Your Home.

Conversations, singing songs, the fresh air, a warm fire under a clear star filled sky with a blanket and friends. Thank You God for Jesus! 

2 Corinthians chapter 4 verses 7-10.
But this precious treasure---this light and power that now shine within us---is held in a perishable container, that is, in our weak bodies. Everyone can see that the glorious power within must be from God and is not our own. We are pressed on every side by troubles, but not crushed and broken. We are perplexed because we don't know why things happen as they do, but we don't give up and quit. We are hunted down, but God never abandons us, We get knocked down, but we get up again and keep going. These bodies of ours are constantly facing death just as Jesus did; so it is clear to all that it is only the living Christ within who keeps us safe. 

I read this morning about how it seems like we are always reaching out to God, asking Him to be with us. We are looking for His help and yet wondering if He has heard us. He is God almighty, the one who lives in Heaven and has offered us eternal life with Him. Jesus Christ is His Son, the Messiah, our Savior and we invite His Holy Spirit to be with us so that we live a life that is pleasing to God. 

   Many years ago I did not know the power and strength of God. One day He came upon me and brought me into His home. The change was clearly seen in my freedom from addictions, but also in my attitude. God had moved in, and Jesus has brought me to life with God. We may go through the steps of honoring God for who He is and we may be thankful to Jesus for what He has done for us. We may invite the Holy Spirit to be with us as we go through our day but the thing is, those are all formalities. What God wants from us is our love and attention, our devotion to Him. 

   Troubles may surround us but He never abandons us. We may not understand God's love for us but we can admit the truth. His promises are true everyday! We are not meant to be without God or know who Jesus is and what He did for us. Maybe you are successful in life, but that does not mean troubles go away from you. Maybe you like the feeling of getting high, but that only hides you from the inevitable. 

   Relationships can be difficult, finances can build quickly and feel out of control. Things break down and cause us grief. Our bodies are aging and unknown aches and pains reveal themselves. Those things are always there but God has made a home within us and the joy we reflect in the midst of life's ordeals is Jesus and the Holy Spirit. 

   In the family home you wake up to someone there. You talk about your day and share your concerns. You come home to whatever circumstances the day brought on and then lie down to rest and refresh getting prepared for another day. Now imagine that God has taken up residence within you. He did not have to do this and you probably invited Him to come. Why then should there be any doubt?

   The initial experience of anything new is always exciting. As it is with God and your thankfulness for Jesus. As time goes by it is only through constant encouragement and giving Him the praise for your life, that makes that special bond. God has made sure you are aware of His presence, so give Him your full attention. 

   You are the refection of Him. What He has done for you is seen in your actions and attitude. Do not let anyone take that away from you. No matter how harsh the words are or how overwhelming your troubles become, hold tightly to Jesus and let Him bring you before God. Prayer, the Scriptures and worship should start you off in the morning and continue with you through our your day. 

   Don't rush away from God, sit and spend time with Him. In all you do know that He is right there with you. Talk to Him about your concerns, and watch as He lifts your burdens and makes them light and easy to handle. Psalms chapter 46 talks about God as our refuge and strength. A tested help in times of trouble. So we need not fear even if the world blows up. It talks about the river of joy flowing through the city of God. 

   Because of Jesus, God's Holy Spirit has moved in and our joy is the river of God's love for us. So in our times of trouble we are not to fear, for He is with us. Verse 10 says, "Be still and know that I am God, I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth." Always take the time to put God first in your life. 

   Because your focus is on Him, His love is never ending for you. We make mistakes, but we look to Him for forgiveness, wisdom and understanding. Your journey will end with the best prize ever. Jesus Christ will greet you and say well done, you held close to God through all the rough times. 

   Thank You Father for Jesus. You have moved in and there is no better place to live. Everyone shall know that they too can have a home with You. 😊

Mathew chapter 11 verses 28-30.     

Jesus said to them, "Come to Me and I will give you rest---all of you who work so hard beneath a heavy yoke. Wear My yoke---for it fits perfectly---and let Me teach you; for I am gentle and humble, and you will find rest for your souls; for I give you only light burdens."

Philippians chapter 4 verse 13. 
I can do everything God asks me to do with the help of Christ who gives me the strength and power.  

Mark chapter 8 verse 35.

Jesus told them, "If you insist on saving your life, you will lose it. Only those who throw away their lives for My sake and for the sake of the Good News will ever know what it means to really live."   

Philippians chapter 3 verses 13 and 14.

No, dear brothers, I am still not all I should be but I am bringing all my energies to bear on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead. I strain to reach the end of the race and receive the prize for which God is calling us up to heaven because of what Christ Jesus did for us.