For I am persuaded that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38-39

Ever wonder where you belong?

Even in the best of homes, kids can feel lost.  Childhood sets them up to look for someone to invite them into a place of belonging.  Driven, and stretching out their arms indiscriminately, others own them and hurt them. 

And even in the best of churches, believers can feel lost. Dysfunctional congregational life sets them up to stay on the sidelines, wondering where they fit in. The only ones who enjoy community are the ones fortunate enough to be part of a clique.

Oh, there are no safe masters except Jesus. What is your marriage to Jesus like?  Your relationship began when you made the decision to enter into the kingdom through the door of Christ.  But perhaps you stepped inside and froze.  Afraid to trust.  Afraid to commit.  Afraid of intimacy.  Afraid of change.  Jesus is the patient bridegroom who waits for the timid with arms outstretched.  Steve Brown, of Key Life Ministries, said, “Many come to Jesus to get saved but don’t stay long enough to get loved.” Only those with a burning love for the God can endure the intensity of living in an increasingly godless age. This was the hallmark of the early Christians who went to their death singing.

First love is the only thing more powerful than the power of suffering – which is debilitating and turns people into cowards. The cords of love carry divine life.

Oh God, Your love is the greatest force in heaven, and on earth, and I know that nothing can quench it. Like a baby in a mother’s arms, I live securely. Amen