Welcome to More to the Journey

‘More to the Journey’ is an adventure and exploration into that which life has offered and is yet to offer. Birthed out of a realization that all of life is a multi-faceted investment not to be squandered. Sharing experiences as we observe signs and seasons of change is not only necessary but also more challenging as we are deluged by distractions and distorted facts and opinions. Join as we focus on staying centered on the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Embrace this Journey with me as we travel ever onward! There is More!

The Spirit of Adoption

“For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” ~ Romans 8:14-15

The Book of Romans Chapter 8 provides an explanation of who we are in Christ. The Apostle Paul begins the chapter with “no condemnation,” and ends with “no separation” for those who are in Christ. Through the selfless love of God, we experience an adoption that not only washes us clean of our sins, sets us up as joint heirs with Christ, and frees us from the bondage of fear, but it also seals us to God with a loving trust that allows us in boldness to cry out “Abba! Father!” The Romans to whom Paul wrote understood the process of legal adoption, entitling the adopted heir to become one with the adopter. In Roman practice this assurance of adoption of God created an impression of a oneness with the Heavenly Father. As an adoptive mother, I have been blessed with the ongoing joy which adoption offers. When we seek to welcome a child into our homes and hearts, we receive a picture of the perfect Father who seeks to welcome condemned orphans with no hope into his home and heart to become his rightful children. With adoption comes an assurance that you are not a mistake. Though there are unplanned pregnancies, there are no unplanned adoptions. We have been sought, rescued from hopelessness and abandonment, and adopted at a great price into God’s family. We are secure in a perfect love that casts out all fear.Who shall separate us from this love? Can trials, or distress, or persecution? Can famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword?“For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Rom 8:37-39). You have the right through adoption to cry out, “Abba! Father!” with the knowledge that he is there for you.

If the weight of your circumstances is taking your focus off that which you have received from God through Christ Jesus, take some time to reflect on His word and remember that you are chosen, loved, and valued by the God of Creation. Let us never forget that everyone has a story that has brought them to where they are today. May we always be His hands and love in this world.