Friday, June 12, 2009
Isaiah 44:5 One will say, "I am the LORD's"; Another will call himself by the name of Jacob; Another will write with his hand, "The LORD's," And name himself by the name of Israel.
A CONNECTION TO GOD HAS GREAT IMPLICATIONS EVEN IN THIS LIFE
It is critical to remember that you belong to God in every circumstance. It is especially true as we make these transitions in life. Graduates, you will find that more and more you will be asked to make your own decisions. Your mom and dad will soon be in advisory roles rather than commanding roles. In all the decisions that you will be making you will be influenced more and more by those that surround you, many of whom will have no connection to God. Some of you who are older may come to the point that you have to turn over your finances and other critical decision to your children.
You need remind yourself constantly that you belong to God--both to have comfort and not to be deceived. You may ask yourself, "Would I be living in sin if I belonged to God? Would I be avoiding God's Word and sacrament if I truly belonged to God? Would I be neglecting my prayer life if I belonged to God?" If these questions are not asked or not answered correctly, then soon you may not belong to God.
On the positive side, just think of all the blessings of belonging to God. You have protection against wicked and powerful spiritual forces. You have the assurance that you have no guilt before the Holy and Almighty Judge. You have the promise that you will not remain in the grave, but will conquer even death itself. The Holy Spirit has taken that forgiveness that was won for the world and made it personally your own by giving you faith in God. This has connected you to the blessings that God wishes to pour out upon you. Do not fear. You have a powerful ally as a Protector and Defender.
