Two weeks ago I wrote about a
life-changing conversation Dick and I had with a couple we met who were
pastoring at my mother’s church. That little visit with them was the catalyst
for us to put our trust fully in Jesus as our Savior and Lord.
In recent weeks our pastor, Rob Sheldon, has been preaching through the book of Acts. At the end of his messages, Rob challenges us to apply specific lessons we learned from that day’s Scripture. This past week, Rob spoke of the conversion of Paul, (formerly Saul), who met Jesus on his way to Damascus to hunt down and imprison Christians. Paul is dramatically changed by his salvation experience and goes on to share it with people in places of high authority as well as with his fellow prisoners after he himself is imprisoned. Rob then asked us, “Has your encounter with Jesus, changed your life? What is different now?”
For those of us who have been Christians for decades, it may be hard to answer that. Our relationship with Jesus becomes a part of who we are, and we can get rather comfortable and blasé about it. Revelation 3:15-16 warns us not to become lukewarm Christians. How do we keep our relationship with Jesus fresh and alive? How do we invite Jesus to continue to change us?
I asked Google that question and, surprisingly, the AI pooled together some great suggestions:
*Spend time with Jesus: Talk to Him every day and consult Him
on every decision.
*Express gratitude: Show gratitude for God's gifts and
blessings.
*Focus on God: Focus on God instead of dwelling on
difficulties.
*Study the Bible: Study the Scriptures and learn more about
Jesus.
*Attend church: Go to church faithfully.
*Serve and love others: Develop charity and show love for your
neighbor.
*Help mentor new Christians: Their enthusiasm is
contagious.
*Emulate Jesus: Show your adoration of Jesus by following His
example.
*Believe who Jesus says He is: Trust Jesus and allow Him to
change your heart.
*Proclaim Jesus: Tell everyone what a relationship with Jesus
means to you!
*Never back down: Follow Jesus even when it becomes difficult
or costly.
If an artificial intelligence can recognize what it takes to stay in relationship with Jesus, surely, we can, too! Let’s ask the Holy Spirit to refill us and rekindle our passion for walking with Jesus.
Be encouraged!
