A Part

that means that anyone who tries to live by his own effort, independent of God, is doomed to failure. Scripture backs this up: "Utterly cursed is every person who fails to carry out every detail written in the Book of the law."

The obvious impossibility...should make it plain that no one can sustain a relationship with God that way.

The person who lives in right relationship with God does it by embracing what God arranges for him.

(Galatians 3:9-11 The Message)

Are you the odd one out?

Why?

Because you are set aside by God?

Or because you are running from Him?

those minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe,

lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ,

who is the image of God, should shine on them.

(2 Corinthians 4:4)

And no wonder!

For Satan himself transforms himself

into an angel of light.

(2 Corinthians 11:14)

When we set ourselves apart (definition: "separated or at a distance") from God,

we are more a part (definition: "something determined in relation to something that includes it") of the world.

And we become less a part of Him. When that happens, the rotten, nasty little enemy has an easier task of wringing hearts and twisting minds.

Where are you?

Apart from God? I hope not. Because in such a situation where you have let go of God and/or you have not fully grasped hold of His righteous promises, you are vulnerable. Vulnerable for attack.

Wouldn't you rather be here?

A part of His heart and mind? This is the only safe place to be. And the only way to get here and stay here is by spending time with Him. Sink yourself into His Word. Humble yourself at His feet. Kneel before Him in earnest prayer. Grab hands of others in His midst. You are not alone. Not alone, not ever.

Friends, once you are free in Him, then you will shine apart from the world, but always as a part of Christ and His enduring love!

Let us pray:

Father God, I lift up all those reading this today. I lift them right into Your trusting, forgiving, and everlasting arms of righteousness and Truth. Lord, give each one of us strength today to wildly run to you. Give each courage to leave behind the world's nonsense about who we are. Instead, fill us with Your love and courage--give us all we need this day. As each of us struggles to free ourselves from our past, wrap each one gently in Your care. And only when we are ready, set us to shine as a part of You. For You. For Christ. In Jesus' name, amen.

* tulip photo is from my other place...

* all scripture quoted from New King James Version, unless otherwise cited