A Big God in a Little Me by: my wife

"One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all." Have you ever paused to think about God literally dwelling inside of you? That thought just blows me away. This means the very God of Heaven knows my every thought and every word that escapes from my mouth, and even heavier, the things that I keep locked inside. He knows, sees, hears and feels everything I do because, well, He is in there! He knows those secretive things I hold inside my heart: hurt, anger, silent rebellion... He is aware of all of the television shows we watch when nobody is around and those songs we sing and listen to when everyone else can't hear. However, herein lies the real shocker: He loves us throughout it all. He even goes as far as to speak to us and let us know that He loves us and in Him is hope. He can help you find your way back to Him once again. The thing is, when God speaks, it is a still small voice. We must concentrate on Him alone and listen for those words. He won't fight to be overheard by all the menial, earthy things we have crammed into our hearts. We have to make the choice, clean out our hearts and still...the noise from within.....and just listen...... He is there. He is waiting, just as He always has been. He is calmly, patiently whispering....to you. Are you listening?

Holy Branches

Paul penned many great verses under the inspiration of the Holy Ghost. Romans 11:16 presents a stirring thought for a child of God. The latter part of the verse states this: "....and if the root be holy, so are the branches." My mind immediately races to the thought of a tree. At the base of a tree, going even further than the trunk itself, is the root system. It is hidden beneath the cool, compacted dirt, usually never seen by the naked eye; but its role in the life of the tree is incomparable. The tree itself, particularly its branches, prove that which is underground. The characteristics of a tree and its branches show us an unveiled proof of some life beneath the tree. We, in the same sense, are branches. We are to be extending outward, reaching others. We are to be bearing fruit, providing evidence of the type of tree that we extend from. We should be a living, fruitful evidence of what is below our surface! If we, as Christians, are withering, unfruitful and dead, what is below our surface? If we are broken and barren, what are we proving is under our surface? May we be fruitful, vibrant branches, showing the beholder that the vine that we are engrafted into, our Lord Jesus Christ, is the only source that can provide true life. What are your roots attached to? What do your branches look like? When someone looks at you, can they tell that you are attached to Jesus? If the root be holy, so are the branches.