As I sit and reflect…
Some of my great joys during the time here in Brussels have been seeing the men of the church gather to pray early on Wednesday mornings—before work; seeing believers gather to sing praise, and read, and pray, on Tuesday mornings—spilling over into the afternoon; and seeing the church come together on Sunday mornings once a month, to pray for an hour.
If you’ve come to know God, or rather to be known by God, it’s likely that {prayer} and {Bible reading} were 2 of the basic foundations that were discussed or instilled. And yet, in all my travels, throughout many congregations, many interactions and introductions and conversations, these 2 are found lacking.
These 2 are left wanting. Even as they may be discussed frequently, with much urgency from the guy up front or in some form of small group. But what did yesterday, the reality of the hours lived in a single day, actually look like? {Far too often this neglect has been the reality in my own life—prayer specifically}, but God offers so much more. He offers us Himself.
God did not bring us into relationship to be neglected, and He certainly has not neglected us; nor for us to neglect Him. He did not bring us to Himself that we must remain silent, not asking questions. He brings us into a personal-relationship with Himself, by the finished work of Christ. A relationship where the ties of communication are significant. Thanks be to God.
I can tell you my love for people didn’t just happen. It’s from God; it’s through Christ. It’s come by way of reading the Bible (growing), time in prayer (growing), and the influence of many believers. I want to see my fellow man through the lens of the cross, the lens of eternity, the eyes of Jesus. We read the words of Jesus the Christ as He speaks the greatest commands, given as ultimately-good instruction to those He loves.
‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ This is not a lifestyle we stumble upon. Or perhaps from a different perspective, it’s exactly the life we stumble on. Are we G R O W I N G ?
Pray for Life <<This is that link you should follow>>
I encourage you to hear what John Piper said 9-10 years ago. And we cannot be hearers only. He speaks on prayer, while briefly touching on its connectedness with Bible reading and study. These 2, and the people around you, can impact your life in ways formerly unknown. Taste and see. Find out, please. Draw near to the God who is there; He has been calling to you for ages.
Bible reading. Prayer. Community.
I urge you with all of myself.
#LETMEINTRODUCEYOU #JESUSisLORD
