Today was a special day. It was the last the last time that we would enter our church as two. The next time we see the sweet faces of our church, we will have become three. What a strange feeling. My heart was full and I fought back tears all day. Our pregnancy is finally over...the due date is in sight. These are the reflections of this special day:
But I, by your great love,
can come into your house;
in reverence I bow down
toward your holy temple.
Psalm 5:7
"O Worship the King" -- Frail children of dust, and feeble as frail, In Thee do we trust, nor find Thee to fail: Thy mercies how tender, how firm to the end, Our Maker, Defender, Redeemer, and Friend.
"Because He Lives" -- How to sweet to hold a newborn baby, and feel the pride, and joy He gives; But greater still the calm assurance, This child can face uncertain days because He lives. Because He lives I can face tomorrow; Because He lives all fear is gone; Because I know He holds the future, and life is worth the living just because He lives.
"Give Me Jesus" -- Give me Jesus, Give me Jesus; You can have all this world, but give me Jesus.
"Amazing Grace, My Chains Are Gone" -- My chains are gone, I've been set free. My God, my Savior has ransomed me, And like a flood His mercy rains, Unending love, Amazing grace. The Lord has promised good to me His word my hope secures. He will my shield and portion be as long as life endures.
"I Surrender All" -- All to The, my blessed Savior, I surrender all.
"Doxology" -- Praise God, from whom all blessing flow; Praise Him, all creatures here below; Praise Him above, ye heavenly host; Praise Father, Son , and Holy Ghost. Amen
Dr. Eldridge brought the message from Matthew 6:19-24. Reminding us that our goal is not to store up treasures for ourselves on this earth. Rest assure we will be disappointed when it is destroyed or stolen, and we realize our hope was in things that are fleeting. But our hearts should be striving to store up things in Heaven, eternal treasures. Realizing that our hope is in the Lord, and that is something that can never be destroyed nor taken away. Dr. Eldridge also pointed out that so many that have gone before us (and many now) have given sacrificially to store up treasures of eternal value. They have invested in peoples lives, the church, and in ways they won't even realize on this side of heaven. I couldn't help but think about the treasures that have been given to us, and to Sue Ling, by so many fellow members of the body. You have all stored up eternal treasures by giving us the ability to bring home Sue Ling. A week from now, she will walk out of a gate of an orphanage and be given the opportunity of life. To hear the Gospel. To know our great God! There will no longer be the chains of a broken past that will keep her bound. She will be given a new life with a family, and a new hope for a future with the Lord. He has shown us great love and mercy through this experience. We know He has tremendous plans for her life. And if I haven't said it a million times...we are so blessed to be given the privilege to be apart of it. We are so unworthy.
After church, I came home and watched "Amazing Grace" for the first time. The story of William Wilberforce. He spent his life agonizing and fighting for the abolishment of slave trading. And what is amazing...he saw victory over slave trading come to pass. What a powerful story. I turn my gaze to the heavens and hope for the day when there will no longer be any orphans. I know this will not happen on this side of heaven. But if I could dream, it would be to see families raise up and fight for a child that has come from brokenness. To love them with a love that Christ has shown to us. To establish family, security, and hope into the hearts of every child. Wouldn't that be awesome? Victory will come one day, and He will be riding on a white horse. He will fight for us today, and He will bring victory over brokenness in the future. We wait for that day.
"For the Lord your God is the one who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory.” Deuteronomy 20:4
"How Deep the Father's Love" --
How deep the Father's love for us
How vast beyond all measure
That He should give His only Son
And make a wretch His treasure
How great the pain of searing loss
The Father turns His face away
As wounds which mar the Chosen One
Bring many sons to glory
Behold the man upon the cross
My sin upon His shoulder
Ashamed I hear my mocking voice
Call out among the scoffers
It was my sin that held Him there
Until it was accomplished
His dying breath has brought me life
I know that it is finished
I will not boast in anything
No gifts, no power, no wisdom
But I will boast in Jesus Christ
His death and resurrection
Why should I gain from His reward
I cannot give an answer
But this I know with all my heart
His wounds have paid my ransom
Why should I gain from His reward
I cannot give an answer
But this I know with all my heart
His wounds have paid my ransom
How vast beyond all measure
That He should give His only Son
And make a wretch His treasure
How great the pain of searing loss
The Father turns His face away
As wounds which mar the Chosen One
Bring many sons to glory
Behold the man upon the cross
My sin upon His shoulder
Ashamed I hear my mocking voice
Call out among the scoffers
It was my sin that held Him there
Until it was accomplished
His dying breath has brought me life
I know that it is finished
I will not boast in anything
No gifts, no power, no wisdom
But I will boast in Jesus Christ
His death and resurrection
Why should I gain from His reward
I cannot give an answer
But this I know with all my heart
His wounds have paid my ransom
Why should I gain from His reward
I cannot give an answer
But this I know with all my heart
His wounds have paid my ransom
"Our motto must continue to be perseverance. And ultimately I trust the Almighty will crown our efforts with success." -- William Wilberforce
