It isn’t what you think it means

What comes to your mind when you hear the word “adoption”? Like most of the rest of the planet, you probably think adoption means to permanently place a child within the home of another family. But, I’m here to tell you, it isn’t what you think it means. Biblically speaking, adoption means much more than child placement.

The Greek word from which “adoption” is derived is actually a compound of the words that mean “son” and “to place”. So, yes, adoption IS about child placement, but when we look at it from a Biblical perspective, it doesn’t end there. Adoption is also about renewal of creation. (See Romans 8:19-23) Where the Bible is concerned, when you have “adoption” you also have “renewal of creation”. You never have one without the other.

Dan Cruver, from Together for Adoption tells us, “God’s work of adoption will one day result in the comprehensive restoration of all creation so that it becomes the happy home of all of His children. One awe-inspiring day creation will be restored to a home of unceasing communion and fellowship with God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. In that day we will enter into the overflowing and never-ending peace and joy and gladness of our Father.”

It is important to remember that the Christian’s adoption is vertical before there can ever be a horizontal adoption. Once we are welcomed into the family of Christ through adoption, we must then, as a church family, “care for the orphans and widows”, according to Scripture. There are so many ways to do this; to place a child in a home and to create renewal.

One way to discover how to do both is to participate in the National Orphan Sunday, which will be held on November 7, 2010. Visit the link below to find a church in your area that is participating and learn how you can get involved. Check back here often this week as we will discuss more Biblical implications of adoption and how we can all care for orphans in preparation for Orphan Sunday.

 

www.orphansunday.org

 

 

Canadian Tenors Fan Day – The Summary

I have spent the last few days trying to figure out how to capture the Canadian Tenors Fan Day event into a blog post in such a way that would explain exactly what happened this weekend. But I’m not sure my words will do it justice because nothing I write seems to encapsulate the magnitude of caring hearts that gathered in one room for a few hours on this one Saturday in October in Holland.

The picture I keep coming back to is the story from the Bible where the poor woman gives her last remaining coins as an offering. She gave generously from her heart, while others gave from wealth. Neither is wrong, but as the parable goes on to say, the widow was commended not for the size of her gift, but for the sacrifice for giving all that she had.

That is what I witnessed on this Fan Day – people giving out of abundance and even sacrifice for a need greater than their own. Although those in attendance were all fans of the Canadian Tenors music, some were not aware of their involvement with Bulembu through Voices for Bulembu. A brief seminar was presented giving insight into the town’s history, its people and the crises they face, and the vision for building a self-sustaining community by the year 2020. With a deeper understanding and awareness, Canadian Tenors fans gave from their hearts.

Through a silent auction, Bingo, sales of specially designed Canadian Tenors Voices for Bulembu wristbands and even some corporate donations, the total amount raised came to $3,235 (Canadian Dollars). All of the proceeds from this event will go to the Bulembu Foundation.

There is no doubt that Canadian Tenors fans love their Tenors! The group that gathered was there to celebrate this common bond and even though they all live in the same country, most had formed a “friendship” only through Facebook. But any hint of unfamiliarity quickly evaporated while we played “Name the Tenor” and “Name the Tenor Tune” trivia games, shared stories from concerts and exchanged song ideas for upcoming CD’s. Before long, it felt like a family reunion!

Those in attendance were treated to a surprise “visit” from Victor, Remigio, Fraser and Clifton via videotaped message, which was, without a doubt, the highlight of the day!

As the first Canadian Tenors Fan Day came to an end, it also marked the end of the second fan fundraising event for the Bulembu Foundation. The combined fundraisers have raised nearly $10,000 (CAD) and will go to help ensure the good work that has begun in Bulembu will continue until it is completed.

My reflection remains woefully inadequate but I am grateful for the hearts that came together to honor the young men who have touched our hearts through their music and by their sacrificial giving to this community that deserves – and is now getting – a second chance.

When you feel like you have nothing left to give, give whatever is left, for it is in the sacrifice of the gift that is pleasing and acceptable in the sight of God. And for the one child in Bulembu who will benefit, it is the biggest gift ever.

Guests at the Canadian Tenors Fan Day in Holland learn about Bulembu and the Bulembu Foundation.

Orphan Sunday: What will you do to change a life?

God’s heart for the fatherless (which includes not just orphans but at-risk children) is a consistent theme throughout the entire Bible. In the New Testament book of James, we are taught that serving the fatherless is “pure” and “undefiled” religion (or worship). It is not just a concern of God. It is a priority of God.

We are a people called to defend the fatherless… to care for the child that has no family… to visit orphans in their distress.

What will you do to answer the call and change a life? It’s overwhelming to consider the magnitude of the task of caring for millions of orphans. But we can each play a small part. And it can start on Orphan Sunday, November 7, 2010.

On that Sunday, hundreds of events across America and beyond will take place, all sharing one single goal: that God’s great love for the orphan will find echo in our lives as well. Orphan Sunday is your opportunity to rouse church, community and friends to God’s call to care for the orphan.

10 Ways We Can Support Orphans

1. Pray for them
2. Speak up for them
3. Provide for their needs
4. Support those who support them
5. Protect them from harm
6. Visit them where they are
7. Give sacrificially to them
8. Encourage them to press on
9. Adopt them into your family
10. Mobilize your church for them

If you want to do more, there is lots more to do. Check back here regularly for updates on ideas for your church or community to become involved, not just on Orphan Sunday (November 7) but every day of the year.

One way I am giving back is through the Bulembu Foundation and Voices for Bulembu. Check out these sites and, if you feel led, start by giving hope to this community in Swaziland.

What are other ways you can think of to help orphans across the globe?

Don’t Test Me, Bro

This is a test. Read this email and do what it says in the next five seconds and you’ll have something unbelievably spectacular happen at 11:11 pm tonight. If you don’t do it, your head will turn into the north end of a south-bound bull.

We’ve all gotten those emails. Perhaps, needing a little luck on our side, we’ve even managed to forward a few of them. Most of those emails come with a nice thought included telling us how much we are appreciated, loved, cherished, and an awesome friend to boot. Many of them offer a prayer and remind us Who died on the Cross for us. The emails require a test: If we forward the message to others, and back to the sender, of course, then we prove our love and undying friendship. Or, in the case of the God-themed messages, we prove our public devotion to Christ.

Oh, sure, the emails are cute enough with their blinking cartoons, eloquent poetry and cute animals, but I absolutely detest being the recipient of such messages. Why? Because I don’t need to be tested, and I don’t need to test anyone else either.

If we’re new in our friendship and you’re that insecure about our future as pals, then you’re just going to have to get over it. I will prove my loyalty to you in life, not in forwarding an email within a certain amount of time to a certain amount of people. Stick with me, kid, and I’ll show you my devotion.

If we’ve been friends (or family) for longer than a year and you’re still sending me these things, maybe we should talk about what I’m doing that makes you feel so insecure after all this time. In other words, don’t test me. The proof is in the puddin’, as we say in the south.

The Bible tells us that we are to carry each others burdens. Galatians 6:3-5 also says, “If anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself. Each one should test his own actions. Then he can take pride in himself, without comparing himself to somebody else…”

It is in moments of pride that we deceive ourselves into thinking we are something to be fond of for our own sufficiency. In reality, we are nothing without one another. As your friend, I am committed to carrying your burdens and in doing so, I must test myself. My living testimony of faithfulness to friendship and God come through my every day actions, not in the number of emails I forward. Let me live it out because luck is on no one’s side.

Nobodies Hero

I always watch with great fascination anytime I see a story of lifesaving heroics. A man lifts a car off of a child by sheer strength. A mother jumps into the freezing river to save her child. Witnesses rush to a burning car to save trapped accident victims. These are the moments when I think of the Bible verse that says, “There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” (John 15:13)

At some point in my amazement at the unselfishness of those who act without hesitation, I always think to myself, “If I’m ever in that kind of situation, I’ll be a hero too. Nothing will stop me from helping someone in need.”

I had such an opportunity on 9/11/01 when I was across the street from the Pentagon when its core was breached by an airplane. As soon as I heard the plane crash, I had a decision to make: Run to the scene and help, get to my new job at CBN News to help inform the world, or do nothing. Although it wasn’t what I wanted to do, I chose the latter. Actually, the choice was made for me by a body frozen in fear. I literally could not move.

In the years since that day, I have struggled not only with what I saw (in person and on video) but also with what I didn’t do. So many people – including a few therapists along way – have reminded me that, even with my press passes, I probably wouldn’t have been allowed to get close enough to help any of the victims. My mind often goes back to those who were in the burning Twin Towers with no chance of escape. Watching video of the jumpers haunts me to this day. But again, I have often been reminded, there is nothing I could have done. I wasn’t even in New York, and even if I had been, I couldn’t possibly have saved anyone trapped above the point of impact.

At the very least, I could have helped humanity by doing my job and reporting the facts as they unraveled. I should have helped a frightened America with news and knowledge that could have possibly provided some sort of comfort. But I didn’t even do that much. I was too scared to do my job.

I have heard from many who care – including a number of therapists along the way – who have said that I did help by coming to work the next day and relieving those who had been working through the night on this breaking story, which is what my boss asked me to do. To be honest, I think that’s just fluff to make me feel better, but I try to accept it for what it’s worth.

I really wanted to be a hero that day. And in so many ways, I haven’t been able to forgive myself for what I didn’t do. As I continue the healing process, I am learning to forgive. It is, however, a slow process.

I wonder what will happen if I am ever presented with a scenario that requires swift action, the kind of action that could possibly save a life. Will I respond differently? I would like to say that I will. Perhaps I’ll never have to find out, and that would be ok, too. In the meantime, I try to help in other ways, including telling my story. I doubt it will save a life, but perhaps it will help someone in some small way.

Is there something you did or didn’t do for which you haven’t forgiven yourself? What’s stopping you?

Keys to Life

Indianapolis is all a-buzz with NCAA Final Four fever this weekend, especially since the hometown Butler Bulldogs are playing; the only team from the Hoosier state to make it to the Final Four. This weekend, everyone in Indiana is a Bulldog!

One of the many exciting events of the weekend is the Legends of the Hardwood Breakfast, a partnership between Athletes in Action and Fellowship of Christian Athletes, which presents the annual John Wooden “Keys to Life” Award. It stands as one of the premier events during the NCAA Final Four weekend and recognizes the importance of leadership, character and integrity and honors heroes in the world of sports.

Nearly 1000 people attended today’s Breakfast with Ernie Johnson, Host of TNT’s “Inside the NBA,” acting as Master of Ceremonies. Clark Kellogg, CBS Lead Analyst for college basketball and Indiana Pacers Analyst, was also on hand. Both men shared from their own faith experiences and uplifting stories about previous “Keys to Life” winners and other basketball greats who have left an indelible mark off the hardwood as well as on it.

The 2010 John Wooden Keys to Life Award Winner is Don Meyer, who has 38 years head coaching experience and the most career victories of any college coach. The Award is presented to Coach Meyer for living out Coach Wooden’s seven “Keys to Life,” and exemplifying outstanding character and leadership on the court, in the work place, in the home, and in the community.

Coach Wooden’s Keys to Life:
1. Be true to yourself.
2. Help others.
3. Make each day your masterpiece.
4. Drink deeply from good books, especially the Bible.
5. Make friendship a fine art.
6. Build a shelter against a rainy day.
7. Pray for guidance and give thanks for your blessings every day.

As we prepare for Easter Sunday, we recognize and celebrate the greatest “Legend” of all time – Jesus Christ. We acknowledge Him as the ultimate example of character and leadership in all areas of our lives. And we accept the sacrifice He made on the Cross on our behalf. It is that unfailing love and victory over death that gives us the strength and courage to pursue the “Keys to Life” as John Wooden suggests.

Do you know the Key to life?

Military Suicides

Here’s another fantastic post by guest blogger, J. Doug Settle.

Brigadier General Stephen J. Townsend, senior commander for the 101^st Airborne at Ft. Campbell, Kentucky, recently communicated with his troops about the problem of suicide. He encouraged those who may be struggling with mental or emotional or spiritual issues to seek medical attention. It seems that the suicide rate at Fort Campbell is the highest in the Army. A recent article reported that there have been 11 suicides since the beginning of this year.

The General is reported as saying, “…remember this—suicidal behavior in the 101^st on Fort Campbell is bad…It’s bad for soldiers, it’s bad for families, bad for your units, bad for this division and our army and our country, and it’s got to stop now…” Gee. You think so?

It seems that Fort Campbell is not the only military installation to be experiencing the problem. Some studies suggest that, “Sixty-four potential active-duty suicides” have occurred in the Army ranks this year.

I can only imagine the frustration and concern General Townsend must be feeling. He is right to try and address the problem. It would be wonderful if his talk alone would produce the desired effect. But we know that it won’t.

The problems associated with contemplating suicide require answers that go very deep; including the realms of the mind, soul, and spirit. Though the military recognizes the seriousness of the problem, I don’t see them as always recognizing the kind of support needed to provide a lasting remedy.

Part of the problem is that the military chaplaincy has been hindered from performing a legitimate role as the ministers and shepherds of God’s Word. Their hands have been tied spiritually. They are forced to operate within very limited parameters. Our warriors are being shortchanged, all in the name of political correctness. It should be about the truths and teachings necessary that could bring about change and stability in the lives of the troops!

I was a light weapons combat infantryman who actively served in the Republic of South Vietnam from July 1970  through July 1971. Since returning from my tour-of-duty, having also been plagued with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, I determined to do as much research as possible until I discovered legitimate answers for dealing with the malady, including answers for managing suicidal thoughts and tendencies.

Forced to deal with stressors from the past and present, I have sought ways to handle the inner turmoil and pain. It has been a real struggle. I must add that for me, the practical answers, extracted from God’s written revelation, provided the promises, principles and provisions I needed to continue in life. The answers discovered in God’s Word can best help alleviate the pain, suffering and inner turmoil in the lives of our nation’s warriors.

Consider closely what Jesus Christ had to say: “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). “…I came that they might have life, and might have it abundantly” (John 10:10b).

When lives are rightly aligned with God’s Word and Will, God provides the practical wisdom needed, regardless of the difficulties one may be facing.

Some of my brothers have not survived their personal struggle with daily and delayed stress; deciding instead to take matters into their own hands. They have taken a giant leap into the dark. All they knew was that they were experiencing excruciating pain and suffering. They simply wanted the pain to stop and there seemed no way out of their stress predicament. What they did not know is that there was a better way, a sure way, a way which would allow them to work through the inner stressors. The abundant life that Jesus Christ promised could have overcome and overridden their problems in living. Leaping into the darkness, taking one’s own life, is never a viable option.

General Townsend exhorted the warriors to seek help if they were having problems. The warrior, at best, is hesitant to go forward due to the labeling and additional problems that could occur. The warrior could be construed as being weak, cowardly, unstable, unfit for service, a threat to the unit’s safety, etc. Seriously, who would want to go forward? It could prove to be a career ending decision. Future promotions could be negatively affected. The warrior understands only too well the pitfalls and feels compelled to try hanging in there the best way he knows how–gut it out!

The warrior, in some cases, will not be able to handle the severity of his problems on his own. Yes, he does need help, but little lasting help is assured. General Townsend also wanted others, who see a warrior struggling with suicidal symptoms, to turn those individuals in. Though a sincere proposal, the negative side effects of such action could develop into another shooting incident, such as was witnessed recently at Camp Liberty, Iraq.

When I finally removed from the battlefield in Vietnam, I became a counselor at “Project Help” in the Americal Division HQ. The Project was a program the warrior could contact with complete anonymity if choosing. No one could interfere with the process nor could negative repercussions ensue. Of course there were certain limitations to insure the safety of others. Under current circumstances, that project might be one General Townsend and the Army might want to consider implementing again.

I stand wholeheartedly by God’s answers. Why? Because I have been there! I am one who has personally struggled with PTSD. I have learned to manage suicidal tendencies. I understand the inner dynamics at play and the help that God has made available. I was fortunate to discover God’s answers; the same answers that He promises others. I would hope that the ministers, chaplains, those who desire to stand on the Judeo-Christian foundation this country was founded on, would be allowed to share the wisdom and direction from God’s Word with struggling soldiers who would desire that kind of direction. It is time to provide some real help to our wounded warriors.

J. Doug Settle
Author of From Stress to Faith Rest
www.jdougsettle.com

Be Blessed

It’s a common request when we pray: “Lord, please bless…”. We truly want God to bless our friends and family and our individual efforts. But what does it mean to be blessed?

By the world’s standards, being blessed means success, riches, beauty, material things, prestige. But the Bible speaks of a different kind of blessing. In Matthew 5:1-12 , Jesus tells us His definition of being blessed. In essence, when we pray for God’s blessings, we are asking God to “Let them be poor in spirit, mourning, meek, hungering and thirsting for righteousness, merciful, pure, peacemakers, and persecuted.”

Gee, that doesn’t sound very fun, does it? JoHannah Reardon, managing editor of ChristianBibleStudies.com tells us, “We can never be happy when we live self-centered lives. We may be fooled into thinking we’re happy for a while, but eventually it will fold in on us because true happiness can be found only in a relationship with our Creator. Only the One who made us knows what will truly make us happy and give us satisfaction in life. “

That doesn’t mean that God doesn’t want us to be successful or financially secure. He can certainly use all of those things to His advantage. But we must be willing to surrender those things to His service. To fully understand the responsibility that comes with such earthly blessings, we must first seek the Kingdom of God and ask God to bless us by His standards. Then we will know what it truly means to be blessed.

Are you blessed?

Guest Post – J. Doug Settle

Jesus said,“Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest…”
(Matthew 11:28 NASB)

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder has presented real problems in living for many.  This is especially true in the lives of those combat veterans who returned and are returning from past and present wars. The problems have called for genuine solutions, but those currently in place seem to fall short of reaching a healthy and manageable goal. The question becomes: Are there really any legitimate answers for effectively dealing with or managing PTSD?

While I personally will not discount or endorse the legitimacy or illegitimacy of the many proposed remedies, I do support the solutions as presented in the Word of God for its proposals in dealing with this destructive malady. As the above verse promises, God offers those who are “weary” – tired, exhausted, or worn out – as well as those who are “heavy-laden” – carrying around a heavy burden in life, including dealing with matters stemming from PTSD – to come to Him. Those who do are promised “rest”; the kind of rest that brings peace of mind, inner harmony, a tranquil and refreshed soul.

Why then are many missing out on experiencing God’s rest remedies for their souls? Hosea 4:6 says, “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.” God wants us to take His Word seriously! God has provided His many promises, principles and provisions to live by. The wise man will hear and obey what God has provided. The problem occurs when the unbelieving man as well as the believing man will not pay attention to God’s Word and Will. PTSD will never be sufficiently personally dealt with until that aspect of life is finally decided on.

In my newly released book, From Stress to Faith Rest, I share my own combat experiences in the Vietnam War and my continued struggles with PTSD. I also go on to share God’s provisions for dealing with my problems in living. I would like to report that God has taken all the pain and horror away and that full healing has occurred. That would be untrue. What has happened is that God has provided legitimate answers for dealing with and managing the problems in living from the stressors inherent in PTSD. He has also provided His peace and rest, making those available to be expressed in my inner and outer life. In that sense, and that sense only, has healing occurred; at least in my case!

While there are some Biblical counselors who would discount the inner workings of man, my book goes on to express how the inner makeup of man is meant to function in life. There are diagrams included that help one understand the Scriptural dynamics involved and how God’s Word is meant to be applied in the crucible of everyday living.

Ultimate healing will one day occur in the lives of those who have personally trusted in the Person and Work of the Lord Jesus Christ, but for now, experientially, one must learn to rely on God’s Word and Will for living life. I have tested and tasted God’s word for over thirty five years and have discovered that Jesus’ promise of “rest” is true. After all, it is He who also said, “…I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but through Me” (John 14:6 NASB). Are we willing to go to Him?

To find out more about my book,, visit my website, “Chapel at China Sea” at http://www.jdougsettle.com.