betray you?” 21 Peter asked Jesus, “What about him, Lord?”
22 Jesus replied, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? As for you, follow me.” 23 So the rumor spread among the community of believers[c] that this disciple wouldn’t die. But that isn’t what Jesus said at all. He only said, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you?”
There are three things that Christ calls Peter to. These are things He also calls us to.
First, Jesus calls for the care of his flock. This passage opens up with Christ asking Peter if he loves Him. Three times he asks, three times Peter responds, yes Lord I love you. Three times Christ tell Peter to care for His flock.
1 Peter 5:2-4
2 Care for the flock that God has entrusted to you. Watch over it willingly, not grudgingly—not for what you will get out of it, but because you are eager to serve God. 3 Don’t lord it over the people assigned to your care, but lead them by your own good example. 4 And when the Great Shepherd appears, you will receive a crown of never-ending glory and honor.
Second, Jesus calls for complete surrender. Starting with verse 18 Jesus begins to explain what will happen to Peter in the future. At the end Jesus says, “follow me”. In a way this is Christ saying, yes bad things are coming for you but don’t worry about it. Surrender to my will for your life.” Don’t focus on what is coming, focus on Christ.
1 John 3:16
16 We know what real love is because Jesus gave up his life for us. So we also ought to give up our lives for our brothers and sisters.
Third, Jesus calls for focus on the task. At the end of this section of scripture we see Peter getting annoyed with Christ. He looks over his shoulder and says, “but what about him?” Jesus responds by saying “don’t worry about Him, you follow me”.
2 Peter 1:12-15
12 Therefore, I will always remind you about these things—even though you already know them and are standing firm in the truth you have been taught. 13 And it is only right that I should keep on reminding you as long as I live.[a] 14 For our Lord Jesus Christ has shown me that I must soon leave this earthly life,[b] 15 so I will work hard to make sure you always remember these things after I am gone.
Isn’t this what Christ did? Jesus cared for His sheep. Jesus surrendered to the will of the father. Jesus stayed focused on the task. Like Peter, Christ calls each of us to Love His flock, to surrender to His will, and to focus on the task that is laid before us. Surly this is the heartbeat of adoption. See one of the things Jesus was doing was preparing Peter for his call to the Gentiles.(Acts 10) In the end it was all about loving God’s people. A part of loving people is loving orphans.
James 1:27
Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you.
Find a way to care for orphans...or help those that are!
Darren
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Orphan Sunday
The Christan Alliance for Orphans has set Nov. 6, 2011 as orphan Sunday. Please consider getting your church involved. This year we are encouraging world wide involvement. If you or your church are planning to hold an event or if you need more information, please send me a message here. We would love to include your event on the national site list.
www.orphansunday.org
"Defend the cause of the fatherless." Is 1:17
One Day. One Voice. One Purpose.
Darren
Mission 1:27 Director
Orphan Sunday Supporter
www.orphansunday.org
"Defend the cause of the fatherless." Is 1:17
One Day. One Voice. One Purpose.
Darren
Mission 1:27 Director
Orphan Sunday Supporter
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Hope for Every Orphan
Mom and I attended the Christian Alliance for Orphans seminar last week. What an awesome time to be with others of like passion. It was truly a stirring event. How my heart groans to reach orphans. This is why we chose Mission 1:27 (www.mission127.com) as the name of our ministry. We want to exemplify Christ's love for the orphan. We want to meet your needs and show you the love of Christ.
Right now I have more than 10 projects waiting to be funded. Nine out of the ten can be met for $150. Yet even if I were able to meet all of these needs today. It would still not be enough. My heart would still break for you and the millions of others around the world. Your plight is desperate. We set in our homes with all of the trappings of this life. You sit in a home with barely enough to eat and little if any to your name. I sit at my desk day after day thinking, I must do more. I know God is in all that He has led mom and I to do over the last year, but sometimes, like your adoption, the process is very slow.
I know that God is able and that funding will come both for Mission 1:27 and your adoption. I love you with all my heart.
The last words of Malachi have come true for you. God has turned the heart of your father toward you! (Malachi 4:6) Holding you tomorrow could not be soon enough. I pray that God will grant us His divine blessing and provision as we continue to walk the path He has laid before us.
Lord you hear our hearts cry. Let us touch the lives of these orphans!
Love,
Daddy
Right now I have more than 10 projects waiting to be funded. Nine out of the ten can be met for $150. Yet even if I were able to meet all of these needs today. It would still not be enough. My heart would still break for you and the millions of others around the world. Your plight is desperate. We set in our homes with all of the trappings of this life. You sit in a home with barely enough to eat and little if any to your name. I sit at my desk day after day thinking, I must do more. I know God is in all that He has led mom and I to do over the last year, but sometimes, like your adoption, the process is very slow.
I know that God is able and that funding will come both for Mission 1:27 and your adoption. I love you with all my heart.
The last words of Malachi have come true for you. God has turned the heart of your father toward you! (Malachi 4:6) Holding you tomorrow could not be soon enough. I pray that God will grant us His divine blessing and provision as we continue to walk the path He has laid before us.
Lord you hear our hearts cry. Let us touch the lives of these orphans!
Love,
Daddy
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
The Light at the End of Paperwork
Wow, I did not realize that I have not posted for so long. Life is busy. A week ago monday we received our completed Home Study. With that in hand we were able to send in our I-800A, the form that goes to the US seeking permission to bring a child into the country. We also were able to apply for a grant. Our US fees are now due. God has been so faithful to provide for every financial need so far. We are believing for Him to do it again. We need an additional $800 for this and other fees that are coming due.
The dosieer paperwork is also completed. The only thing we are waiting for is the I-800A approval to come in. Then we will be finished and the real wait begins. I'm praying for a miracle in this. Mom and I want so much to bring you home soon. We continue to pray for the right child at the right time. It has been a long and sometimes frustrating process, but mom and I know it will all be worth it when you are held in our arms for the first time.
Though we may still have a wait, at least we can see the light at the end of the paperwork.
I Love You,
Daddy
The dosieer paperwork is also completed. The only thing we are waiting for is the I-800A approval to come in. Then we will be finished and the real wait begins. I'm praying for a miracle in this. Mom and I want so much to bring you home soon. We continue to pray for the right child at the right time. It has been a long and sometimes frustrating process, but mom and I know it will all be worth it when you are held in our arms for the first time.
Though we may still have a wait, at least we can see the light at the end of the paperwork.
I Love You,
Daddy
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
It's an Issue of Faith
Adoption is a New Testament principle. While I will not say that all are called to adopt, I will say that all are called to support those who do. Adoption is at the heart of God's plan for His people. I am proud to say that I have been adopted. No, I was not adopted by earthly parents, I was adopted by the Creator of the Universe. He, out of His great love and mercy, chose to graft me into the family tree.
Some day soon you too will be adopted. You will be adopted by a father who loves you and will care for your needs. You will also be introduced, if you do not already know Him, to our Savior Jesus Christ. In this way you will have the opportunity to be adopted twice.
Many ask why mom and I feel like we are to adopt. For us, it is a matter of faith. Our faith in who Christ is leads us to obey Him in His call to father the fatehrless. We are young enough and passionate enough to obey His call. Whether you who read this are able to adopt or not, consider how you can support hose who do. Can you give to help finance an adoption? Can you love and support a family through prayer? Can you offer to sit with kids or provide meals once a new child is introduced into a family? Whatever you do, let it be beacuse of your faith in Christ.
Mom and I hope to see you soon!
Love,
Daddy
Some day soon you too will be adopted. You will be adopted by a father who loves you and will care for your needs. You will also be introduced, if you do not already know Him, to our Savior Jesus Christ. In this way you will have the opportunity to be adopted twice.
Many ask why mom and I feel like we are to adopt. For us, it is a matter of faith. Our faith in who Christ is leads us to obey Him in His call to father the fatehrless. We are young enough and passionate enough to obey His call. Whether you who read this are able to adopt or not, consider how you can support hose who do. Can you give to help finance an adoption? Can you love and support a family through prayer? Can you offer to sit with kids or provide meals once a new child is introduced into a family? Whatever you do, let it be beacuse of your faith in Christ.
Mom and I hope to see you soon!
Love,
Daddy
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
I'm Desperate For You
This morning the words of that chorus are going over in my head. "I'm desperate for you. I'm lost with out you." Have you ever thought about those words. Where would we be if it were not for God? What would my life look like? As God births vision and passion in your heart, clarity only comes as we become more and more desperate for Him. Sometimes we focus to much on needing to do this or wanting to do that. We have a vision and we try to make it work. Rather, what we should be doing is stepping back and saying, "God this is your vision for me. Make me desperate for you and as I become more lost without You, I know you will reveal your direction and vision to me.
God everyday may I seek you first, last, and everything in between. You know my deepest desires and you see my greatest frustrations. Now I ask for You to turn my vision into provision and my passion into desperation for You.
Yesterday we got word that our Homestudy has been completed. How awesome! Now we are released to begin all the mountains of paperwork for the dosier. We remain confident in God's call and His timing. We are continuing to pray for Him to lead us to the right waiting child as we continue through the process. A waiting child for us could mean traveling within a year or so, rather than 3 years.
What a blessing it would be to travel around Christmas or the first of the year to bring you home. Our hearts long to be with you and to hold you in our arms. We know that you will come with challenges and hurts, but we also know a Savior that heals. May God direct us to you soon!
Jeremiah 29:11
Love,
Daddy
God everyday may I seek you first, last, and everything in between. You know my deepest desires and you see my greatest frustrations. Now I ask for You to turn my vision into provision and my passion into desperation for You.
Yesterday we got word that our Homestudy has been completed. How awesome! Now we are released to begin all the mountains of paperwork for the dosier. We remain confident in God's call and His timing. We are continuing to pray for Him to lead us to the right waiting child as we continue through the process. A waiting child for us could mean traveling within a year or so, rather than 3 years.
What a blessing it would be to travel around Christmas or the first of the year to bring you home. Our hearts long to be with you and to hold you in our arms. We know that you will come with challenges and hurts, but we also know a Savior that heals. May God direct us to you soon!
Jeremiah 29:11
Love,
Daddy
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