Me (Julie) at the fair just a few years ago:-)Reflecting on my relationship with Jesus Christ and the motivation for the Evangelistic Medical Mission Crusades (EMMC), I am reminded that salvation is a free gift from God!
"For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,
and all are justified freely by his grace."
Romans 3:23-24
However, is our salvation truly free? The Lord offers it to us free, there is nothing we can do to earn it, or loose it! But, is salvation free? Of course not! Let's read the rest of Romans 3:24 - "through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus." Our salvation cost Jesus Christ His life! Our salvation cost God Almighty His Son! That certainly is not free!and all are justified freely by his grace."
Romans 3:23-24
Becky (on left) praying with some women on a crusade to receive their free gift of salvation.
In these leaner economic times, I have tried to find creative "free" activities to do with the kids. On the days that I really just want to jump in the van and go to the movies or buy some new books to read, I keep reminding myself that making a difference in the kids' lives can be free! Kisses are free; reading old stories is free; a good game of soccer is free; listening is free! However, are these things truly free? Reading old stories requires books; a good game of soccer requires a ball; listening requires time and energy; giving hugs and kisses costs the risk of being rejected. Are these actions truly free? Not really. They can cost some money, a bit of time and quite a bit of energy.
A "free" bike race!
but that he loved us and sent his Son
as an atoning sacrifice for our sins." I John 4:10
Giving a "free" gift to somebody else many times requires sacrifice on our part, whether that be sacrificing money, time, energy or emotional resources. That is called LOVE! As we give out these "free" gifts, the Lord can use them to bring true freedom to that individual's life!
The phrase, "There is nothing free in life," while not a Bible verse, does appear to be a true saying. Everything has a cost, whether that be money, time, effort, or emotional energy. However, our sacrifices can provide free gifts to others!
Your sacrifices have helped us grant our children freedom from hunger, (several can recall fighting over a single egg to share between themselves for dinner), freedom from the fear of being abandoned again or left to fend for themselves, freedom from physical, emotional, verbal and sexual abuse as they now live in a safe environment, the freedom to be a kid, grow up, be loved and love!
The free gifts at the fair cost an entrance ticket. Our free salvation cost the blood of Jesus Christ. Transformation for our children requires the sacrifice of our financial resources, time, energy, emotional involvement, the risk of rejection. Salvation for many Mexicans in the poorest areas of the country requires the sacrifice of money, time and energy in order for an EMMC (Evangelistic Medical Mission Crusade) team to take the Good News of Jesus Christ to them!
So, who out there is willing to pay the price? Who is willing to "purchase" a free gift for somebody else with your money, time and energy? Who is willing to give a whole lot of freedom to another by giving up a bit of your own freedom to do as you wish with your resources: money, time and energy? Now, aren't we glad that Jesus Christ paid for our free gift of salvation? I sure am!
The phrase, "There is nothing free in life," while not a Bible verse, does appear to be a true saying. Everything has a cost, whether that be money, time, effort, or emotional energy. However, our sacrifices can provide free gifts to others!
Your sacrifices have helped us grant our children freedom from hunger, (several can recall fighting over a single egg to share between themselves for dinner), freedom from the fear of being abandoned again or left to fend for themselves, freedom from physical, emotional, verbal and sexual abuse as they now live in a safe environment, the freedom to be a kid, grow up, be loved and love!
The free gifts at the fair cost an entrance ticket. Our free salvation cost the blood of Jesus Christ. Transformation for our children requires the sacrifice of our financial resources, time, energy, emotional involvement, the risk of rejection. Salvation for many Mexicans in the poorest areas of the country requires the sacrifice of money, time and energy in order for an EMMC (Evangelistic Medical Mission Crusade) team to take the Good News of Jesus Christ to them!
A free doctor's consultation in progress on a crusade, along with a few extra smiles and lovin' on.
Free haircuts available and in progress on the EMMC's.
So, who out there is willing to pay the price? Who is willing to "purchase" a free gift for somebody else with your money, time and energy? Who is willing to give a whole lot of freedom to another by giving up a bit of your own freedom to do as you wish with your resources: money, time and energy? Now, aren't we glad that Jesus Christ paid for our free gift of salvation? I sure am!
"And walk in the way of love,
just as Christ loved us
and gave himself up for us
as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God."
Ephesians 5:2
just as Christ loved us
and gave himself up for us
as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God."
Ephesians 5:2
Here are a few "free" smiles for you to enjoy!
 |
| Ana |
Diana and Martita
Josiah - Ice cream makes us all smile!
David and me
Fatima
Carolina
Daniel - it is truly a daily miracle that we can keep enjoying his smile!
Fidel and Me
Ruth with an electrifying smile after an electrifying ride down the slide at a park!
Miguel - our clown-in-residence who makes us all smile! Hope he made you smile too!
2 comments:
HI Julie, Just wanted to let you know how much I enjoy reading your blog. You probably have no memory of me (thats ok) but we are related. You Grandpa Dick Blom and my Mom Caroline are brother and sister. I used to see you a few times a year when your folks would come to Leota to visit and would go to your Great Grandpa and Grandma Blom on Sunday afternoons. Anyway, sending you Gods blessing in all that you do. Vonda Vander Woude
Julie, Thank you for this posting...reminds me of Galatians 5:13-14. Lord, Thank you for making me free, help me use my freedom today to love others. Amen
13 You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love. 14 For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.
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