40 Day Journey - Day 7

February 27
Fast Independence  
 
1 Thessalonians 5:10
He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him.    

        I have done many weddings where vows are exchanged with the words "until death do us part" yet a few of those marriages died shortly after the honeymoon. But this relationship we have with our Lord Jesus Christ is truly one that is eternal. Paul uses wording such as "awake or asleep" in place of alive or dead to illustrate this relationship. There is nothing that can separate us from Christ in life or death as we continue living together with him. Everything that is needed to live and die, without being cast out of God's kingdom, has been provided.
        The key to living this life is faith, live in a way that reflects your union with Christ, showing your trust and belief in his life, death, resurrection, and by following his teachings.  “For whether we are awake or asleep, (Live or die), we live together with Him.”  
 
John 15:5-11
 5 “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.6If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned.7If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.8This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.9 “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love.10If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love.11I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.

Fast those stirrings of independence today and bind yourself to the one who gave His all, for in sickness and in health he is there, in richer or poorer he is there,  and in life and in death he is there. We are eternally bound to the one who gave His all for us.