My Child...

I LOVE our church! For us, it is the true representation of what God intentionally designed the world to be- a transethnic community of believers. Transethnic is a word our church "coined" in a way and defined as the following..."we are a church that intentionally seeks to transcend our cultural and ethnic differences by the power of the gospel of Jesus Christ." In addition, our church is definitely pro-adoption/foster care and seeks to support those families. We are so happy that this is the church we will bring our child home to. 

Today, during the announcements my husband leaned over and pointed out our pastor's message on the front of the bulletin. We both smiled at each other and knew we needed to re-post it here. It was so comforting to think that this message is for ALL of God's children- and I can't help but think it is a tremendous reminder of God's love to the orphans waiting around the world. It is also a gentle reminder that there is no yours, mine, or ours when it comes to children, rather, we are all HIS. 

An Open Letter From Your Father

My Child,

You may not know me, but I know everything about you (Ps.139:1) I know when you sit down and when you rise up (Ps.139:2); even the very hairs on your head are numbered (Matt. 10:29-31). 

You are made in my image (Gen.1:27), for you are my offspring (Acts 17:28); I even knew you before you were conceived (Jer. 1:4-5). 

I chose you when I planned creation (Eph. 1:11-12). You were not a mistake, for all your days are written in my book (Ps. 139:15-16) and I determined the exact time of your birth and where you would live (Acts 17:26).

You are fearfully and wonderfully made (Ps. 139:14). I knit you together in your mother's womb (Ps. 139:13) and I brought you forth on the day you were born (Ps. 71:6).

I have been misrepresented by those who don't know me (John 8:41-44). I am not distant and angry, but I am the complete expression of love (1 John 4:16), and it is my desire to lavish my love on you...simply because you are my child and I am your Father (1 John 3:1).

I offer you more than your earthly father ever could (Matt. 7:11) for I am the perfect father (Matt. 5:48). Every good gift that you receive comes from my hand (James 1:17), for I am your provider and I meet all your needs (Matt. 6:31-33). 

My plan for your future has always been filled with hope (Jer. 29:11) because I love you with an everlasting love (Jer. 31:3). My thoughts toward you are countless as the sand on the seashore (Ps. 139:17-18), and I rejoice over you with singing (Zeph. 3:17).

I will never stop doing good to you (Jer. 32:40), for you are my treasured possession (Ex. 19:5). I desire to establish you with all my heart and all my soul (Jer. 32:41) and I want to show you great and marvelous things (Jer. 33:3).

I am also the Father who comforts you in all your troubles (2 Cor. 1:3-4). When you are brokenhearted, I am close to you (Ps. 34:18). And nothing will ever separate you from my love (Rom. 8:38-39).

Come home and I'll throw you the biggest party heaven has ever seen (Luke 15:7). My question is, "Will you be my child?" (John 1:12-13). I am waiting for you (Luke 15:11-32).

                                                                  Love, Your Dad, Almighty God