All Caught Up In Christ

For quite some time now, I have been keeping a family journal. It is a place where I note significant events, milestones, and family member achievements. It serves as a record for reference sake but more than that it provides a glimpse into what our family was all caught up in at any given time. Looking back through the journal there is a sense of joy and of peace. Christ is so evident on every page. Although it seems like our lives are spent racing from one thing to the next, there is a tapestry of God's love woven through the years. 

The Bible tells us that someday those giving their life to the Lord will be caught up with Him and spend eternity in Heaven. The beauty of walking with Christ is that our lives on earth are also all caught up in Him. His influence, grace and beauty effect the way we live and the choices we make. His love and everlasting hope provides the perfect foundation on which our families grow and prosper. 

Life is complex and it is easy to be consumed by the troubles of the world and the daily issues we face. Still, for those walking with Jesus, He carries us through the difficult times enveloped in his love. Often without us even knowing, He is working to ensure the details come together to provide the perfect love story. What about you? When you look back over your life can you see God's fingerprints? You may be all caught up in the journey and be missing the blessings. Instead, get all caught up in Christ and He will take care of the rest.

"For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. Therefore encourage one another with these words." 1 Thessalonians 4:18 - 20

Beauty and Light

If you are like most people you are enjoying the longer daylight hours of spring. It's such a nice time of year full of bright colors and sweet fragrances. There is something so very special about the beauty and light of springtime. They both are the best and bring out the best in the world.

God is beauty and light. He spoke them both into existence. Because of this you are blessed with seeing God all around you. No, you may not think of it this way but perhaps you should. Jesus asked that you give up your life and follow him. That means living in a way that emanates beauty and light.

There are many examples of darkness and evil, but they should have no place in your life. You are to leave no opening for such a thing as you walk with Christ. Instead, your life should be an example of Christ. When you belong to him beauty and light follow you all your days. Focus on the things of God and you will be filled up with joy, peace, love, kindness, and grace. You are a child of God whose beauty and light are on display every day for the world to see.  You are beauty, you are light, you are a miracle. Go forth and shine the beauty and light of Christ everywhere.

"The Lord is my light and my salvation, whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life of whom shall I be afraid? Psalm 27:1

Redeemed

There is no better feeling than that of having a debt cleared. Whether through steady payments, a gift or debt forgiveness the relief that follows is unsurpassed. You may hear it referred to as having a weight lifted or being able to breathe a sigh of relief. You no longer have the burden of worry. It really is a reason to celebrate!

Christ gave his life so that you would have the burden of your sin eternally cleared. He paid your debt in full no questions asked. Because of his love for you he ensured that without a doubt you belong to Him and are redeemed. That is incredible and truly is a miracle.  Being redeemed means Jesus paid off your debt. That debt condemned you to a future of death and destruction. The pay off, however, promises you eternal life with Christ. There is no bigger or more incredible gift. Yes, when you trust in Jesus and acknowledge Him as Lord of your life you are redeemed and blessed beyond measure.

For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. He was chosen before the creation of the world, but was revealed in these last times for your sake.  Through him you believe in God,who raised him from the dead and glorified him, and so your faith and hope are in God. 1 Peter 1:18-21

Call Me

These days, virtually every adult (and some young people) has a phone and it is easy to call a friend or loved one to catch up. It's amazing the way a call from someone far away or that you don't see often lifts the spirits. Today may be a great day for you to think about someone you have not reached out to recently and give them a call. They may need encouragement, friendship, or just some kindness and laughter. 

The most important one to stay connected with is God. Take the time throughout the day to call on Him, share your gratitude, needs, and praise. Jesus cares for you, loves you and wants to walk with you on life's journey every step of the way. Perhaps you find it difficult to speak with him and get all caught up trying to pray. Really, all you need to do is talk with him from your heart and simply share what he means to you. Search the Psalms and other parts of God's Word for a glimpse into all Christ is and call on him and thank him. He really is your everything! 

Lord, Jesus Christ thank you for all you are to me, 

You are my Messiah, King, and Lord. You're my shield, refuge, and helper. You are my inheritance, prize, my food and drink. You are my highest joy, Counselor, Savior, my fort, rugged mountain, tower of safety. You're my strength, light and great rock of protection. You are my rescuer, Craftsman, Redeemer, Shepherd, and King of Glory. You are my Commander, friend, protector, light, and salvation. You are my defender, fortress, hiding place, and Fountain of Life. You are the Mighty One, my soul's redeemer, my helper, water, hope and my song. You are my Father, bearer of my burdens, my Mighty Power, and my supply. You're my joy, comforter, and guide. You are my First and Last, blessing, path and guide.You are my mercy, truth, justice and righteousness. You are my refresher, healer, teacher and restorer. You are the Lover of my Soul, my Promise, Life Preserver, Provider, and Creator. You are my rest, place of safety, my life and my miracle. You are my God. 

"You are my God, and I will praise you! You are my God, and I will exalt you! Psalm 118:28

Looking for God in all the Wrong Places

It was quite a busy week for those looking for God. The whole world had their eyes on the Vatican in Rome watching for white smoke as a new Pope was selected. Still others were seeking information on the latest information of the big discovery of "the god particle" by scientists. It seemed a lot of people were looking for God in all the wrong places. 

Not only were people looking for God, they were also acting as though a person and a particle were as important as God. Of course, neither is true. Man and science can never be as important or powerful as God. Still, the media took the opportunity to focus attention on man and science as a sort of god. The Pope and the god particle may be the answer for some. Still others will continue searching for God in nature or off on a pilgrimage in a far off land.

You need search no further for God than to Jesus Christ and the cross. There you will find the exactly what you are looking for. There is no travel required except for you to leave the all too familiar journey of man and discover the journey with Christ. Look no more. God the King of Kings and Lord of Lords is right where you are.

Show me the path where I should walk, O Lord: point out the right road for me to follow. Lead me by your truth and teach me, for you are the God who saves me. All day long i put my hope in you. Psalm 25:4-5