Never on Vacation...!

 

I'm on vacation in California with some of the g-kids. I love time off, but my mind and heart is filled with thoughts of God, his word, sharing his message and resting in his arms. I never have time away from the Lord and am glad about that. I don't need a break from God, but I often need a break from the hustle and bustle of daily life. During breaks I get to dwell more on his word because I do not have a schedule to maintain. The time is refreshing. 

Today I first read a passage from Psalm 69. The psalmist, David, was constantly under attack from his enemies. Even so the attacks were resolved through protection from the Lord. I don't really feel like I am under attack, but the busyness of a schedule can feel like an attack of sorts! This reading in 1 Thessalonians spoke to me about combatting the thoughts of life.

"SO be on your guard, not asleep like the others. Stay alert and be clearheaded. Night is the time when people sleep and drinkers get drunk. But let us who live in the light be clearheaded, protected by the armor of faith and love, and wearing as our helmet the confidence of our salvation." (1 Thessalonians 5:6-8, NLT)

The message is pretty clear. We need to be alert, clearheaded, as we walk in this world. Even though we are walking in the light, darkness surrounds us and we cannot be "asleep at the wheel" of life. Being alert  means protecting our heart and mind. In the scripture that is symbolized by the Armor and Helmet. 

Protecting our heart means focusing on LOVE, the love of God, and our love for others. Protecting our mind starts with filling our minds with things from above. 

Even when we take breaks from the routines of life, we need to make sure we never take a break from God. We need his love and we need his wisdom and knowledge. Even a small amount of time away from the Lord could open us to attack.  Continuing our routine of praying, reading God's word, and worship keeps us walking in the light. We never need a vacation from HIM. 

Heavenly Father, I am thankful for time away from life's normal routine, but I am also thankful I do not have to leave you behind. You go before me, behind me, and beside me. You travel with me when I travel, rest with me when I rest, walk when I walk, run when I run, and stay when I stay. I am so thankful for your persistence in being with me always. Thank You Lord. Amen!

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If you haven't repented of your sin, accepted what Jesus did for you on the cross, dying for your sins, or if you have not committed your life to Jesus, TODAY could be that day. give your life to the Lord. 

"because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved." (Romans 10:9-10, ESV)

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