Nichols Family in Ecuador

In the same way we also, when we were children, were enslaved to the elementary principles of the world. But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!” So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God.
(Galatians 4:3-7 ESV)


Let's just say this, I haven't mentioned "adoption" specifically in this blog in a while, and I am not preaching a sermon right now about it. But let me dispel any doubt about adoption as a warm and fuzzy miracle that comes along and brings joy ever after. In my case, Christ adopted me into His family as a self-centered, wrong-thinking sinner. He has been continually, sometimes painfully, converting my nature to look like His family and His son ever since... So you can take what I just said, apply it to yourself and see what raw materials and missing parts Christ began with in your own heart. Now take this thought, and realize that with us bringing 5 adopted children into our own family, we are continually asking Him, desperately asking Him, to continually convert their nature to His as well.
So if you are looking for things to pray for this morning, I just gave you 9 of them, that is 5 by adoption and 4 by birth.


Happy graduation day to my beautiful and smart firstborn daughter who today graduates from MSU! May God bless you as He has blessed us by allowing us to be your parents. May you inherit all His glory one day, may you be satisfied now in His unending love, may Christ get praise for Himself through all your life.


Love,
Mom and Dad