We have just finished celebrating Thanksgiving Day. George Washington, our first president, instituted this day by proclamation for the purpose of showing gratitude to God for establishing this new country - the United States of America. We weren't very united at first and there were many problems to work through but by the Lord's grace we came together as "one nation under God". Many have tried to tear down our Christian principles, and chip away at our personal freedoms. Some have tried to tell us that what is evil is good, and what is good is evil.There is a reason people come here seeking a better life - they want power to rest with the people, not the government. Our constitution was written to limit, not increase this power. I believe among nations we are unique in this way.
Families gathered on this special day to celebrate and be grateful for our blessings. I'm always aware that there are many who don't have a family or are not living close enough to be with them. As I was sitting in church this morning I looked around me and praised God that I would never be without a family.
The 'church' as described in the Bible is the body of Christ. It's not a building or any particular denomination.
". . .so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others." Romans 12:4
"The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body."
I Corinthians 12:12
This is why we believers have such a special bond with one another; WE ARE ONE BODY! We will spend eternity together and while here on earth, we can experience being a family and belonging to each other. Belonging is important! Many experience feeling more connected to other believers than to our own flesh and blood family who are not believers. We bond with our earthly family and feel a part of each other in some ways and somewhat estranged in other ways.
It is Jesus Christ who is the head of the church, which is Christ's body - see Colossians 1:24. We who believe are the body of Christ! We are one with Him, we belong to Him. We are one member of the body who will serve Him with the other members. As part of this body, we are a family, safe and secure. Our human families may disappoint us, but God's family will be there for us.
Loneliness - alone-ness can be painful at any time, but especially during the holiday season. My precious husband of so many years passed into the presence of the Lord eleven months ago. For the first time in my life I am alone, but I never feel alone because I'm in the body of Christ. I think for many, the natural inclination is to go looking for a special someone. And, if you find someone to connect with, you will no doubt be happier. The problem is. . .this often is a temporary solution.
If you're looking for a forever friend and a secure, stable relationship; try Jesus! He came to earth to mingle among us and show us He is a real flesh and blood Savior. In John 3:3 Jesus tells us how to become a member of His body. . .
"I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again."
Really, it's that simple - just ask Jesus to forgive your sins and make you alive spiritually - first birth is physical, second birth is spiritual. You will love being a part of His family!
Thank you Jesus for who you are and what you have done for us. Thank you for gathering all your sheep together as one family, always safe and secure in Your love. To be alone, and not feel alone is a wonderful gift.
