If you're wanting to follow along in our adoption journey of little Levi...you can get all the updates on our family blog at http://www.psalm-2714.blogspot.com/ (I have to give credit where its due, so Mandy is really the brains and does all the entries...she's a great blogger).
Psalm 27:14
Peace
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
God Gives EVERYONE Influence
Here's a great quote from a great author. READ CAREFULLY (or else you might miss something):
"You know where to begin: take initiative. You know who God is, so embrace life's uncertainty. Remember that the person you are becoming in Jesus Christ is your greatest gift to others, so use your influence. Every great adventure is filled with peril and danger, but the risk is worth it. You have already been authorized to move forward, so advance. Impact your world by fighting battles that are on God's heart. Engage in an adventure so compelling that it causes the awakening of the dead in spirit. In this moment each of us will have to choose. Will you seize your divine moment or let it slip away?"
Erwin McManus
"You know where to begin: take initiative. You know who God is, so embrace life's uncertainty. Remember that the person you are becoming in Jesus Christ is your greatest gift to others, so use your influence. Every great adventure is filled with peril and danger, but the risk is worth it. You have already been authorized to move forward, so advance. Impact your world by fighting battles that are on God's heart. Engage in an adventure so compelling that it causes the awakening of the dead in spirit. In this moment each of us will have to choose. Will you seize your divine moment or let it slip away?"
Erwin McManus
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Don't Miss This
Sometimes in life, you hear something said that you don't want to forget. It's so profound and so good, that you don't want to miss it. One of those statements that I read once captured me and I don't want to forget its meaning. My Grandma (who's now in Heaven at the feet of Jesus) had a favorite poem that was framed and for many years it hung in her home. It stated: "Give me a light that I may tread safely into the unknown." And he replied, "Go out into the darkness and put your hand into the hand of God. That shall be to you better than light and safer than a known way."
Don't miss the truth in the above poem. Read it again. Keep it. Hold on to it, and then remember it. Just make sure that you don't miss it!
Don't miss the truth in the above poem. Read it again. Keep it. Hold on to it, and then remember it. Just make sure that you don't miss it!
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Jesus in Disguise
This past Sunday, I witnessed "Jesus in disguise". I was at church walking in the lobby of our church in between our services, and I greeted a man and his wife, who shook my hand and then handed me an envelope. Recognizing that this envelope was given for a specific reason, Mandy and I opened it and noticed a large sum of money that was designated for our adoption. In the card was a short not saying, "money for one way ticket to USA" (meaning it was meant for Levi to come home with us).
After Mandy and I got over our intitial reaction of being both humbled and overwhelmed, I picked up the phone and called this person (who except for two inteactions, I hardly knew who this man and woman were). When "Jesus in disguise" answered the phone, I immediately said "thanks". He said "you're welcome. My friend had already heard why Mandy and I were adopting, so I simply wanted him to know that we truly appreciated his extrememly generous gift (which became so much more significant to us seeing that I had very little relationship with him and his wife). What followed in our 4 minute phone call impacted me and Mandy. He said that when he was a young boy, he always wanted to be rescued. He desperately wanted someone to come and rescue him from his childhood. He then told me that no one ever came and he was never rescued. The reason why he and his wife gave us this sum of money was because he knows what it feels like not to be rescued. This drove him to be a part of what we are doing in adopting Levi. He then asked if the money could be used to fly Levi back to America, because he wants to "be a part of this rescue."
This is powerful. It's powerful for two simple reasons. First, he and his wife hardly know Mandy and I. This is a true picture of unselfish and selfless love. Secondly, this was powerful because our friends embodied Jesus...to give and expect nothing in return. We had and will have nothing to offer our friends, except the word, "thanks". They gave to "the rescue" knowing that they would get nothing back from us in return. The applause of God is all over this couple and their love for God and Levi.
This is Jesus living. This is "Jesus in Disguise".
After Mandy and I got over our intitial reaction of being both humbled and overwhelmed, I picked up the phone and called this person (who except for two inteactions, I hardly knew who this man and woman were). When "Jesus in disguise" answered the phone, I immediately said "thanks". He said "you're welcome. My friend had already heard why Mandy and I were adopting, so I simply wanted him to know that we truly appreciated his extrememly generous gift (which became so much more significant to us seeing that I had very little relationship with him and his wife). What followed in our 4 minute phone call impacted me and Mandy. He said that when he was a young boy, he always wanted to be rescued. He desperately wanted someone to come and rescue him from his childhood. He then told me that no one ever came and he was never rescued. The reason why he and his wife gave us this sum of money was because he knows what it feels like not to be rescued. This drove him to be a part of what we are doing in adopting Levi. He then asked if the money could be used to fly Levi back to America, because he wants to "be a part of this rescue."
This is powerful. It's powerful for two simple reasons. First, he and his wife hardly know Mandy and I. This is a true picture of unselfish and selfless love. Secondly, this was powerful because our friends embodied Jesus...to give and expect nothing in return. We had and will have nothing to offer our friends, except the word, "thanks". They gave to "the rescue" knowing that they would get nothing back from us in return. The applause of God is all over this couple and their love for God and Levi.
This is Jesus living. This is "Jesus in Disguise".
Saturday, May 9, 2009
Our New Son has Finally Arrived!!!
Well, one of the best days of my life was yesterday. It was so incredible to finally get the news about our new little boy in Ethiopia. It was so surreal to look at his pictures, check out his medical history and personal and family history. It's been a long road as we originally felt the call that God wanted us to adopt from Ethiopia in 2007. Mandy has started a blog exclusively related to our adoption and the journey that we're on. She journaled about our experience yesterday as we received the news. You can check out the blog and the "play by play" at www.psalm-2714.blogspot.com.
Enjoy. Keep praying for us. Mandy and I will keep writing and blogging as we anticipate our trip to Ethiopia.
Enjoy. Keep praying for us. Mandy and I will keep writing and blogging as we anticipate our trip to Ethiopia.
Friday, April 3, 2009
Thoughts on Psalm 91
I just finished reading Psalm 91. What an incredible chapter, filled with so many timeless and timely promises from God. The verses in this famous chapter ring true in the life of everyone who has clinged to God when all they had to cling to, was God. C.S Lewis said that "he who has God and everything else has nothing more than he who has God alone." In other words, if all we have is God, could this really be enough? Is God all that we need?
Scripture is filled with so many instances of average people who had there backs against the wall, and in dire circumstances and God came through. He delivered. It's not just evident in the bible, but all through human history, God's been showing His greatness, His power and how all sufficient He really is. "He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty" (verse one). George Meuller knew that God was enough. This great man was not only a pastor but an orphan advocate. Every year, Meuller (who lived in the early 1800's), clothed, fed and and taught over 2,000 orphans. Stories are told of times when Meuller had his back against the wall, and there was no food to care for these orphans, and God miraculaously provided. Bread showed up on his doorstep. Milk or money showed up on his kitchen counter. There were times when Meuller ahd nothing but God and His promises. George Meuller knew what it meant to have God and God alone.
When we make God our hiding place, we have in Him everything that we need. Peter knew this too. Remember when He was on the water. All He had was the Christ to cling to. The only hand He had was the hand of Jesus. The woman caught in adultery knew this. When she was criticized and mocked by the crowds, the only one who loved her unconditionally was Jesus. The forgiveness that she longed for and the clean heart that she craved only came from God. The interaction with Jesus was all that she needed to take away the shame and guilt that had invaded her life and captivated her thinking. I could go on and on with stories of real people who only had God, and it was enough.
So, could God really be enough for me? Is He really? Verse four gives some awesome imagery, when it says, "He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge." Just as feathers on a bird provide warmth, security and protection, God wants to be that for us. He wants to be our protection. He wants to be our security. He wants us to trust Him for His provisions. He's everything we need. If He was enough for George, Peter and that woman caught in adulter, He's enough for me. And listen to this: He's enough for you too. Regardless of circumstance...you gotta' believe it. Sometimes all you may have is God. Remember, it's enough. Nothing more and nothing less. It's enough!
Scripture is filled with so many instances of average people who had there backs against the wall, and in dire circumstances and God came through. He delivered. It's not just evident in the bible, but all through human history, God's been showing His greatness, His power and how all sufficient He really is. "He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty" (verse one). George Meuller knew that God was enough. This great man was not only a pastor but an orphan advocate. Every year, Meuller (who lived in the early 1800's), clothed, fed and and taught over 2,000 orphans. Stories are told of times when Meuller had his back against the wall, and there was no food to care for these orphans, and God miraculaously provided. Bread showed up on his doorstep. Milk or money showed up on his kitchen counter. There were times when Meuller ahd nothing but God and His promises. George Meuller knew what it meant to have God and God alone.
When we make God our hiding place, we have in Him everything that we need. Peter knew this too. Remember when He was on the water. All He had was the Christ to cling to. The only hand He had was the hand of Jesus. The woman caught in adultery knew this. When she was criticized and mocked by the crowds, the only one who loved her unconditionally was Jesus. The forgiveness that she longed for and the clean heart that she craved only came from God. The interaction with Jesus was all that she needed to take away the shame and guilt that had invaded her life and captivated her thinking. I could go on and on with stories of real people who only had God, and it was enough.
So, could God really be enough for me? Is He really? Verse four gives some awesome imagery, when it says, "He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge." Just as feathers on a bird provide warmth, security and protection, God wants to be that for us. He wants to be our protection. He wants to be our security. He wants us to trust Him for His provisions. He's everything we need. If He was enough for George, Peter and that woman caught in adulter, He's enough for me. And listen to this: He's enough for you too. Regardless of circumstance...you gotta' believe it. Sometimes all you may have is God. Remember, it's enough. Nothing more and nothing less. It's enough!
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Redemption in Action
The city of Warren where I live is a depressed area. The local economy is summed up in its unemployment rate which is over 18%. People have lost jobs, benefits, and their homes as the Warren area has consistently been one of the most affordable housing markets in the United States (in this case, not a great bragging point). People struggle with depression in Warren, their is plenty of crime, lots of drugs and Warren has one of the highest divorce rates in the United States. Pretty sad. Extremely depressing.
Periodically, I'll find a story of someone who is trying to bring about some redemption in midst of our hurting and depressed city. I recently read in our local paper the story of a local pastor who has undertaken a neighborhood improvement project that city officials in Warren are hoping will spill into other areas of our city.
This local pastor created a non-profit organization that he is using to purchase vacant houses and repair them to be rented. All of the houses purchased thus far are in close proximity to the church that he pastors and it's in a dilapidated and worn down area in our city. So far, this local pastor has invested around $100,000 to purchase these five different homes with the purpose of renovation and breathing hope back into his neighborhood.
This is redemption in action. God calls us to lose our tendency to complain and instead be people (like this pastor) who bring redemption to an arena of life that is hopeless. God calls us to be innovative, creative and daring in bringing redemption to a family or even a crisis in a city. Whether its purchasing a home for renovation purposes, or taking in a foster child, or cleaning up a local park, God wants us to redeem the very things that have been taken from our communities. God is calling us to be people who bring redemption into their churches, their neighborhoods, their work places and to their cities...just like the pastor in Warren.
Redemption...what will you redeem?
Periodically, I'll find a story of someone who is trying to bring about some redemption in midst of our hurting and depressed city. I recently read in our local paper the story of a local pastor who has undertaken a neighborhood improvement project that city officials in Warren are hoping will spill into other areas of our city.
This local pastor created a non-profit organization that he is using to purchase vacant houses and repair them to be rented. All of the houses purchased thus far are in close proximity to the church that he pastors and it's in a dilapidated and worn down area in our city. So far, this local pastor has invested around $100,000 to purchase these five different homes with the purpose of renovation and breathing hope back into his neighborhood.
This is redemption in action. God calls us to lose our tendency to complain and instead be people (like this pastor) who bring redemption to an arena of life that is hopeless. God calls us to be innovative, creative and daring in bringing redemption to a family or even a crisis in a city. Whether its purchasing a home for renovation purposes, or taking in a foster child, or cleaning up a local park, God wants us to redeem the very things that have been taken from our communities. God is calling us to be people who bring redemption into their churches, their neighborhoods, their work places and to their cities...just like the pastor in Warren.
Redemption...what will you redeem?
Sunday, March 8, 2009
The Micro-Credit Solution
Six months ago I came across a book at Borders entitled, "Banker to the Poor". The title of the book caught my attention so I picked it up to read. I'm glad that I did. The book taught me about micro-credit and how it is being used in the poorest countries of the world to eradicate poverty. Following my reading of this book, I've been doing more reading on this "micro-loan" industry and to say the least, I'm very intrigued with it.
In a nutshell, micro-credit is something that started in the 1970's with a man from Bangladesh starting the Grameen Bank (with only $27.00 in his pocket) and seeking to lend money to the poorest people in the world. The money is lent at a low-interest rate and strives to give poor people capital that in turn brings revenue which ultimately brings hope to the very people who found themselves stuck in poverty. Mircro-loans can help start businesses, purchase material or supplies for businesses or for education purposes. These loans are small-scale loans ranging from 25.00 to $250 per loan, and are typically paid back on a bi-weekly basis or monthly basis to a collector or officer that works with the organization.
It's an intriguing model because it empowers the individual to work and earn money that in turn pays back the loan amount. Interesting enough, the Grameen bank has a 98% return rate and every year millions of dollars are loaned to individuals in some of the poorest countries of the world.
I've continued in reading and studying up on "micro-credit" and looked at other reputable organizations that do this here in the United States. The vision amongst these organizations is driven by the desire to see hope given to the world's poorest people. Instead of giving a hand-out, miocro-credit lending strives to equip and then empower the individual so that they can become productive and responsible workers who can sustain an income and in turn provide for themselves and their family.
What a vision this is. As I see the works of Opportunity International (www.opportunityinternational.org) and Hope International (www.hopeinternational.org), and other non-profit organizations I see a movment of concerned and caring citizens who want to put an end to injustices in our world through the empowerment of the world's poorest people (those living on less than a $1.00 a day).
When I returned from my first trip to Africa in 2006, I told God that I would do more do correct the injustices that take place on that great continent. I told God that I would use more of my time, energy and resources to bring hope and solutions to those people stuck in poverty and those who are suffering from malnutrition and other preventable diseases. If this is your heart...keep reading. If you have a desire to rescure, to empower and to be used by God to bring hope to the poorest people in our world...keep on reading.
Over the course of the next year, I want to bring awareness to world poverty and specifically how micro-credit can be a part of the solution to this world-wide problem. If you have very few resources, but you'd be willing to contribute a small amount, please let me know. If you (like me) are a little intigued with the micro-lending revolution that is happening in some of the world's poorest countries, let me know. I'd like to fan this flame in your heart. Over the course of the next several months, I'll be sharing some specific ways that you can get involved in creating and making micro-loans to the poor of our world. If this excites you, and you have a desire to be a part of this (or if you simply want some more information on micro lending)...I'd like to know about this. Email me today at parmitage@northmarchurch.com and join me in this adventure!
Go Make a Difference with your life!!!
In a nutshell, micro-credit is something that started in the 1970's with a man from Bangladesh starting the Grameen Bank (with only $27.00 in his pocket) and seeking to lend money to the poorest people in the world. The money is lent at a low-interest rate and strives to give poor people capital that in turn brings revenue which ultimately brings hope to the very people who found themselves stuck in poverty. Mircro-loans can help start businesses, purchase material or supplies for businesses or for education purposes. These loans are small-scale loans ranging from 25.00 to $250 per loan, and are typically paid back on a bi-weekly basis or monthly basis to a collector or officer that works with the organization.
It's an intriguing model because it empowers the individual to work and earn money that in turn pays back the loan amount. Interesting enough, the Grameen bank has a 98% return rate and every year millions of dollars are loaned to individuals in some of the poorest countries of the world.
I've continued in reading and studying up on "micro-credit" and looked at other reputable organizations that do this here in the United States. The vision amongst these organizations is driven by the desire to see hope given to the world's poorest people. Instead of giving a hand-out, miocro-credit lending strives to equip and then empower the individual so that they can become productive and responsible workers who can sustain an income and in turn provide for themselves and their family.
What a vision this is. As I see the works of Opportunity International (www.opportunityinternational.org) and Hope International (www.hopeinternational.org), and other non-profit organizations I see a movment of concerned and caring citizens who want to put an end to injustices in our world through the empowerment of the world's poorest people (those living on less than a $1.00 a day).
When I returned from my first trip to Africa in 2006, I told God that I would do more do correct the injustices that take place on that great continent. I told God that I would use more of my time, energy and resources to bring hope and solutions to those people stuck in poverty and those who are suffering from malnutrition and other preventable diseases. If this is your heart...keep reading. If you have a desire to rescure, to empower and to be used by God to bring hope to the poorest people in our world...keep on reading.
Over the course of the next year, I want to bring awareness to world poverty and specifically how micro-credit can be a part of the solution to this world-wide problem. If you have very few resources, but you'd be willing to contribute a small amount, please let me know. If you (like me) are a little intigued with the micro-lending revolution that is happening in some of the world's poorest countries, let me know. I'd like to fan this flame in your heart. Over the course of the next several months, I'll be sharing some specific ways that you can get involved in creating and making micro-loans to the poor of our world. If this excites you, and you have a desire to be a part of this (or if you simply want some more information on micro lending)...I'd like to know about this. Email me today at parmitage@northmarchurch.com and join me in this adventure!
Go Make a Difference with your life!!!
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