Fifty years ago today, I asked Jesus to adopt me!
I didn’t say it exactly like that, but that is precisely what I meant.
The day was Sept 5, 1971 at about 11AM and I was in a very bad place. At seventeen, I was thoroughly brokenhearted, fully captive to the worldly lies of the enemy and a prisoner of my own sins. And all I did that day was give the King of Kings access to my heart: “Jesus! Whatever. Whenever. However.”
And you know what?
Jesus, His Father and the Holy Spirit all showed up! (Jn 14:23; Gal 4:6-7)
I’m no longer brokenhearted: All the abuse and failings of my home of origin are forgiven, healed and replaced by the Kingdom’s light, peace and power. It’s unimaginable grace: I have access to Narnia every day!
I’m no longer a captive: When the enemy entices me these days with the temptations of money, sex, power and the like, I’m increasingly quick to renounce his foolishness. And when needed, I repent and receive heavenly manna. Jesus the Just is an amazing lawyer!
I’m no longer a prisoner: Having been adopted through grace, I am no longer a prisoner of my sin either. Instead, I’m a child of God and even better, His heir (Gal 4:7). Wow!
But I’m still asking Jesus for help: For almost every one of the past 18,250 days, I’ve asked my Savior the same thing. “Jesus, help me to keep exchanging my thoughts and ways for Your thoughts and ways!”. This never-ending process of denying myself, picking up my cross and following Jesus has amazed me. I could have never imagined the past fifty years’ joy, hope and peace!
Today’s Sept 5, 2021 Challenge
Followers of Jesus: What is Jesus asking you to exchange today? Go to the “redemption center”, hand it over and pick up His grace gift for your heart and life!
Church of Jesus Christ: The same question: What worldly thoughts and ways do you need to let go of so you can fully be salt and light to the world? This is Jesus’ destiny for you!
Still in process,
