I had the privilege this morning of attending a breakfast sponsored by No Child Waiting and Focus on the Family to help promote an upcoming one-day event to help place children from the foster system into Christian families. The event will be Saturday, February 11 at Scottsdale Bible Church from 1:00pm-5::00pm. Please consider being there and helping spread the word:

Dan Cruver closed out the day’s session from Psalm 36.

When we get caught up in the everyday trappings of life, it often doesn’t feel like the Gospel applies to the world in which we live. Yet, God’s Story is “the real world.”

If we ask what God really wants from us, several verses might come to mind: Micah 6:8, Psalm 82:3, James 1:26-27. The Christian life should make a tangible difference in the lives of “the least of these.” We are called to bear witness to God’s image throughout all of life, reflecting His character, not only in our words but in deeds.

Our view of God drastically affects the way we live this out. We must learn to understand God primarily as a Giver. If we view God as wanting (anything) from us, we will not live, love and serve out of humble, joyful gratitude but out of fear and obligation. When we experience God as Giver, we are better equipped to serve those around us, including orphans.

The Fall changes the way we view God. The idols we create are always needy and wanting. We begin to view God this way as well, beginning to believe, somehow that God is just a taker. Our lives; our obedience become burdensome. It is only when we are washed afresh in grace that our obedience becomes worshipful.God created us to share in His love and delights.

When we doubt God as The Giver, we can look nowhere more powerful than the Cross where God gave Himself. God is the Supreme Giver and He has given us Jesus. Viewing God as the Giver reminds us of our emptiness and dependence. This then moves us to obedience, not out of obligation but joy.

No matter where you’re at in life, God is the Giver and it is in Him that we serve the orphan and widow.

My wife and I recently began the process to become licensed as foster parents in the state of Arizona. This flows from a deep sense of gratitude that God adopted us as his children. According to many reports, there are approximately 10,000 children in the CPS system in Arizona. There are also approximately 10,000 churches in Arizona. Think about what a difference we could make if only one family from every church in the state would open up their home.

I am so excited to see so many Christians begin to think seriously and theologically about adoption and foster care. While I recognize that foster care is rarely a long-term solution to the problems many children face, I’m also convicted that, if Christians can open up their homes as safe, secure and loving places, it can make a real, lasting impact.

I am also very excited to be included as one of the bloggers for the Together For Adoption conference, here in October. This is going to be a fantastic time of considering the Gospel motivation of orphan care. The super-early-bird registration has just opened, so if you’re considering attending this great conference, now’s the best time to register! While “normal” registration for the conference will be $109/person, this week only, you can register for $75!

Hope to see you there.

• Register now for the Together For Adoption conference, October 21-22 here in AZ.