It seems like I’ve been seeing it everywhere: license plates from different states parked on neighbor’s driveways, the smell of freshly grilled hamburgers, laughter floating over the neighborhood, even the pictures on Facebook are overflowing with family reunions and visits to friends. It’s summer and the sense of gathering, community, and welcoming of friends and family from afar is abundant.
Is there anything greater than being together? Summer ushers in a special time of those who are close in our hearts but far in location being brought near for enjoyment, friendship, quality time and connection.
A couple weeks ago we had the privilege of having my dear friend and her family visit us here in Colorado. There is nothing like the time to visit with a friend and family who live far away. We found ourselves surrounded by laughter, dinners on the patio, swim times, and walks at sunset to the park. Our hearts were knitted together fresh and anew, and for the first time the kids met each other in person and formed an immediate connection. Being near to one another brought feelings of the Kingdom and how life should be. Saying goodbye to such friends of our hearts is always heartbreaking. I’m thankful one day we will be able to be near those we love all the time! No distance or time will separate us.
In reading my Bible this morning a verse stuck out to me: Ephesians 2:13, “But now in Christ Jesus, you who were far away have been brought near by the precious blood of Christ.”
Isn’t that awesome news? We were brought NEAR near by Christ.
We had once been so far away, so lost.
Our hearts knew we needed the Savior but there was nothing we could do on our own. No plane to board, no roadtrip to take that would bring us close.
No, it was only by the precious blood of Christ that we were brought near.
His blood was the only thing that could reunite us to Him.
And when His blood was shed, He was declaring, “Come home. Come sit with me, laugh with me, eat with me, be with me.”
What an invite.
He’s inviting us near, casting off all our sin, shame and guilt.
He’s saying, “Come be with me. Forever.”
The blessing of His presence is that He is always with us and we can know, without a shadow of a doubt, that we are never alone. We are brought near (link to a guest blog I wrote on this subject: https://mailchi.mp/a99cf8d6cc55/agapes-encouragement-blog?fbclid=IwAR01ECk6_yXTn49HyQHGPhICimpHoeLgCZiwUO_vb6Q9gLPGEq-8_m56HUY ) .
Friend, perhaps you have never realized all Christ has done for you, I invite you today to say this prayer to accept all he offers, to be brought near to him for eternity:
Dear Lord Jesus, I know that I have done wrong, and I ask for Your forgiveness. I believe You died for my sins and rose from the dead. I turn away my sins and invite You to come into my heart and life. Because of your sacrifice I am brought near to you eternally. Thank you for that! I want to trust and follow You as my Lord and Savior. In Your Name, Amen.
Or perhaps you have already accepted His sacrifice— may you draw comfort from the fact that He is near, never to leave. No matter what we face He is near and forever will be.
Let His lavish love rest upon you today— soak it all in like a good summer gathering with family & friends— He loves you! He has done all to redeem you, bring you back to Him, and call you friend. Our job is to accept Him, draw near to Him, linger in His presence and be filled with the love of God. Once filled up, He will show us how to share this love with others.
My prayer for you:
Lord, fill my friend’s heart and summer with your lavish love! May he/she walk in the nearness that you have made available through the gift and sacrifice of your son. May he/she fully accept you as Savior and Lord and continue to walk in the blessing of your presence all our days here on this earth and for all eternity! Thank you for bringing us close, never to let us go. May the truth of that sink into our hearts, into our minds and bring your peace that passes understanding no matter what season or challenge we face. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Until next time,
PS. Here are a few of our summer adventures! California vacation, swim days, mountain hikes, and the list is just starting! Enjoy your summer, friends!
Melanie Talevski 