Friday, January 18, 2013

Never Long Enough

Last night a good friend passed away unexpectedly. Death, when it comes, always comes unexpectedly. No matter how "prepared" we may feel, when it happens it is always a shock.
Death is a reminder that life is never long enough. There is more family time to be spent, more birthday parties to attend, more grand babies to be born, more holidays to be celebrated; there is just more life to be lived.

Death brings an end to what we had known as normal. Our loved one had always been there. For some, life has always been lived with their presence. Now life will be lived with that void. Scriptures reminds us that life is but a breath. A vapor that appears for a little while and then is gone. We are like the grass that is here today and then is burned up with the heat of the sun.

We know these things to be true. Most of us have experienced the death of a close relative or friend. So, what do we do now? It often seems that life won't or can't go on but day by day we make it through. For the follower of Christ, our strength is not our own. It comes through His Holy Spirit that resides in us. It comes from friends who express their sympathy and support. It comes from God's Holy Word and it's teaches that death, for the follower of Christ, is not the end; it is a continuation of the promised eternal life that Jesus promises for those who are called by His name.

Knowing that life is never long enough, live today to the fullest. Love and obey Christ, love your family and seek to do all that the Lord has for you.

Blessings

Monday, January 7, 2013

New Year

It seems that with every new year, we all set out to make changes in our weight or exercise routine. We may decide that it is time to learn a new skill or work on some unfinished project. The new year seems to provide a new beginning.

I am taking this new year to evaluate where I am and take stock of the good things and then look at the not-so-good things and then seeking to make any corrections needed. I have realized that I can make changes but I can't fix myself.

When I have tried to fix myself, I end up doing things that only last for a time. I am limited on what I can do except to become more and more dependent on Jesus Christ. This is not easy and its not about making external changes. The external changes are truly made when the internal thoughts and mind are transformed into the likeness and attitude of Christ. Only Christ can make true change happen.

I am a follower of Christ. I believe that the Bible is true in all of its teaching. I may not always understand or do what the Bible teaches but it doesn't take away from it being true. Each day I need to grow increasingly dependant to follow and obey the words of the Bible. Yet, I cannot do it on my own. It takes Christ living in me and the work of the Holy Spirit to give the understanding, knowledge and strength to follow His commands.

I pray that 2013 will be a good year for you and me. I hope that we all live godly lives in the power and strength of God our Savior and let Jesus, through the Holy Spirit, make those necessary changes in our lives for His glory and honor.