(Update: the contest in this post closed and the winner was announced here.)
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This is our first Christmas with a child in our home. So now
the two plus one canine have become three plus one “big-brother-canine.” This
year we are hosting a child from Colombia in hopes of finding him a forever family.
And since last Fall God keeps widening our hearts and our home with the thoughts
of adoption…
All throughout this journey the word “redemption” has been
whispered to my heart. How God wants to redeem the lives of orphans around the
world. To take back the story of those who have been abused, abandoned, and
neglected. And I can’t help looking to that corner of my living room where this verse rests…
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And I am reminded that He promised to redeem all of His
children. Leaving none fatherless and without a home. All brought into His
family. Adopted.
And that changes how I view the cross, my own life, and
freedom. Just as God wants the little children to come unto him, to redeem
their lives, he wants to do the same for you this Christmas season, and every day.
The products featured in this post are part of (in)Spired Deals. One lucky reader will win both the Praise Be to the Lord Pillow and The Advent Tabletop Devotional. Enter to win by answering one of the following questions in the comments below:
What does being “Redeemed” mean to you?
How can you live out the meaning behind the Redeemed Collection– especially around the Christmas Season?
How can you live out the meaning behind the Redeemed Collection– especially around the Christmas Season?
Thanks to DaySpring for providing me with these free products. All opinions are mine.
Having just finished Kelly Minter's study on Ruth, I think of redemption in the kinsman redeemer sense. Being redeemed to me means that there was someone who had the ability to redeem me, was willing to redeem and who loved me enough to sacrifice to redeem me. That someone is Jesus. His redemption provides me eternal life, an abundant life, and peace beyond human reasoning. Oh how thankful I am for my kinsman redeemer!
ReplyDeleteTeresa, I love the story of Ruth. It parallels my own so much. What a great foretelling of God's redemption through Christ.
DeleteBeing redeemed means that no matter how hard I fail, there is someone who still sees me as perfect through the light of his son. It means I don't have to be perfect, because Jesus is.
ReplyDeleteIt reminds me that no one else is perfect either and I need to learn to show them the grace that Jesus showed me, especially at this time of year. Every one is struggling, and they are redeemed beings, too. They just need grace to live it out.
Molly, that is so very true. We're all of us constantly failing and in need of grace and redemption.
DeleteBeing redeemed means God's mercies are new every morning....He makes all things new. And I'm so grateful He made me new in Christ.
ReplyDeleteAnd I love being on this journey of redemption with you, Joy. Can't wait to see what God does!
So glad to have you joining me on the journey, too, Sadee :)
DeleteI posted earlier but don't see my comment... hmm. So I'll repost :-)
ReplyDeleteBeing redeemed... I am free to misstep, but compelled to bring Him honor and glory. It means I am more than I once was, covered, repurposed.
Such good words, Emil. "Free" but "compelled." Love it :)
DeleteBeing redeemed means that despite my faults and shortcomings, God loves me anyway. He values me and has a purpose for my time on Earth.
ReplyDeleteIt is so amazing that God's love for us never changes despite our actions. Thanks, Kimberly.
DeleteFound your blog through my sweet friend, Sadee. :) I love thinking of redemption, especially this time of year. Redeemed, to me, means beauty from ashes, taking something fallen and forgotten and making it a thing of value and worth. It covers our shame, it makes us valuable. And I am thankful for it. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by, Amy. I'm so thankful that God can make beauty out of all our ashes.
DeleteHi Joy, when I hear of redemption I think of being bought back...something lost, stolen, broken, purchased at a high cost...to be reclaimed and restored. I love thinking that God saw worth in me...in us, to buy us back at such a high price. It's pretty awesome to think about it. Hope you're well, friend <3
ReplyDeleteSo good to hear from you, friend :) We cartainly know about lots things being returned don't we?
DeleteRedeemed to me, means that even through my heartache, mess, tears, mess ups, etc., He sent his ONLY son to redeem me. And because of that? I am forgiven, and I am beautiful in His Eyes.
ReplyDeleteBarb, yes, so true. I love that He redeems us often in spite of our junk.
DeleteI am not trying to win the giveaway, I am just visiting from the link-up and you are my neighbor. I love how you related this to adoption. There are so many beautiful, powerful, sad and joyous emotions that come with adoption. You have shared about it beautifully.
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by, neighbor and for the encouragement :)
DeleteTo me, being redeemed means that, despite my human, sinful nature....despite my numerous mistakes and shortcomings, He LOVES me! He loves me so much that He took my place, there on that cross. On that day, it's like He whispered...."You are WORTHY." I'm humbled and so very grateful that I've been forgiven and long for the day when I'll be able to walk into the precious arms of Jesus. I'm a first time visitor to your blog, and now a new follower.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for stopping by and following. How much the events of this past week have increase my own longing for Heaven.
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