Separation From...

Scripture:
Romans 8:31-39
2 Corinthians 5:12-21

What separates us from love?  What is it that keeps us from our loved ones as well as from God?  We often say nothing can separates us from God.  While that is true there is nothing that can separate us from God we are still separated.  There are times when we are even separated from a person that we dearly love here on earth.

You might be asking what might that be.   Have you ever had an argument with a spouse, child, or parent?  Maybe you wronged your best friend.  We lash out in anger and become separated.  When we have sin in our lives we become separated.  Sin is the one thing that will separate you from all things including God.  Romans 3:22 "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,"

There is hope and all is not lost.  John 3:16-17 "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."  Jesus is the way to return to God.  He is even our redemption with one another.  Adam brought sin into our lives.  Christ brought us redemption.  We have salvation through Jesus.  It is because of what He did for us that we are no longer separated from God.  With Christ in our hearts there is NOTHING that can separate us from Him.  Let us remove sin in our hearts and replace it with Christ.  His redeeming blood that was shed for us is enough to wash our sins and restore unto us the joy of His salvation...

What is in your spirit...

Scripture:
Matthew 25:19-23

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God expects us to be faithful with what He gives us.  Too often I  have not been wise or in reality faithful with what He has given.  It is easy to get wrapped up in today's self seeking attitudes.  We want to keep up with the Jone's.  We have to have that new car, computer, TV, or just go on that cruise.  We think these will make us happy and fulfill us.  So we unwisely spend our money and waste our time.  We are not good Stewards of what God has given.

Even now I think about getting that camper for vacations.  I justify it by thinking of the quality family time we can have.  It is an investment in my family.  It is a means to get that much needed break and rest.  It is... easily justified.  Maybe someday God will bless us with the means to have a camper.  If not, well that is OK too.  What is important is that I do not let the desire or means of getting a camper replace God in my life. 

There is nothing wrong with having nice things, cars, boats, campers.  We just have to keep our focus on God.  We cannot ignore the needs of those around us.  How can I spend money I don't have for a toy I don't need when my neighbor is in need, or when needs of my family have not been met.  God will provide for us.  God will bless us.  God will tend to us in all aspects of our lives.  We just need to be wise with what He has given.  We have to seek Him first in all things.  We need to start being good stewards with what we have.  Then He will give us more.  God will not just provide needs He will bless us beyond our imaginings... Even though I am not wealthy by the standards of this world I am rich beyond my dreams with what God has given me...  The question is where is my focus?  I ask where is your focus...

Is Your House Built Upon The Rock

Scripture
Isaiah 26:2-4
Romans 12:9-16

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Growing up I remember singing a song The Wise Man Built His House.   The wise man built his house upon the rock, the rain came down and the floods came up and his house stood firm.  After moving down from Chicago my parents built their house.  In comparing the construction of their house to other houses you could see the difference.  In comparing houses you can see where a good builder took time and care into his craftsmanship.  A poorly built house will show its faults.  When the rains come down and the floods rise the poorly built house will surely fall.

Our spiritual life is the same.  Matthew 7:24-27

  “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.”

If we have Christ as our foundation we will be able to stand firm.  We can withstand the trials of this world.  Our spiritual house will stand tall and firm.  We we build our foundations upon this world we will surely fall.  We will not be able to stand for long in the trails and tribulations of this world.
 
How do we build upon the foundations of Christ you might ask.  Simple through fellowship, praise, worship.  We also must use the two most important tools given us, prayer and scripture.  Our fellowship with each other will help keep us upon the right path.  Praise and worship will help us stay focused on God keeping Him first.  By keeping our focus on Christ being in constant prayer and reading His word we will build upon the rock...

Christ In Us...

Scripture
Philippians 4:6-7
Ephesians 6:1-4

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Ephesians 6:4 "Fathers,do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord."  As I ponder raising my children I am reminded of all the mistakes I have made.  Too often I have let my temper flare when I shouldn't.  I chastised when it wasn't called for.  To be honest I am amazed at how well my kids are doing.  OK I give all credit to first God then Nancy.  What is important that our children see is our walk with Christ.  They see it when we make mistakes and seek repentance.  In those times when I do mess up I will first seek forgiveness from God then I will seek it from my children.  I can count on more fingers than I care to how many times I have had to do so. 

Another area that our children see Christ in us is when we petition God.  Our children need to see it when we take our worries and burdens to Christ and leave them upon His feet.  When they see that we trust God with everything they too will learn to put their trust in Him.  They will grow up seeing God's provisions. Philippians 4:6 "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God." 

Our children are like sponges soaking in everything.  What they see you do and see in you they will pick up on.  They will mimic you. There is a song by Philips Craig and Dean I want to be Just Like You.  When our oldest was born and first heard that song I knew the truth in their words.  I knew she would grow up to be like us in many ways.  I wanted her, or any of my kids, to see and grow in Christ.  In order for that to happen I had to be Christ Like.  I know I have failed many times and will continue to fail.  What is important is that they see not only my failures but repentance, grace and mercy when I give it all to Christ...