Author: beauty4ashes714

No matter how long you sit by the poolside you will not become a swimmer. When you sit by the poolside you can learn a lot about swimming: you can learn the different strokes, correct arm positions, you even can discuss swimming and all aspects of it. However, as long as you are on the poolside and do not plunge in you are still not a swimmer.

This illustrates how we sometimes handle our relationship with God. We can operate in the periphery, go to church once in awhile, know a verse or two, celebrate Christmas, but God is really not a part of our everyday lives. God wants us to plunge in and not remain on the outside looking in. God calls us to a personal relationship with Him through Jesus Christ.

Sin separates us from God, but God made a way through Jesus Christ for us to be reconciled to Him. When we repent and ask Jesus to be the Lord of our lives we are saved (Acts 2:38, Romans 10:8-9). Jesus blood washes our sins away. 2 Cor 5:18 says, “All this is from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation.”(NIV) God wants us to be reconciled to Him through His Son. He wants us to be part of His family, His children (John 1:12) and He our loving Heavenly Father.

I am reminded of the hymn, “What a Friend we have in Jesus all our sins and griefs to bear.” Jesus died on the cross at Calvary to take away our sins. While we were yet sinners He died for us. What a Friend? What a wonderful Savior? He promises to be with us in this life and forever, that is a forever friend. He does not leave nor forsake us. In John15:14-15, Jesus said we are His friends if we obey His commands. It is amazing that the Sovereign and Mighty God would want to be our friend, He does and He wants to spend eternity with us.

Jesus understands all our pain and sorrows, our hopes and dreams, and our fears and joys. He hears our prays and sees our tears. We can run to Him and find our strength, hope and joy in Him.

Are you sad, depressed, lonely or reached the end of your rope? There is hope. Jesus says, “Come to me all you who labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest.” Jesus is calling us, He wants to give us hope, rest and peace. Most of all, He wants to have fellowship with us, for us to know Him and walk closely with Him.