True Life

"I say to you, then, and with insistence I advise you in the Lord: do not imitate the pagans who live an aimless kind of life. Their understanding is in darkness and they remain in ignorance because of their blind conscience, very far from the life of God." - Ephesians 4:17-18

It pains me to say, but I see this aimless kind of life Saint Paul talks about all around me. I see people whose priorities are all screwed up. Is life just stacking up materials things to be in a better class range than others, or is it going out late, getting wasted and doing it all again the next day? It's none of these. That's an empty life, it's aimless and no life at all. Unfortunately, it's what we see on TV, magazines, and movies. It's the life of the people we admire, the lives of people we wish we had for just one day. But I guarantee that as fabulous as it seems and as fun as it seems, they are so empty inside. Are you feeling empty inside? What is the aim of your own life? What are you doing with the gift God gave you? People go around trying to fill their lives with things they think will make them happy, but only God, who is the author of life can give it meaning. The confusion you feel within you, that sense of being absolutely lost at times, the answer to that is not in the world. It's not in what you think you want or what you think will fill you and make you happy. Don't look for the answers among the rich and good looking people - they've just got it together on the outside. But true life, true meaning is only found in God. You were created by Him to have life in Him, and away from Him, you are nothing. You toil and trouble, trying to arrange your own world, but it's all in vain. You're still empty. You're still lonely and feel you have nothing or no one. Surrender yourself to God. Let Him fill you. Let Him show you what real life is, what real happiness is, what real peace is.

Today's Prayer:
Lord Jesus, You are the source of all goodness and kindness. Reinforce in my heart and in the hearts of all who read this that only You can fill us and give us true life in abundance. In Your Name we pray, amen.

Our Personal Commandments

"Keep your own belief before God, and happy are you if you never act against your own belief." - Romans 14:22

One thing I know for sure is that God speaks to each and every one of us. We're just not used to quietening ourselves to listen to His voice. But when we're silenced, with our focus on God, there He speaks to us in our hearts and in our conscience. We know the ten commandments and the beatitudes, but as individuals, there are commandments God has put into our hearts. For example, there may be nothing wrong with music, but lately, I've been feeling bad in my soul when I listen to a rap song with a lot of curses; I feel my spirit sadden within me. This is a belief that God has put into my heart that I must listen to.

And you, examine your heart, examine your mind. Is there something that God is telling you? Is there something you feel you shouldn't be doing or should do? Just because something isn't written in the 10 Commandments doesn't mean it's not wrong for you and that God isn't calling you to stay away from it. That's why Saint Paul stresses us here to keep those beliefs God has put in our hearts. It is the voice of God within you, speaking to you. Don't ignore it. When God speaks to us, it's to help us, not to harm us, so please listen and take heed. Happy are you if you never act against those beliefs.

Today's Prayer:
Lord, I know You speak to me in the silence and You come through so loud and clear. Thank You for giving me personal direction in my life and help me follow Your will for me. In Your Name we pray, amen.