Faithful Relationships

It is funny how relationships change over the years. Strong relationships at one point in time may weaken or neglected as we age, move, and change jobs. Even relationships within families can change due to different roles as we mature.

I Corinthians 1:9 says, “God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.” Fellowship can be defined as sharing in relationship. The fact that God called us into fellowship with Jesus separates our faith from the world’s religions. Our faith is a sharing relationship with Jesus in which He provides salvation, redemption, peace, steadfast love, and hope and we simply follow Him.

Take the Load Off

We like to find ways to lighten the loads that we carry through life. At times we can learn something that lightens the load. Sometimes we acquire new technology that makes things easier. And we have the blessings of other people that come to our assistance.

In Matthew 11:28-30 Jesus said, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” We often try to carry burdens that were not meant for us. Jesus does not give us burdens in the form of religious rules. In fact, He offers to stoop down and help carry the burdens that we already have, thus making the load light and easy.

God With Us

People often speak about feeling the presence of someone, even though that person is not physically with them. Maybe they feel the presence of a deceased loved one as they experience growth or success. It is sometimes the feeling the presence of a trusted mentor as they progress through a shared interest. How much greater is the knowledge that God walks with us, even in our struggles, and He provides everything that we need.

Deuteronomy 2:7 says, “For the LORD your God has blessed you in all the work of your hands. He knows your going through this great wilderness. These forty years the LORD your God has been with you. You have lacked nothing.”‘ Even when we are going through the wilderness of troubles and God seems far away from us, He is walking through this wilderness with us and giving us everything that we need.

Refuge From the Storms

Last week, some dangerous storms passed through the area. Strong winds became tornadoes in some areas and knocked down trees and power lines in most areas. It took several days to restore the power everywhere. When storms like these come, our first thoughts are always to find refuge and protect our families.

Psalm 5:11-12 says, “But let all who take refuge in you rejoice; let them ever sing for joy, and spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may exult in you. For you bless the righteous, O LORD; you cover him with favor as with a shield.” When we find the circumstances of our lives to be difficult, we can run to our God and find refuge from the storms. God will cover us with His favor and protection, allowing us to receive His peace. Then, we are able to express joyful exultation.

Superstitions

As I have mentioned before, I am a big fan of baseball. Baseball players are notorious adherents to many superstitions. They will wear the same socks and wristbands for long periods of time. They exhibit the same sets of movements as they get into the battery’s box. They eat the same foods every gameday. They do all these things because they believe the power is in the superstitions, rather than their abilities and experiences.

I Samuel 4:3 says, “And when the people came to the camp, the elders of Israel said, “Why has the LORD defeated us today before the Philistines? Let us bring the ark of the covenant of the LORD here from Shiloh, that it may come among us and save us from the power of our enemies.” The elders of Israel trusted in the ark of the covenant to win their battles, rather than trusting in their God. Their superstition led to another humiliating defeat. We should place our faith in God, not in the superstitions of church attendance, family Christian heritage, coffee table Bibles, or formula prayers. Although these may be good things, our faith must always be firmly placed in God Himself.