Encouragement and Inspiration

See what kind of love the Father has given to us,
that we should be called children of God;
and so we are.

1 John 3:1

The deepest and strongest foundation for adoption is located not in the act of humans adopting humans, but in God adopting humans.  And this act is not part of his ordinary providence in the world; it is at the heart of the Gospel.

John Piper, "Adoption: The Heart of the Gospel"

But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons.  And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, "Abba!  Father!"  So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God."

Gal 4:4-7

In love he predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, 

according to the purpose of his will.

Eph 1:5

The simple and obvious fact for the Christian is this: adoption and orphan care aren't new ideas; they're biblical ideas...Caring for all of the fatherless is enforced in God's Word, flows from God's heart, and such care embodies convictions that have marked God's people for centuries.

Tony Merida, "Orphanology"

Have I not commanded you?  Be strong and courageous.  Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."

Joshua 1:9

Realize, then, how significant it is that the Biblical writers introduce God as a "father to the fatherless, a defender of widows" (Ps 68:4-5).  This is one of the main things he does in the world.  He identifies with the powerless, he takes up their cause.

Tim Keller, "Generous Grace"

God's viewpoint is sometimes different from ours- so different that we could not even guess at it until He had given us a Book which tells us such things....In the Bible I learn that God values us not for our strength or our brains, but simply
because He has made us.

Corrie Ten Boom

Do not be afraid, for I am with you; I will bring your children from the east and gather you from the west.  I will say to the north, "Give them up!" and to the south, "Do not hold them back." 

Bring My sons from afar and My daughters from the ends of the earth- 

everyone who is called by My name,
whom I created for My glory,
whom I formed and made...

"You are my witnesses," declares the Lord, "and my servant whom I have chosen, so that you may know and believe Me and understand that I am He.  Before me no god was formed, nor will there be one after me.  I, even I, am the Lord, and apart from me there is no savior.  I have revealed and saved and proclaimed- I, and not some foreign god among you.  You are my witnesses, " declares the Lord, "that I am God.  Yes and from ancient days I am He.  No one can deliver out of my hand.  When I act, who can reverse it?"

Isa 43:5-7, 10-13