A REAL Relationship

     So many pastors and preachers teach through great sermons every week.  This morning's teaching is no exception from my pastor, Michael.  He's been doing a series on being "Remade" through Christ.  Total TRUTH in that.  And part of the calling for any pastor is to talk about the gospel of Christ - and how to believe, how to accept Him, and how to live out the life we're all called to - and what separates us from God is sin apart from Jesus.  Makes sense, sin is not holy and God does not allow anything unclean in His presence.  Jesus, however, ate with sinners.  He touched them.  He loved them.  He died for them. He remade them.

     I wanted to share how this relationship with Jesus is REAL for me.  We shared at a recent Work-Life Networking lunch about how some look at God like a father figure.  That didn't work for me simply because my earth-bound father relationship was non-existent.  And for me to accept that God was real in my life, I couldn't allow myself to fall in the trap of seeing Him in my realm.  Enter in Jesus.  Big brother Jesus.  The one who adopted me into the family - regardless of ME - my sin and all - I am in the family.  So, even sin no longer separates me from God.  Let me share.

     Jesus adopted me in the family.  NOTHING can separate me from God's love (Romans 8:38-39).  I can come before Him with confidence knowing He will show me grace, not condemnation (Hebrews 4:16, Romans 8:1).  He uses even my own rebellious sin for good (Romans 8:28).  Now, the apostle Paul writes to the Romans about grace and asks the question, "Should we go on sinning?"  Knowing that God forgives, God loves, God works it ALL out for good.  Well, to be a recognizable follower of Jesus - we should choose what is good...to not sin...and pray for help from the Holy Spirit to see that through.  But what happens when we DO sin?  We all fall short.  Everyday.  Do you give up?  Throw blame on circumstances or people?

     For me...that's when I go back to that foundation of Jesus' love, acceptance, and grace for me.  I may not immediately stop the sin that is causing grief and guilt.  But He still loves me, because He just does.  And when I confront that sin, confidently before the throne of grace, I feel like the image in this post - arms wrapped around me in a love so big it's indescribable.  And I am truly alive, living out a REAL relationship with the God of the Universe who created me for a purpose, a Big Brother who has saved me and brought me into a HUGE eternal family, and the Holy Spirit who breathes new life into me daily. I can come to Him for ANYTHING - good or bad, big deals or small frustrations, attitude issues, joyful dances, hurts and hopes, my desires or devastations - He's always there for me.  He listens, He guides, He saves my sanity and my heart. If you don't have a relationship like that, I'd be happy to share!

Computer-Free Weekend!

Believe it or not, I went all weekend without being on the computer! And the thing is, I didn't realize it till I got back to work this morning. And you know something else - I didn't miss it all that much either. Although when I came in and found out Farm Town on Facebook upgraded with flowers and new animals I about went crazy excited! Anyway...time away from the computer got me to thinking.

Bill and I are taking a "Roots & Fruits" class at Northside this Summer. The first week was about discipleship. Great stuff that I'm sure I'll share here from time-to-time. But there was one thing Nathan told us about - scheduling DAWGs: Days Away With God. Brilliant idea if you ask me. I mean, I pray daily - most of the day most days. like a continual conversation with God really. But to schedule a whole day with no distractions - no computer, phone, TV, media of any kind, or even family - just time with my creator. What a day that would be! Now, when to plan it?