Reviving Faith
Does this sound familiar?
When I first met Jesus, there was always a smile on my face. The fire of his love burned brightly in me and I couldn’t help but radiate it to others. I was eager to share my faith with friends, acquaintances and even strangers. As the years go by, there are times when I wonder where that fire went. Many times the flame seems so small and I wonder what the joy of salvation means.
I understand that I’m not alone in these feelings. It seems to be common place for the glow to dim as Christians go about daily living. Christians live with the same difficult circumstances as anyone else, but Paul wrote to the church at Philippi, “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” Philippians 4:4
As God often does, he showed me the problem using something as simple as a pot of flowers. The pot of petunias was beautiful when I brought it home from the greenhouse – full of colorful blooms. I placed it in a prominent place near my front door and basked in the many compliments received from visitors. However, as time passed, the pot produced fewer flowers and received less attention from friends. It seems that I had placed the pot in a shady area, forgetting that the plants needed sunshine to produce blooms. When I moved it to sunny area in my yard, the flowers began to appear again and soon it was as glorious as when I purchased it.
As much as I would like to think that I’m more complicated, I am very much like that pot of flowers. When I’m too busy and when I’m distracted by life - when I am out of the Son’s light - I begin to fade. I produce fewer blooms. I’m at my best when I have a daily dose of the Son. He nourishes and causes my life to bloom with his glory. And like that potted plant, others notice because I’m bursting with the Son’s love.
How enthusiastic are you about your Christian faith? Are you still joyful in your salvation? Salvation is as wonderful now as it was when it was first received. Grace is as amazing now as it was when it was first offered.
When I first met Jesus, there was always a smile on my face. The fire of his love burned brightly in me and I couldn’t help but radiate it to others. I was eager to share my faith with friends, acquaintances and even strangers. As the years go by, there are times when I wonder where that fire went. Many times the flame seems so small and I wonder what the joy of salvation means.
I understand that I’m not alone in these feelings. It seems to be common place for the glow to dim as Christians go about daily living. Christians live with the same difficult circumstances as anyone else, but Paul wrote to the church at Philippi, “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” Philippians 4:4
As God often does, he showed me the problem using something as simple as a pot of flowers. The pot of petunias was beautiful when I brought it home from the greenhouse – full of colorful blooms. I placed it in a prominent place near my front door and basked in the many compliments received from visitors. However, as time passed, the pot produced fewer flowers and received less attention from friends. It seems that I had placed the pot in a shady area, forgetting that the plants needed sunshine to produce blooms. When I moved it to sunny area in my yard, the flowers began to appear again and soon it was as glorious as when I purchased it.
As much as I would like to think that I’m more complicated, I am very much like that pot of flowers. When I’m too busy and when I’m distracted by life - when I am out of the Son’s light - I begin to fade. I produce fewer blooms. I’m at my best when I have a daily dose of the Son. He nourishes and causes my life to bloom with his glory. And like that potted plant, others notice because I’m bursting with the Son’s love.
How enthusiastic are you about your Christian faith? Are you still joyful in your salvation? Salvation is as wonderful now as it was when it was first received. Grace is as amazing now as it was when it was first offered.
- Don’t forget your daily dose of the Son. Even five minutes a day turns a dull, barren life into one that blooms with God’s love.
- Choose a reading plan, a bible study or devotional book. Develop the habit of pondering God’s word every day. (Deuteronomy 11:18-20)
- When you read a bible passage, take time to consider it. What does it mean to you? What changes does it ask of you? What can you do about it, today? (James 1:22)
- And be joyful – always.
 A Walk With the Women of the Bible EBook by Lynne Chapman Join me in getting to know some amazing women of the Bible while we extract valuable insights and lessons from their lives. Now available for Kindle under new title A Walk With EVE  Also available in paperback from Cafe Press. |  Names of God Ebook Almighty God. The Creator of heaven and earth. Our God is given names in Scripture that describe the characteristics of His personality. Experience God. |
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