Religion vs. Relationship

Ivonne — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 05:44:12 +0000

Something that we talk about a lot in our home and at the orphanage is our desire to see the children have a relationship with Jesus and not just gain a religion with a set of rules that they can never meet.
Sadly, I’ve met plenty of people who grew up in Christian homes and have a lot of head knowledge about God but in their hearts they do not serve him. Especially sad are those who have grown up in the ministry and left home with nothing more than religion. I do not want this to be the story of my children or the children that we work with. So, my question is how do I keep this from happening? I would love to hear from you Christian mommies and daddies who have walked this road or are walking it. I have found the following verses to be a key in answering my own question but if you would like to share other ones that would be great!

1Corinthians 15:56 NIV
“The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law.”

Romans 4:13-15
“It was not through law that Abraham and his offspring received the promise that he would be heir of the world, but through the righteousness that comes by faith. For if those who live by law are heirs, faith has no value and the promise is worthless, because law brings wrath. And where there is no law there is no transgression”

James 1:27
“Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.”

Ephesians 6:4
“Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.”

A Knock at the Door

Ivonne — Sat, 16 May 2009 05:03:45 +0000

Our precious little visitors

First knock: little children who come every day to eat a meal here. Their torn clothes, matted hair and calloused feet do not take away from their cuteness. We stopped asking what they need and just wash their hands, pray with them and feed them.

Second knock: a single mom with four children. She looks desperate and says she can not feed her kids today, and wants to know if we can help. We sent her home with two bags of food.

Third knock: An illegal immigrant in search of a better future. Rainy season is upon us and he asks for a plastic bag to keep dry.

As I thought about those who came to my door today I remembered this scripture:

Mat 25:34-40 Then the King shall say to those on His right hand, Come, blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. (35) For I was hungry, and you gave me food; I was thirsty, and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger, and you took Me in; (36) I was naked, and you clothed Me; I was sick, and you visited Me; I was in prison, and you came to Me. (37) Then the righteous shall answer Him, saying, Lord, when did we see You hungry, and fed You? Or thirsty, and gave You drink? (38) When did we see You a stranger, and took You in? Or naked, and clothed You? (39) Or when did we see You sick, or in prison, and came to You? (40) And the King shall answer and say to them, Truly I say to you, Inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brothers, you have done it to Me.

WHO IS KNOCKING AT YOUR DOOR?

Precious little ones

LIFE Missions » children

Religion vs. Relationship

A Knock at the Door