Touching Base 11
It takes time and intentionality to grow in your relationship with Jesus. It takes time in God’s Word, it takes time to pray, and it takes time to connect with other believers. Are you finding that time? And if you are not, why not?
As you take time today to consider all of the ideas and principles that you’ve been exposed to over the past six days, go back and read anything you received this week that you want to reconsider … or that you missed!
Quick Links
Highlights in the book of John
Reflection
This week’s lesson emphasized the need for each one of us to connect with other believers.
It really is true that one of the main reasons many Christians live defeated lives is that they have isolated themselves from other believers.
Do you think you can go it alone? Are you trying to stay connected to Christ without being connected to other believers?
Have you made it a low priority to find a church or join a group of other Christians? If so, it is only a matter of time before you become frustrated and discouraged, don’t set yourself up for defeat! What sources do you have available to you to join with other Christians?
If you already are a part of a church or a group, what are some of the benefits you have experienced from connecting with other believers?
This week we completed the Encounters with Jesus devotional series and began a new series in the book of John.
As you consider the many different people Jesus encountered throughout his ministry, what stands out most to you about who Jesus is?
How is your relationship with God changing as you learn more about Jesus and about God’s love for us?
The first two devotionals from John emphasized our need for a Savior. In Romans 5:6-8 we read:
“You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
God loves us! We must let the truth of these words resonate in our souls. We must impress them upon our hearts and our minds. God loves us so much that He gave us His one and only Son to take on the punishment that we deserved for our sins. And because Jesus did that for us, those who believe in Him will experience life in abundance both now and forevermore.
In what ways are you embracing God’s love? In what ways are you resisting it?
Go a Step Beyond
Check out this on-line article with additional information on how connecting with other believers can strengthen your relationship with God.
Connecting with God’s Family http://jesusonline.com/follow-jesus/living-for-jesus/connecting/
Write It on Your Heart
Take a few minutes to memorize these verses:
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” (2 Corinthians 5:17)