Love One Another

In my pursuit after God I find what look like constant setbacks, you know things to do that make it difficult to spend time reading, praying, writing etc.  Right now I am getting ready to head to the grocery store, a necessity I cannot avoid; we need food.  There is work, caring for my son, spending time with my wife, friends, things that need to be done around the house and the list goes on.  We could take the stance that all these things are opposed to our developing a friendship with God, but are they really?  I am learning that loving God is putting others ahead of yourself, and in most cases, my desire to read, write, pray, study and so on are rooted in my desire to serve myself, not others.  God knows how busy life is and He gives us these relationships to bring joy into the lives of our family, friends, co-workers and acquaintances.  These things to do are not intrusions into our Christianity but what God uses to test and prove it.  As we look not only to our own interests but the interests of others we will find our lives being enriched and the depth of our relationships bringing rewards that separation will never bring.  I want to see God move by His Spirit as much as anyone else, but when we consider what that would look like we must see beyond the miracles and the glory into loving one another.  So in our pursuit to love God with all our heart let us remember it is our love for our neighbor that proves it out.

God is my Refuge.

God is my refuge and my strength (Psa 46:1).  Do we really understand this?  Is it true in our hearts or just a title we offer up to our creator without knowing the reality?  What is a refuge?  It is defined as shelter or protection from danger or distress; a place that provides shelter or protection; and something to which one has recourse in times of difficulty.  God is our recourse, our safe and secure place when danger or distress comes into our lives.  We must truly believe this or it won’t work.  He is love.  Sometimes my son cries for unknown reasons, and being only 3mos old he cannot do much to communicate what is going on, why he is distressed.  We can eliminate a few things early, is he uncomfortable or gassy, does his diaper need to be changed or is he hungry.  Usually one of these three items solves the problem but once in awhile he still needs more, he is distressed.  Many times in these situations all he needs is to be held tightly.  His crying is his running to us as his refuge, and we then take care of him and make him safe and comfortable in every way possible.  He knows that he cannot solve his problems in his own strength but needs the strength of another to aid him.  Our heavenly Father desires to help you.  It is time to recognize our weakness and come to Him to receive His strength.  Jesus said,  "Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light." - Mat 11:28-30 NLT  Come to Him today, cast all of your cares and worries and fears on Him.  Learn to trust.