2 Corinthians 7:1 (English Standard Version) Since we have these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement of body and spirit, bringing holiness to completion in the fear of God.

We struggle with being holy. That is a fact of life no more complicated than eating, digesting and then excreting waste. We are not yet perfected and will have to deal with this imperfect body.

This verse starts out talking about the promises. There is not just one promise, there are many. Those promises can be focal points for a better life in the here and now. Those promises are supposed to be motivational, but being human, when we set our expectations too high and we  do not see the expected results, disappointment sets in and depression can follow.

A proper understanding of His promises is vital in avoiding disappointment. I believe the scripture can reveal a proper understanding but if we do not study the scriptures with the right attitude we may mislead ourselves and may need help in coming to a right understanding.

Do we study the Word alone? Help won’t be found that way. Do we only fed the Word in a sermon? That is not the proper place for Q&A. Are we in small groups? Better but is there anyone in the group who is mature enough to help answer difficult questions? Does the church have leadership that is helping to track spiritual growth? Do we even care about spiritual growth?

Cares and concerns influence behavior. Paul talks about fear of God but none of us want to live in fear. Can we understand the difference between fear and proper reverence? Respect is high on God’s list. It is almost as high as love. If we can love Him dearly, fear can then take its proper place in understanding that our conscience is telling us we made or are making mistakes.

Adam hid from God when he knew he disobeyed God. We are no different. God does not want us to hide from Him. Confess, repent, turn your face to God and receive that love again we so desperately want. It is after all about that promise to be loved always.

Romans 14:8 (English Standard Version) For if we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord. So then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord’s.

I often wonder how these Daily Verses are chosen and why so many of them read like the editors can read my mind. Again today this one touches on events upcoming on this trip I am on.

On the 17th we lay my brother Ray’s ashes to rest in the family plot. I’ve lost both brothers in the past two years, both from heart disease. It’s a family DNA thing. Their passing has struck me profoundly but not in ways one might expect.

John’s passing left me with a profound sense of responsibility to my wife and what she would have to encounter alone without me. Is she prepared for life without me? What would she have to deal with concerning debt and loss of income? How could she maintain the house bills, insurance, maintenance, car payments, debt payments? So I took measures to fix that and she will not be alone nor suffer financial troubles. 

Ray’s passing left me with a profound sense of loss of family relationships. He died alone. When it comes to healing family relationships it is more difficult than paying bills and getting out of debt. People and family members that are scattered around the country make it hard to get together. Calling and emails seem so impersonal. So I’ve done some traveling, made a few visits. This will be my third in 3 years that has put nearly 4,000 miles on the car each trip. Did I mention I hate flying. You never know when a door is going to fall off a plane.

But it is never enough. It is never the same as being in the same house together and even then it was difficult with divergent personalities and personal struggles. But family is family, so you love as best you can and accept what you get in return.

What I didn’t do was worry about myself. I am secure in knowing where I am going and knowing Who I belong to for all eternity. I am the Lord’s. How my end comes or when is unknown but the final destination is assured. Like most people I would like to avoid pain in passing.

So tomorrow I get to see my 84 year old sister with macular degeneration, her DNA thing. She is a professing Christian, sweet as can be and we will talk and share and be together maybe for the last time here on earth. God willing, we shall meet again.

That is just one of those things when you belong to the Lord, you never know what tomorrow might bring. Maybe even a lost soul who could use some good news.