It is such a blessing to have gotten up early and spent time reading Your written words and contemplating their import for my mind, soul and well-being in general. Outside on this special day of worship and thanksgiving, all is grey, with water loaded clouds; but I need not absorb the sodden atmosphere into my spirit; for that which comes from God is filled with light, giving life to body and soul. Even the advice and any rebuke in the scriptures, are when taken up, a source of light and life for mind, soul and physical well-being. Romans 12: 1, 2 “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” I am more and more aware, that God does not want my lip service, or ‘playing at church’, but my total commitment to Him, which can only involve and change my whole way of looking at and doing things in life, let alone the how I do any service for Him, that He asks of me. I know by experience that when I give all of my mind and service to God, His peace is unequalled for my emotions and sense of well-being. There is also the knowledge that all in my body and mind are at one with each other. Jesus, who was at one with His Father in heaven, spoke upon this subject, after being accused of healing a demon-possessed, blind and mute man, by the power of Satan. Matthew 12: 25 “But Jesus knew their thoughts, and said to them, ‘every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation, and every city or house divided against itself will not stand.’” Verse 30 “He who is not with Me is against Me, and he does not gather with Me scatters abroad.”
There are emotional rewards when we are committed with a purpose, and engaged in occupations with others: all of which are available within church fellowships and related caring organizations! This explains, I guess the emotional emptiness that can exist for some people who formally loved God and enjoyed fellowship with others in His service, or for those who sit in the pew going through the motions, but not putting much in or getting much out of their Christian experience day to day. John 15: 8 “By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.”
True love and a sense of belonging and direction, is available to everyone, without reserve, on an enduring basis. The message from Jesus is, John 15: 9 – 11 “As the Father loved Me, I also loved you; abide in my love. 10 If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love. 11 These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full.”
The love of God the Father, and His Son Jesus, embraces everyone, no matter their past wrong doings. To right all wrong doings, our prayers of repentance are needed. I am so glad we are invited to pray to God the Father through Jesus, His Son, and are assured that true prayers will be always be heard and answered. John 16: 23 “……Most assuredly, I say to you, whatever you ask the Father in My name He will give you. 24 Until now you have asked nothing in My name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.”
Dear Father,
I thank You for your all-encompassing love, and the gift of Your Son, Jesus, that You gave us all. He answers every need we can ever have. I am very grateful that I know am loved not only by all of heaven, but the members of my church fellowship as well, which gives me purpose, direction and a knowledge I matter.