Today's Daily Bread
The Journey Begins
Eighty-one years ago today a 9-year-old boy prayed to ask Jesus to
be the Savior of his life. His mother wrote these words in a memory
book: “Clair made a start today.”
Clair—my dad—has now walked with Christ for 8 decades. He marks the day when he made his decision to follow Christ as the beginning
of his journey. Growing spiritually is a lifelong process—not a
one-time event. So how does a new believer feed his faith and continue
to grow? These are some things I observed in my dad’s life over the
years.
He read the Scriptures regularly to increase his understanding of God
and made prayer a daily part of his life (1 Chron. 16:11; 1 Thess.
5:17). Bible reading and prayer help us grow closer to God and withstand
temptation (Ps. 119:11; Matt. 26:41; Eph. 6:11; 2 Tim. 3:16-17; 1 Peter
2:2). The Holy Spirit began to develop the “fruit of the Spirit” in him
as he surrendered his life in faith and obedience (Gal. 5:22-23). We
display God’s love through our witness and service.
My dad’s spiritual journey continues and so does ours. What a
privilege to have a relationship in which we can “grow in the grace and
knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ”! (2 Peter 3:18).
I want my heart to be in tune with God,
In every stage of life may it ring true;
I want my thoughts and words to honor Him,
To lift Him up in everything I do. —Hess
In every stage of life may it ring true;
I want my thoughts and words to honor Him,
To lift Him up in everything I do. —Hess
Salvation is the miracle of a moment; growth is the labor of a lifetime.
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