AM - Psalm 30 and 32
PM - Psalm 42 and 43
Gospel - John 1:43-51
For reflection: What was your motive for initially following Jesus? Has that changed in any way over time?
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This question can be answered in many different ways. Some of us grew up going to a church, others had someone share their faith with them, some were simply invited, and others started attending because of a crisis in their life.
It is my belief that God has created within each of us a void that needs to be filled and it is His desire that we fill that void with Him. However He has given us the choice to fill it with whatever we choose. I have been told that my grandfather, my mother’s dad, was a leader in a Methodist congregation. My dad’s parents were very active in a local Catholic congregation. I was raised Methodist so going to church was just something you did. It wasn’t until I was invited as a teenager, by a friend, to attend Central Church in Kenton , Ohio
I am also convinced that if one is seeking Jesus/God, He will reveal Himself to you. We must begin by listening for Him. This could come through a person or as we take time to read His word and meditate on it. The Psalms, Proverbs, and the Gospel of John are a good place to start. Read Psalm 30, Psalm 32, and John 1:43-51 and you will quickly get a glimpse of what I mean.
Life is a journey that takes one on a roller coaster ride with many ups and downs. It is only as we spend time with God and fellow believers that our faith and trust in God grow. It is this growth that will carry us through the deepest valleys and produce heightened joys.
- Ken Brueshaber
Ken, I began attending the Church of Christ when I was about 7 years old. I knew all of the right things to say and do, but I didn't have any real depth of understanding in my spiritual life until after my first son was born. That was when true love; when actually being willing to give your life for someone else, became apparent to me. It completely changed the way I viewed God and His sacrifice for all of us/me.
ReplyDeleteAmen, Ken! I was a preacher's kid...but it took some years for that faith to become my own, to have an active relationship of my own with Father and Jesus. Going through life's difficulties and receiving Father as provider, protector and healer totally changed my relationship with Him.
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