Marriage manuals say that the most important thing a couple can do in order to keep their marriage fresh is to  get away from everybody and be alone together.  

The Bible says that our relationship with our spouse should be a reflection of our relationship with Christ. (Ephesians 5:23-32)  

God created us for relationship; first with Him, then with others.  In Genesis, it doesn’t say God created man to do good works—or to win souls.  We were created to have fellowship with God. 

When we give our heart to Jesus and are forgiven of our sins, our relationship with God is restored. After salvation, the in-filling of the Holy Spirit brings an intimacy with God that is like nothing we’ve ever experienced before! 

With intimacy also comes a desire to share the joy we’ve found through ministry to others.  As we do more and more to teach, witness, visit the sick and actively minister God’s love, we sometimes begin to neglect our personal relationship with our Lord.

As we lose that intimacy, we find ourselves becoming impatient and easily annoyed.  It’s easy for a Christian to become so involved in ministry that we neglect our relationship with Jesus.  Without that intimacy, we lose our heart for ministry and get ‘burned out’.

Whenever we find ourselves viewing church as ‘work’, we need to step back, renew our relationship and rest.  We serve because we love Jesus. Without the intimacy of relationship, ministry is simply, work.

The scripture reveals that Jesus, Himself, took His disciples away from the work of ministry so they could spend time alone with Him.  Take time, make time for you and Jesus.

Mark 6: 30-32 The apostles gathered around Jesus and reported to him all they had done and taught. Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.”  So they went away by themselves in a boat to a solitary place.

Prayer:  Father, help me to desire a relationship with you. Show me how to

When we were preparing for my husband to have major heart surgery to have his aortic valve replaced, one of the things Dan did was to give me power of attorney. This legal document gave me the authority to do things in ‘his name’ ,  as his representative.  Because we had an intimate relationship, I knew what things he would want done. 

The scripture says that whatever we ask, in Jesus’ name, we receive. This doesn’t mean we can use the name of our Lord as a blank check.  Actually, it’s more like we have a power of attorney in the name of our Lord.  We have the authority to ask only for those things that Jesus, Himself, would ask for.  When we ask in “Jesus’ name, we do so representing Christ in His perfect will. 

This responsibility to our families and to the world, should not be taken frivolously.  Through the Holy Spirit, we have the mind of Christ.  Because we have an intimate relationship, we accept those things we don’t understand.  (I Corinthians 2:16)  God never makes mistakes; there is never a time that He doesn’t understand our need.

There will be times when in our human eyes, we think we know God’s will but we don’t see the results we think we should see.  God’s omniscience reaches far beyond anything we can imagaine.   When we have an intimate relationship with the Lord, we understand that He does all things perfectly.  Even the things that make no sense to us make sense to God.

Seek God’s will through the Word and prayer when you use the awesome privilege of His name.  God answers ALL of our prayers, but He answers them according to His perfect plan, not our perception of His plan. 

John 14:13 And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father.

As I was leaving the other day, I realized that my cell phone had been left in the house.  Even though I was in a hurry, I pulled back into the driveway, ran into the house and retrieved my cell before I went on my way.   

As I headed back to the car, a thought came to mind; “What if we treated our Bible like we treat our cell phone?” How would our lives and attitudes be changed if we were as eager to check God’s message as we are to check messages from our friends? 

The Jewish people were instructed to wear small boxes containing scripture tied to their foreheads or arms. The boxes were tediously hand made following strict laws for size, materials and the construction process.   

Inside were hand written verses from the Talmud reminding the people that God had delivered them out of bondage. The people were to wear these phylacteries as a constant reminder of God’s presence in their everyday lives. 

Today, living under grace through Christ, there are no laws instructing us to strap scriptures to our foreheads. The blood covenant, through Christ, has eliminated the demand to follow the law to the letter. But the need to never be without God’s Word continues.   God’s Word has direction for my life, encouragement for the moment and comfort when I’m hurt.  

Let us hide God’s word in our heart (Psalms 119:11), talk about it when we sit down at home together; think about it when we are alone.  The principals of the ancient law make sense.  Jesus’ atoning death allows me to make holding God’s Word close in my heart and mind— my CHOICE. 

Deuteronomy 6:4-9 Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children.

Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.

Prayer:  Father, help me to be constantly aware of your direction for my life. Forgive me when I go my own way and please send your Spirit to convict my heart. I love you and want to live my life in Christ. Amen.

Scripture reference:

Psalm 119:11(NIV) I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.

That’s it; I’m going to shop someplace else. There is NO way that I’m ever going to go to that grocery store again. That woman that checked out her groceries beside me, she—she—she is a hypocrite! She claims to be a great cook and she just bought a store prepared deli cake. Hmmfff.

Sounds crazy, doesn’t it? Why is it that the only place being with hypocrites bothers us is at church? None of us are without sin. I John 1:8 says if we say we don’t sin, we lie and Christ is not in us. All of us have the potential to be a hypocrite.

When I go to church, I fellowship with people who are just like “me,” saved by God’s mercy and grace. Jesus died so He could have a relationship with all of us. The Word says that God does not want even one person to perish, God wants all people to come to know Jesus as their savior. (II Peter 3:9) No exceptions.

Christians are warned to examine our own hearts before we look for sin in others. (Matthew 7:3-5) However we are to discern what sin is and not ignore it. The Word gives instructions on how to handle sin in our own life and direction for addressing sin within the body of Christ. (Luke 17: 3-4) There is no scripture that says that I should avoid going to church because there are sinners there.

Satan’s job is to discourage us from fellowship with the body of Christ. His favorite tool is a magnifying glass. Satan makes sure that we see every tiny flaw in the people sitting on the pew beside us and in the pulpit before us. Satan knows how easily we humans are distracted and makes full use of that knowledge.

The devil is the accuser of the brethren (Revelation 12:10) and he delights to point out the personal issues we have with the music director, the pastor’s hair and clothes, whether or not the flowers are real and even what color the carpet is. These things may irritate us simply because of our personal tastes or preference, but to what point?

There is no scripture declaring that Hell is filled with people who don’t sing out of hymnals or put real flowers on the altar. There is no corner in Hell reserved for those pastors who dare to stand in the pulpit without a suit and tie. When I can be so easily distracted about the things that really just do NOT matter—and ignore the fact that my neighbors are lost and going to Hell; satan is absolutely giddy with delight.

The Holy Spirit’s job is to convict individuals of sin, not instruct them about their wardrobe choices or their music style preference. Our job is to pray and if possible, gently restore those who have fallen into sin; while being careful that we don’t fall into temptation ourselves. (Galatians 6:1)

If I’m not diligent in searching my own heart and attitudes; I can find myself going to church as a Pharisee. Pharisees went to “church” to find evidence for use in proving others wrong instead of looking for truth that would teach them how to live right.  Pharisees were concerned about appearances, not loving God and serving with hearts of compassion. (Luke 18:9-12)

When we stand before the Lord on that great day of judgment, we will be asked what we did to build His church; to lead the lost—including the hypocrites—to Jesus. He will want to know what we did to minister to the needs of the poor, the sick and the hurting.

Did I have mercy and work as a servant? Did I help leadership to fulfill the ministry of Christ? Or did I nitpick everything, whine about things that didn’t matter and pout with self-righteousness? God will never ever ask me to explain why there were hypocrites going to my church. He will ask why I never tried to love them to Jesus. And if I didn’t, then won’t it be I who was the hypocrite?

James 2:12-13 So speak and so act as those who are to be judged under the law of liberty. For judgment is without mercy to one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, forgive me if I have a heart that seeks to find fault. Search my own heart and show me my own sins so I can ask your forgiveness. Then, help me to show mercy to those who are lost, no matter where I find them. Help me to show the love of God through acts of compassion and encouragement. Thank you for your patience with me as I learn to let Christ minister through me..

 Scriptural References:

 I John 1:8 If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.

II Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.

 Matthew 7:3-5 Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?  How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.

Luke 17:3-4 So watch yourselves. If your brother or sister sins against you, rebuke them; and if they repent, forgive them. Even if they sin against you seven times in a day and seven times come back to you saying ‘I repent,’ you must forgive them.

Revelation 12;10 Then I heard a loud voice in heaven say:“Now have come the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God, and the authority of his Messiah. For the accuser of our brothers and sisters, who accuses them before our God day and night, has been hurled down.

Galatians 6:1 Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted.

Luke 18:9-12 To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everyone else, Jesus told this parable, “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector.  I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.’

My computer is connected to an internet radio station. This enables me to listen to my favorite gospel music while I work at my desk.  

After awhile, a note comes up on my screen that says, “are you still listening?”

It’s very easy to move the quiet music to the back of my mind so that it simply becomes, well, background music. 

It’s also easy to move God’s Word to the position of ‘background’ and not be consciously aware of life application. As I read God’s Word, I need to stop every now and then and ask myself, “am I still listening?”

When I read the Bible looking for ways to support my lifestyle instead of instructions on how to live a Godly lifestyle, I’ve stopped listening.  II Timothy 3:1-9 tells me that this can be very dangerous!

I must be careful to not choose only the scriptures that suit me.  When I take it out of context and choose only those verses or applications that please me; I step out of God’s grace and into the bondage of self. God gave His Word to teach me how to make good decisions, wise judgments and have right attitudes. (II Timothy 3:16) 

God gave us the Holy Spirit to convict us of sin and to reveal the mind of Christ to our hearts. When I read the Word of God with spiritual eyes instead of ‘me’ eyes, every verse is life changing.  When I read God’s Word every day, with the discernment of the Holy Spirit to convict my heart; I’m changed.

Psalm 139: 23-24  Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

Prayer:  Father, help me to remember to always listen to your voice by reading your word and spending quiet time in conversation with you.  I want my heart to always be steady in the knowledge of your leadership. I love you. Amen.

II Timothy 3:1-9  But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people.

They are the kind who worm their way into homes and gain control over gullible women, who are loaded down with sins and are swayed by all kinds of evil desires,  always learning but never able to come to a knowledge of the truth.  Just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so also these teachers oppose the truth. They are men of depraved minds, who, as far as the faith is concerned, are rejected.  But they will not get very far because, as in the case of those men, their folly will be clear to everyone.

II Timothy 3:16  All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness–

Noticing that it would soon be lunch time, I looked down at what I was wearing to decide what I’d eat on my hot dog. I know that sounds funny, but I’ve never been the neatest person in the world. If any condiments are going to drip, it will be mine. Experience has taught me the best way to combat my personal ineptitude is to simply eat only food that matches what I’m wearing.

Serving God is the same way, I need to plan my activities and thoughts so that they match God’s will. Like being aware of my tendency to drop and spill, I’m aware of my weakness toward sin (Jeremiah 17:9).

However, the Holy Spirit is faithful to nudge my conscience when I start getting off track. As long as I read God’s Word so that I recognize sin, I can make a plan ahead of time to turn aside when temptation confronts me (Philippians 4:13).

Sin is a choice, sometimes, an easy choice, but God is faithful and won’t let satan tempt me beyond what I can resist. Scripture reveals that temptation comes easiest when I get close to it (James 1:14).

That doesn’t mean resisting is easy, it means that if the temptation is before me, there is a way of retreat; but, it is a conscious choice that I make. When I, in knowledge, move closer to those things that I know tempt me, my resistance wears down.

God does not tempt us, ever. (James 1:13)  We are tempted when we want something we shouldn’t have. Instead of turning the temptation over to God, we inch closer and closer, looking first with one eye then the other.

There is no sin in being tempted; temptation is a common tool satan uses to entice us to step out of God’s will for our life. EVERYBODY is tempted. Even Jesus was tempted, yet He remained without sin.  Where sin starts is when I go from being tempted to reaching for the temptation.

Within myself, I know my weaknesses and I also know if I’m weak in that area, God is strong and I can lean on Him (II Corin. 12: 10). When I make a plan to resist temptation, just like making a plan to eat mustard when I wear a yellow shirt; I’m prepared.

I Corinthians 10:13 No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.

Prayer: Father God, help me to recognize temptation and through Bible Study and prayer, to be prepared to turn away. Open my ears to hear the warning voice of the Holy Spirit and give me a pure heart so that I turn aside and look at you instead of the temporary pleasure of sin. Thank you for helping me to resist. Amen.

Scripture references:

Jeremiah 17:9 The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure.Who can understand it?

Philippians 4:13 I can do everything through him who gives me strength.

James 1:13-14 When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; 14 but each one is tempted when, by his own(A) evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed.

2 Corinthians 12:10 That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong

Having a headache with a stiff neck is fairly common. When your neck is stiff, it makes your head hurt and when your head hurts, it makes your neck stiff!

Whichever happens first, the end result is the whole body suffers. According to my doctor, the best way to cure the stiffness and headache is to take aspirin for the inflammation and then apply warmth to promote healing. (+)  

The Bible refers to the husband as the ‘head’ of the wife (I Corinthians 11:3). The scripture continues on to reveal that Christ is head over man and God over Christ.  Ephesians 5:22-24 says that the man/wife marriage relationship represents the intimacy of our personal relationship with Christ. No wonder that satan works so hard to destroy the example set in marriage!

The scripture makes no inference of a husband’s harsh dominance, but rather a position of tender and loving leadership. Christ did not come to demand we serve Him, but rather to love us and set an example for us.  In being loved, we respond by returning that love to God and to those around us.

Our service to Christ is born from our reciprocal love. We love Him because He first loved us (I John 4:19). When a husband treats his wife with tenderness, not demanding obedience but wooing loveliness, Christ’s love for us is represented.

When a man falls prey to satan’s many tricks to remove his natural position of leadership in Christ, the entire family is weakened. Interesting, perhaps, is the observation that if the man is considered to be the head, the inference can be made that the wife is the neck. 

Sometimes, when satan is trying to destroy the example of Christ in the home, his best attack can be to the neck; to make it (her) stiff and unyielding.  When the neck is stiff, the head hurts.  The head and the neck work together, neither can serve their role independently of each other in marriage.

Regardless of what or who we blame for the loss of Christ centeredness and discord in the home, it is an attack of satan that is the real reason (Ephesians 6:12). Anytime that there is a loss of Godly leadership in the home, there is a breaking of relationship with Christ.

Only when we realize the real source of discord, can we be victorious. The concept of the husband’s leadership in relationship is so important that if lost, your prayers can be hindered (I Peter 3:7)! Be alert and resolve conflict in prayer. Don’t let Christ’s leadership in your home be lost by a root of bitterness you allowed to be planted in your home. 

When a man and wife serve each other in love, working together to establish the family in Christ, there is no space for satan to plant seeds of discord. When the man is the appointed ‘head,’ leading in Christ’s example, it is natural for a wife to follow her husband’s leadership.  Christ should be the established head of the home.

When a man is, in all of his ways, completely committed to Christ, he can say, as Paul did in I Corinthians 11:1, ‘follow me as I follow Christ.”  When the head hurts and the neck is stiff, use prayer to fight the inflammation, then, apply the healing warmth of the Spirit. 

Prayer:  Father, help me to be sensitive to the voice of the Holy Spirit.  Christ is over all in any marriage relationship; show me how to serve and love as Jesus did.  Amen

I Corinthians 11:3  Now I want you to realize that the head of every man is Christ, and the head of the woman is man, and the head of Christ is God.

Scriptural References:

Ephesians 5:22-24  Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands as you do to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything.

I John 4:19   We love because he first loved us. 

Ephesians 6:12  For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.

 I Peter 3:7  Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers.

I Corinthians 11:1   Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.

(+) not intended as medical advice, always check with  your personal physician before self treatment

My best friend, Celia, loves to sing.  You can tell when she is enjoying herself because she will begin to hum then break into song.  Have you noticed that young children often sing while they play? And of course there is the love song; sweet on the lips of the singer and precious to the ears of the recipient.  Song is an emotional response from our heart.

Singing can be an expression of heartfelt joy as well as a source of comfort and encouragement.  Did you know that God sings?

The scripture says that God delights in His children and rejoices over us with singing!  It’s easy to be so busy that we forget how much He loves us. Yet, the Lord loves us so much that He– sings– over us.  When I read that, I had to stop and reflect for a moment. The God of the universe, creator of heaven and earth, loves me so much that He  sings over me.

Has the busyness of the day taken you away from your relationship with Jesus?  The toils of life can cram our time up so much that we have no thought of Christ.  Our Lord is aware of how busy life is. But, if we listen, Jesus whispers to our heart, “Come spend time with Me, my child. I have the rest you are looking for.”  (Mark 6:30-32) (Matthew 11:28)

Even on the busiest days, there’s time for intimacy with our Lord. Like giving a quick hug or a shoulder squeeze to a person you love as you pass by them; take little moments throughout your busy day to just say, “I love you” to Jesus. The quick moment of shared intimacy will quiet your thoughts and refresh your mind.

He loves you so much! He literally created you for the pleasure of your company. Talk with Jesus, just like you talk to your friends and family. Christianity isn’t a religion, it’s a relationship. God made a place in your heart that only He can satisfy.

Today, while  you’re walking to your car, sitting in traffic, preparing a meal, mowing the lawn, sitting in class—let your heart whisper, “I love you Lord.” Relationship is more than a planned meeting; it’s intimate moments captured out of  your busy day.  A song from our heart breathed on the wind in a moment of spontaneous worship; how precious to our Lord that is.  He loves you so much He sings over you; take a quiet moment and—respond.

Zephaniah 3:17 The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save.
He will take great delight in you, He will quiet you with his love, He will rejoice over you with singing.”

Prayer:

Father, life can be so over the edge, so many responsibilities, so many demands. It seems I don’t have time to even take a breath.  Help me to realize that time spent with you is a restful time. I want to make time to take a breath and realize your presence. I love you. Amen.

Scripture reference

Mark 6:30-32  Then the apostles gathered to Jesus and told Him all things, both what they had done and what they had taught. ³¹ And He said to them, “Come aside by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while.” For there were many coming and going, and they did not even have time to eat. ³² So they departed to a deserted place in the boat by themselves.

Matt. 11:28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”

The world has turned ‘self’ into a life style.  Self-worth, self-esteem, self-respect; it’s all about ‘me.’  According to the world, if I understand the importance of ‘self love,’ I’ll be successful and nobody can tear me down.  Did you know that God also thinks ‘self’ is important? 

When I’m truly concerned with ‘myself,’ I lay the foundation for serious ministry.  In Mark 12:28-31, Jesus said the greatest commandment is to love God with all of our heart.   Once the importance of having a personal relationship with God is established, Jesus continued that the second most important commandment is to love our neighbor as our self.  

This brings into focus a personal responsibility for each other; I’m commanded to give as much thought to your needs as I am to my own.  In John 14:15, Jesus said if I love Him, I will keep His commandments.

My concern for others is a sign of my relationship with Christ.  John 15:14 reinforces the importance of following Jesus’ commandments by saying we are ‘friends’ of Jesus if we do what He says.

God delights in my personal prosperity, He is happy when I enjoy myself and have fun!  In 3 John, 2, the apostle John told Gaius to prosper physically as much as he prospered spiritually. God expects me to keep my life in balance; loving God, enjoying life, while at the same time caring for the needs of others (Matthew 25:40-46)

In comparison, Satan tries to promote ONLY “me.”  He wants to make my prosperity and wellbeing the biggest thing in my life.  Why?  Because when my focus is turned inward, I don’t notice ‘you’ and fail to follow Christ’s commandments.

Only when I give equal attention to the needs of my neighbor, do I fulfill the commandments of Jesus.  First and foremost is my neighbor’s need for a relationship with Christ (Romans 3:23).  The Holy Spirit can direct me to notice opportunity to witness and give me the words to say (Colossians 1:9-12).

Second, I have a responsibility to be concerned for my neighbor’s physical needs; in the same way I care about my own physical needs. Helping a neighbor can often lead to an opportunity to talk about Jesus.  Hearts listen better when physical needs are met  (James 2:14-20).

Thirdly, is my neighbor’s need for discipleship in Christ like living (Matt. 28:18-20).  If I’m not living a life that can be followed as an example of the Christ life, then I’m not representing Jesus. If we accept the responsibility for discipleship as a subsequent part of witnessing, more ‘new’ Christians would grow to be mature Christians. 

When my life is Christ centered—I don’t allow my concern for “self” to stop at “me.” Jesus said to have the same care for YOU as I do for me!  

Prayer:  Father, help me to care for others with the same care you have for me. Show me how to reach out and show your love.  Amen. 

Scripture References:

Mark 12:28-31 One of the teachers of the law came and heard them debating.  Noticing that Jesus had given them a good answer, he asked him, “Of all the commandments, which is the most important?”

 “The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.”

John 14:15  “If you love me, keep my commands.”

 John 15:14   You are my friends if you do what I command. 

3 John: 2  Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well.

Matt.25:40-46  The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’ “Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.’

“They also will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?’ “He will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.” Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life.

Romans 3:23  for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God

Colossians 1:9-12  For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God,  being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light. 

James 2:14-20  What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.

But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds.”

Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds. You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder.

You foolish person, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless?

Matt. 28:18-20  Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Have you ever noticed that there can be one thing in the daily wash basket that keeps getting shoved to the bottom?

Obviously, there are articles of laundry that MUST be washed and returned for use; like socks and towels. Those things that we believe make our life better seem to always stay on top of the basket.

But, things that take a bit of extra time to tend to, even though they are important, like my blue sweater, keep getting set aside till, “later.”

Not because I don’t care about my blue sweater, I do, it’s one of my favorites! It’s just that it requires special attention. I can’t just toss it in the pile with the towels and set the washer to ‘normal load.’

But, today, when I finally had the time to hand wash my sweater; I was surprised to find that wearing it didn’t feel right any more.  It was uncomfortable when I put it on, instead of feeling familiar like it used to. Hopefully, as I begin to wear it frequently; it will feel comfortable again.

Keeping my relationship with the Lord can be the same way. Instead of making time for prayer, it’s easy to lay Jesus aside till later. Then, just like the sweater in the bottom of the basket, other stuff gets piled on top of Jesus.

I don’t intend to put Jesus aside, but, life is so busy! Like with my sweater, setting Jesus aside also has personal consequences. (Galatians 6:7-8)

When I finally find time for the things of God, going to church can feel uncomfortable; prayer may not feel familiar anymore. If  “God things” have become uncomfortable to me, only I can change that.  Comfort and familiarity come from use.

In time, if I don’t choose to make Jesus a ‘comfortable’ part of my life again, I will eventually dispose of Him. Tossing Him aside like an old garment, I’ll walk away and not look back—not even realizing what I’ve lost.

II John 1: 8-9  Watch out that you do not lose what we have worked for, but that you may be rewarded fully. Anyone who runs ahead and does not continue in the teaching of Christ does not have God; whoever continues in the teaching has both the Father and the Son.

Prayer:  My Lord, help me to always make time for you in my life. In the hustle of life, it can be easy to set time for you aside until I –HAVE–time for you. Show me how to mold my life around you, and not set you aside. I love you. Amen

Scripture Reference:

Galatians 6:7-8  Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.