Remain And Be Loved

Summer of 2003, Tillie was 14 and just out of 8th grade when she stumbled upon a reality of life. She had just returned from a week of Young Life camp in San Diego when she noticed how easily she could get distracted and shift focus off Christ. This disturbed her greatly. When she was at camp, she was focused and in the word constantly. Clubs provided a connection not only with Christ but with others who she could fellowship and worship beside. Returning home she rarely sought out other believers and her focus didn't REMAIN as she got back into her normal routine.

This week Pastor Shawn pointed out to us the frequency of the word 'remain' in the book of Romans. It is only second to the word love in the number of times it is used. That fact lone offers weight to the importance of this word.

Remaining in Him is key to our relationship with Him. Sounds so simple to slot out a precious few minutes each day to spend with our Savior. But life has a way of gripping us and before we know it we are falling into bed too exhausted to utter more than a short prayer. This is not the connection or relationship God seeks and certainly not one that will provide us the love and support He so desperately wants to give and receive.

Scheduling a time can help. As Shawn pointed out we also need to listen for when God taps us on the shoulder and asks for a few minutes of our time. All summer, I have been waking up consistently at 5:30 am when I don't need to get up for school. Only recently have I got my Bible study out and cherished this quiet time with my best friend. Don't be so slow to recognize n opportunity when He comes knocking as I did. Get up, put the coffee on and get in your cozy chair and be amazed at the gift you are about to receive. Remaining in Him doesn't just happen. We have to be conscious and willing to meet Him.

In Him,
Joyful