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Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Today's Frontline Devotion Saturday, January 24, 2004 Reading is FUNdamental |
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Frontline Devotion for
Saturday, January 24, 2004, by Brenda Kessler
Scripture: Acts 8:14-40
When my kids were growing up they frequently brought flyers home from school
that announced that you have to read to succeed or that reading is FUNdamental. The message was clear. Reading can be fun and, yes, if one wants to succeed,
one needs to read.
In today’s scripture I was drawn to the verses where the Ethiopian eunuch is
sitting in his chariot reading from the book of Isaiah. Philip is directed by
an angel of the Lord to go to the chariot and ask the man if he knows what he is
reading. The man responds that he needs someone to explain it to him. Philip
explains that the passage is a passage in which the prophet Isaiah is talking
about the good news of Jesus Christ.
As the chariot moves along the road, Philip’s explanation apparently takes root
in the eunuch’s life. They come upon some water and the eunuch asks to be
baptized.
Jesus is introduced into the eunuch’s life because he is reading and because
Philip is willing to share.
Does reading bring US closer to Jesus? I believe it does.
Each time we open our bibles and begin to read we are brought closer to Jesus.
Each time we read a simple bible story to a child and explain its significance
we bring that child closer to Jesus. Each time we attend a bible study and
share our insights we are brought closer to Jesus.
One way the community of people known as the church draws us closer to Jesus is
to use a uniquely Christian book called the bible. As we are drawn closer to
Jesus we are being equipped to introduce Jesus into other people’s lives by the
use of this same Christian book called the bible.
Yes, reading IS fundamental!
Prayer: Thank you, Lord, that we have your written word that draws us
closer to you. Thank you for those people in our lives who share your word with
us so that we may be drawn closer to you. Use us in this year 2004 to share
what we learn so that ALL may be introduced to Jesus. Amen.
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All are welcome to join and share in our Devotional Ministry on the "Frontlines" of the world. Frontline Devotions are sent via email daily. Sign up by clicking on the box to the left. Pastor Dave welcomes feedback. Contact him at pastordave@goodshepherdonline.org. |
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