This past weekend I officiated at the wedding of a family that I have come to know through their life joys and sorrows. We discussed that unity and uniqueness are two vital components for a marriage to last. The Bride and Groom not only made a vow to become one but to encourage and support one another in their uniqueness, growing together as they change through the course of a lifetime. Circumstances, the joys and sorrows of life, eventually surface to the top and become a force that either brings people together or pushes them apart. So, it is imperative to make a daily choice to be unified in managing life. That said, we must realize that the same life experience will impact one person differently from the other . . . because of the uniqueness of each human being.
The presence of Christ provides the power to remain unified and celebrate uniqueness with those we love and live with, regardless of the circumstances. John wrote about experiencing the presence of Christ as one rich blessing after another. In the western culture, we often believe that good circumstances come to those who are blessed. If that were true, we would believe that all the people in the world experiencing difficulties and horrific events have not been blessed.
What does blessed mean?Re-read John 1:15-16. Those who are blessed are personally aware of the presence of Christ . . . it is Christ that brings hope, faith, peace, and the power to live beyond the worst of circumstances.
Refocus.
Take a few seconds every hour to be aware of the presence of Christ.
Stop what you are doing.
Think about the presence of Christ.
Become aware of the hope, faith, peace, and power of Christ.
You are blessed.
Learning with you to be blessed through the personal awareness of the presence of Christ,
Shalom,
Kerrie
(All devotions written by Kerrie Palmer ©2008 All Rights Reserved)
