She was the official princess in the Holland house. Michael, our nephew and his wife Heather have an adorable and gregarious four years old. Her mom explained to her that she was going to have a baby sister. She watched as her, soon to be their, room was repainted and redecorated. She loved “her” new room, a little girl’s palace. Heather talked about the new baby. Michael put together the baby bed. Heather made matching bows and belts for both her princesses.
Their newest princess made her entrance without fanfare. Right on time! Big sister was thrilled over the new baby. She got to hold her and kiss her soft cheeks. She loved it!
Dressed in matching outfits, it was time to capture one last picture before they left the hospital. Her mother thought she understood, it had been explained numerous times. Then someone said, “Let’s go. It take to take Gracie home with us.” At that moment Reagan realized that baby Grace was going home with her!
Look at Reagan’s face! She got it! Priceless! Absolutely priceless!
And the moment we realize God wants to go home with us, is a priceless moment as well.
Matthew 28:20 “Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” NLT
“I am with you…” We know it, with our heads. We talk about it. We sing about it, but until the reality permeates our hearts, we won’t enjoy the benefits. “I am with you…” Think about that…what does that mean to you? Today, as we remember the pain and the loss of 911. As you think about your struggles, your needs and those all around you. What does that mean? “I am with you…”
In light of that declaration, I need to ask you, have you left him at church? Have you left him at the scene of your last disaster? At the signing of the divorce papers? At the graveside of your loved one?
John 20:13 NLT records Mary at the tomb of Jesus. “Why are you crying?” the angels asked her.” Because they have taken away my Lord,” she replied, “and I don’t know where they have put him.”
That question is behind many of the assaults on the church. “Where have you put Jesus?”, is the real question they are asking.
It’s time to take Him home. To work. To school. On vacation. He brings light. He brings infinite wisdom! Strength. Encouragement. Love. Peace. When we take Him into every area of our lives it changes how we think, what we believe and how we live our lives. That’s why He died. That’s why God raised Christ from the dead, so you could be His child and live a victorious Christian life.
Let’s step back to stand with Mary after she found Jesus. John 20:18 NLT Mary Magdalene found the disciples and told them, “I have seen the Lord!” Then she gave them his message. When she saw Him and listened to Him everything changed. She had hope. She had joy. She had a message to share.
I’m not trying to say life will be hunky-dory all the time. Life is full of challenges, but you don’t have to face them alone. Instead of muddling through life doing things your way, take His strength and His wisdom into every decision and action of your life.
I don’t know where you are in your walk with God, but I challenge you. Don’t leave your faith at church. Don’t be a Sunday believer. Take your relationship with Christ home with you. Talk to Him, not mindlessly, like a child talks to a baby doll or their favorite toy, expecting nothing back…getting nothing back. Nourish your relationship by listening, hearing until you understand and then obey what you hear.
