Wednesday, January 14, 2009

We're adopted, called sons and daughters of God

Matthew 6:9 "Our Father in heaven"
Jesus told the disciples to address God as "Heavenly Father." Since I am a follower of Christ, I have the privilege and right to address God that way.

Galatians 4:4-7
According to this passage, we are now sons and daughters who can call upon God as Abba, Father. This title is the most intimate relationship possible with God. How amazing that God sent His son, (born of a woman), subject to the law, to buy freedom for us who were slaves to the law. God did tis so that He could adopt us as His vey own Children. We are now God's own children! The Spirit inside us prompts us to all out to Him "Abba." All of that is a miracle in itself if you ask me. First off, God loves Jesus more than, well, anything else. And we (mankind) were dead to God and lost in our sins, destined for an eternity in hell. God had mercy on us and made a plan to redeem us and bring us into right relationship with Him.

1 John 3:1 says, "See how very much our Father loves us, for He calls us His children, and this is what we are! But the people who belong to the world don't recognize that we are God's children because they don't know Him."

Ephesians 1:4-8 says "Even before He made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in His eyes. God decided in advance to adopt us into His own family by bringing us to Himself through Jesus Christ. This is what He wanted to do, and it gave Him great pleasure. So we praise God for the glorious grace He has poured out on us who belong to His dear Son. He is so rich in kindness and grace that He purchased our freedom with the blood of His Son and forgave our sins. He has showered his kindness on us, along with all wisdom and understanding."

There are so many more verses that encourage my heart and remind that God's love for me is pure and his intentions for my life are to know Him more intimately, reflect Him in and through my life and to bless and be blessed. These were some notes from my quiet time the other morning and I wanted to share them, hopefully you'll be encouraged by how much God loves YOU and has set the focus of His love on You.

Christmas in Minnesota


In no particular order, her are some of our favorite memories from Christmas 2008 at the Zirbels. Joe (Zach's step brother) and his wife Tammy making dinner for all of us.

Laure set us up for a scavenger hunt and Zach and I took the win-$40 1st place prize! Yeah!


The Christmas dinner spread :) YUMMY!


The daughter-in-laws! First time we were all together, it was a lot of fun.


Andy and Sarah's daughter, Olivia. She is the only grandchild and we adore her :)


Precious Olivia, again. Isn't she so cute?!


Fritz and Laure with their beloved Olivia. (Zach's parents)


A duet unlike any other. Kodak moment for sure.




Since it was the first time ALL the kids and their wives were together, we just HAD to take a picture. This was probably snapshot number....10...or 15? Stars in our eyes, lol.


I won't speak for Zach but 2008's holidays were the best I can ever remember. Being able to see all our loved ones in two months was such a joy and blessing, I'm so thankful! And I'm thankful for all of our friends reading this too. God bless you all!