Together

I had the incredible privilege of sitting in the dentist chair this morning. Having that as an opening statement ought to bring thoughts of comfort and support my way from all who read this. J

While sitting there, I happened to look up and notice one of those inspiring pictures with this caption underneath: Coming together is the beginning. Keeping together is a process. Working together is success.

(Inner Harbor - Baltimore, MD)

* Coming together is the beginning.

II Corinthians 5:17 says, “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” (KJV)

While this experience of meeting Christ is life-altering, we cannot expect to stay there. Time, whether we like it or not, marches on. We are expected to grow and mature in our relationship with Him. As my pastor said recently, we must become self-feeders and quit expecting everyone else to spoon-feed us and help us get around. Coming together with Christ – joining together with our relationships – even coming to grips with our own selves is only the beginning.

* Keeping together is a process.
Remaining committed to God’s purpose for us is the test of all tests. We are tempted, tested, and tried to get us to turn our back on the very thing that will mature us.  

John 10:10 says, “The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.” (NLT)

If you have endured this process with God for any length of time, then you have a greater understanding that tough times come to those who are just and those who are not. What we have to realize is that all things work together for the good. He never promised that this life with Him would be easy…but He did promise that He would be just. Commitment involves the good, the bad, and the ugly. It is a process.

(Conowingo Dam - Street, MD)

* Working together is success.

Ruth found this out in her story. Boaz, the man whose field she was working, found favor with her. He said in Ruth 2:12, “The LORD recompense thy work, and a full reward be given thee of the LORD God of Israel, under whose wings thou art come to trust.” (KJV)

(Federal Hill area - Downtown Baltmore)

When you do things God’s way and work with Him in the process of life, His favor will shine upon you. No one will ever question in whom you trust for it will be apparent through your countenance.

These three simple steps not only serve in our relationship with Christ, but in every facet of our lives. Marriages, friendships, families, jobs, as well as our hopes and dreams become what they should be when we….
…Begin by coming together.

…Remain together and not give up - understanding this is a process.
…Then join forces and work together in order to reach the highest of goals.

Success can really be that simple.

For ordering blog pictures, please visit:

www.morningjogphotography.smugmug.com