New Zip Code

“He said to me, ‘It is done. I am the Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End. To the thirsty I will give water without cost from the spring of the water of life.”- Revelation 21:6

Our family is making a major move and experiencing something new in this season. We are welcoming Pastor Joanie’s mom to live with us, which brings with it the need of a BIGGER HOUSE to accommodate the entire family. I am thrilled to announce that we have found our new home and will be moving in soon. Don’t worry, our move keeps us in Newbury Park and is less than a mile away from the “miracle blessing” we have called home for over thirteen years. Talk about a big change in such a small distance!

With all the emotions and excitement that comes with buying a new home, the escrow process can be excruciating. Not only is there a seemingly never-ending cycle of communications and documents to sign, but there is also the unpleasant negotiating, bargaining, contingencies, and counteroffers being made. Basically, it is a 30-day BACK AND FORTH that would make the game of tennis jealous!

Where the house buying process includes a down payment, inspection, repairs, numerous fees, appraisal and loan approval, our entrance into fellowship in Christ and the perfect abode of eternal life is marked by mercy and grace. Ephesians 2:4-6 Paul breaks down this new, better reality for us, “But because of His great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with Him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus.”

Just as we must enter in our Zip Code to confirm our identity with credit card purchases, let’s clearly know that we belong to Christ, are saved by grace, live by faith, and cared for in loving and lavish ways. In Psalm 27:4, King David (who lived in a palace/nicest home in Jerusalem) cried out, “One thing I ask from the Lord, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life…” I am so glad to know that our New, Heavenly Zip Code is not marked by the stressful, but by the graciousness of God!