The Glory of God is Man Fully Alive
This weekend I had a wonderful time reconnected with family and friends at a family reunion. The family gathers together every summer around the last weekend in June at Possum Kingdom Lake. They've been doing so since 1971 ! I love hanging out with these friends and family. It's a time I look forward to each summer. I've only missed a couple of reunions in the twenty years I've been attending (and my bride has only missed two in her entire life).
This weekend while thanking God for these relationships and this time of family fun, I was reminded of how short life is, and of the need to count as precious every moment we have together. In James 4 we are compared to, "a wisp of fog, catching a bit of sun before disappearing" (v. 4). This year I have experienced loss in ways that brings home the truth of this scripture in profound ways. Maybe you have experienced loss in similar ways? The bottom line is: we are not guaranteed tomorrow. We have this moment; we need to make the best use of each breath we are given!
The Speed Of Life
Sometimes life just happens around us. We don't even realize we're missing out on the beauty of blessings God has poured in to our lives. It's not on purpose. It just happens. It's almost like we are stumbling around, half-awake, not fully conscious enough to truly experience life. That's no way to live!
The same is true spiritually. We are aware of spiritual things-just, not cognoscente of how these things impact our daily lives. The Apostle Paul explained, "We don't yet see things clearly. We're squinting in a fog, peering through a mist” (1 Corinthians 13). I believe this is in part the plan of the enemy; his attempt to keep us paralyzed in a fog of confusion.
GOD Intends More Than A Comatose Life For Us
JESUS said, "I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full" (John 10: 10); "Come to me to have life" (John 5 :40); "I am the bread of life" (John 6:48); "In him was life, and that life was the light of men" (John 1 :4). And Paul instructs us to "Tell the people the full Message of this new life" (Acts 5 :20).
It's clear God offers us life through Jesus. He intends for us to live fully alive. And, more .. . we are to share the Message of this new, fully alive life with everyone we meet! We are to take full advantage of every moment, making the most of each.
Friend, don't let another day slip by ... each day is a precious commodity! Each moment is a treasure to be savored and enjoyed to its fullest. I have made a commitment to never miss another family gathering if at all possible! I don't want to take for granted these moments that are passing by-to assume I'll have opportunity to see family at a later date! I want to make every second count-to enjoy each and every opportunity we have with family, friends, and dear loved ones.
If you feel the same, join me in prayring this prayer today: Jesus, take away the fog, the clouds, and this veil; help me to see more clearly... give me eyes to really see! I want to make the most of every moment You have given me. I want to love and be loved, to enjoy deep spirited friendships, and truly belong to the rich community of friends, family, and loved ones You have given.
(10-0622)