Where's My Dependence?

Over the past 6 days I have been without my computer. This was hard for me to be totally separated from my "work brain" for about a week. I realized that I depend way too much on my computer! I turned to where my computer sits probably more than 100 times. I lost the beginning of my message, and used a pen and notepad to write my new sermon! Sounds prehistoric, doesn't it? It was definitely a different kind of week. The week made me think about what I depended on in my life. I was a little whigged out when I realized I had lost my sermon and that I wouldn't have my study tools on the computer. I started doubting my ability to be able to get my message done, or to have a message that honored God. It was then that my God reminded me that it wasn't the word processor, the bible tools, or technology that was responsible for getting His message to His people. It was His Holy Spirit revealing His Word to us! It was reassuring to be reminded by God that it's still ALL ABOUT HIM! I need to put my trust in Him alone when it comes to messages, my life, my family, my choices and even what I do at work!

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding (or technology), in all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6

I guess the lesson is to make sure that my dependence (and yours) fully relies on God rather than things of this world.

Depending on Him,
Jeff

P.S. Thank you to my friend Jason who brought my computer back from the grave!

Coolest Day Ever as a Dad!

Yesterday, I had the awesome privilege of baptizing my son, Caleb! He came to the conclusion that he did not want to live without Jesus in his life. He came into our bedroom late one night as we were getting ready for bed and said, "I just want to be with Jesus". He is 11 years old and we have talked about this for years, but we never wanted to push the issue, because we wanted it to be when he was ready! Praise God that he made the best decision that he will ever make in life.

It's funny how perspective on godly things can help take our thoughts off of ourselves. I had a pretty cruddy Friday and some of Saturday, but then I was reminded about Caleb's decision, and remembered how much greater joy that brought me than the disappointment I was facing. As a dad my number 1 goal is to lead my boys to Christ and do everything I can to help them have a personal in-depth relationship with their God and Savior!

I know I have a long way to go in discipling them (and myself), but I am thankful that Caleb and Joshua have taken their leaps of faith into the Kingdom of God. We will pray that when our youngest, Elijah, understands his sinful nature and how God has shown his love to him in spite of his sin, he will accept Christ as well!

Cool Day Huh?

God is Faithful!

When I realized God wanted our family to adopt, I automatically thought about how much money it would cost. I thought about how we would do with a special needs child. I thought about changing diapers again...bummer.
We started this journey at the end of June in 2009. Jennifer, Caleb, Joshua, Elijah and I all gave up different things to take time to pray for God's provisions in this adoption. As I write this, God has provided above and beyond what was needed for our adoption. We even get to take our boys with us! It has been an amazing journey for us and our boys to see God's faithfulness when we follow through with what He has asked us to do. I wish that I could say that I am faithful every single day to do every single thing that God calls mes to, but I can't. There are times when I let my self get in the way of doing what I know He wants. Guess what? Even in times when I have chosen my way over His, He still takes me back and continues to forgive me and love on me. It is not fair that He is so faithful and we are so not! I thank God that He does not love me based on fairness, but He loves me totally unconditionally because He made me for Himself and wants to have a relationship with me.

"For the Lord is good and his love endures forever, his faithfulness continues through all generations." Psalm 100:5

Trying to be faithful back!
Jeff