First things first...

We have new life in and through Jesus Christ. What a promise! What an encouragement! What a truth! As we seek to live out our lives, often times so busy that we just drop in bed at night, we MUST slow down and remember who it is that we get our true strength from: GOD OUR FATHER. Our relationship with Him, through Jesus Christ with the help provided for by the Holy Spirit, has to be the most important thing in our lives. It is so easy to get caught up in the many things this world has to offer. I do not feel that these things are bad, most of the things that I have I do really enjoy, but to what extent? How important are the things that I have? I do not want them to ever become more important than my relationship with my creator, Lord, savior and friend. I want to use the things that I have on this earth to bring me to a closer relationship with my Father, not draw me away. I echo what Paul wrote in Ephesians 1: "I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe." The key to true life, true joy and true fullness in this life is remaining connected to our Father. We have an enemy who seeks at every turn to guide us, ever so gently, away from that purpose and goal in our Christian walk. We must be on guard, we must be aware and we must be attuned to the soft whispering voice of our loving Father and the gentle persuasion of His wonderful Spirit in our lives. Put God first. Today. Grace and peace to you this day through our blessed savior Jesus Christ! Mark