Fellowship with God

Do you want to be closer to God? He wants to be closer to you! The proof is that He lives inside of you. How much closer can He be? We can always draw closer in relationship with God. In fact, we are the ones who determine just how close our relationship with Him will be. Even though He lives in us, the Holy Spirit won't force a relationship with us. He wants us to make Him welcome in our lives. James 4:5 tells us that. . . He yearns for the Spirit {to be welcome} with a jealous love.

The questiion you and I should ask ourselves is this: Do I make room, or time, for God in my life? Just think about some of the natural relationships we all have. How would they be if we treated them the way we treat our relationship with God? Any good relationship is built on fellowship - spending time with each other - good, quality time! Talking and listening and enjoying each other's company. Dad and I are very close - and have been for 52 + years! Sometimes we talk to each other, sometimes we listen. Sometimes we have a lot of fun together, other times we don't agree on things. We don't keep secrets, we share everything! We consult with each other on the big things of life and make no major decisions without the other's guidance and approval. Sometimes we enjoy just being quiet togther.

Our relationship with God can be like that. We can talk to Him . . . listen to Him . . . or just be quiet in His presence. He just wants to be a part of our lives. He wants to help us have and enjoy life. Proverbs 3:6 tells us to acknowledge Him - in other words, to care what He thinks, to consult Him - in all our ways. It goes on to say that He will direct our paths, or He will guide us through life.

God created us to fellowship with Him. He longs to talk to us, to listen to us, to teach us and guide us - simply to be a part of our lives. We are renewed when we fellowship with God. Spending time with God strengthens and empowers us. There is protection in His presence. Psalm 91 is a great prayer of protection I (and others) prayed it for Brian and His buddies while they were in Irag. I pray it for each one of you at one time or another in your lives. The benefits of spending time with our Father are endless. All He wants is to have fellowship with His people. He wants a relationship with you and me! Wow! A God who created the universe, and everything and everybody cares about me! And you! Isn't that awesome?

Is there any wonder that the enemy hates and fights our time with God. He (the devil) knows that through that relationship, we become strongr in the fight against his tactics.

I encourage you to make time in your day to fellowship with the Father. He is waiting. There are many benefits of a close, personal relationship with Almighty God. He is saying, "Come to Me . . . " "Be still and know that I am God . . ." "I love you, my child . . . (place your name here) . . . "Can you hear me calling your name?" Go ahead - go to Him - fellowship with Him - and see what's in store!

Maybe we could all share a time or two when we "fellowshipped", talked with God, prayed, and we were blessed by it. Do you have a story to share?

Tribute to my Aunt Pat

And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God's love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow--not even the powers of hell can separate us from God's love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below--indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38-39

Thoughts for Today :
Grieving over the death of a loved one involves a process. This process will vary for individuals and may last several months or even years. Although working through the process is different for everyone, some things never change.
Jesus always understands. He experienced grief in the death of his friend Lazarus and in facing his own death and separation from his Father.
God's mercy is always available. Join the psalmist in this prayer: "Take care of me, for your mercy is so plentiful" (Psalm 69:16 ). God abounds in mercy and lovingkindness (Psalm 86:15).
God always loves you.
Today's Scripture assures us that nothing can separate us from his love--not death, not life, not worries about today and not fears about tomorrow. In times of stress and sorrow and change, God's love is a constant comfort. "I will be glad and rejoice in your unfailing love, for you have seen my troubles, and you care about the anguish of my soul" (Psalm 31:7 ).
Consider this...
There is always hope. No matter how bleak things seem, if you place your trust in Jesus, he will guide you and fill you with hope for the future. Jesus Christ--the same yesterday, today and forever (Hebrews 13:8).
Prayer:
Father, I thank you so much that even as everything else around me seems to be changing, I can always count on you. I know that you never change. You will always love me, always show me mercy and always give me hope.