March 22, 2005 John 13:1-17

 March 22, 2005                                                                                  John 13:1-17

 

John 13:15 “For I have set you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you.”

 

“LORD I WANT TO BE A CHRISTIAN IN-A MY HEART, IN-A MY HEART,

LORD I WANT TO BE A CHRISTIAN IN-A MY HEART.

IN-A MY HEART, IN-A MY HEART,

LORD, I WANT TO BE A CHRISTIAN IN-A MY HEART.”

(Afro-American Spiritual taken from The Presbyterian Hymnal)

 

            When I was a child I can remember how important it was for my sister, brother, and I to go to Sunday school.  If mom or dad didn’t take us, then grandma was always there to make sure we had a way to church.  Not only was Sunday school a weekly routine, but studying the Sunday school lesson on Saturday evening was a must.  The lessons that had the greatest impact on my life were the ones I read during the Lenten season.  Tears flooded my eyes as I read the story of Jesus’ trial and crucifixion for the first time.  At that moment I knew I wanted to be a Christian. 

            Today being a Christian for me can be summed up in two words—Faith and Love.  Believing deeply in God and loving Him above all else gives me strength to live each day as the Lord grants me.  Being a Christian also allows me an opportunity to open my heart to life around me.  By putting God in my life, I try to take time to enjoy the MOMENTS—being a listener and open to the ways God touches my life.  It might be something simple as watching an eagle flying over the river in winter, seeing a robin hopping in the yard in springtime, getting a card from an unexpected acquaintance, a phone call from a friend, or just a smile from a passerby.  There are so many gifts around us that we can value, if we choose to live as a Christian. 

 

 “I shall pass through this world but once.  Any good that I can do, or any kindness that I can show another human being, let me do it now and not defer it.  For I shall not pass this way again.”  (Taken from a newspaper clipping several years ago)

 

Dear Lord, Please guide me to be a Christian in your eyes and help me to lead others to the Christian life.  In Jesus name I pray.    Amen.

 

Contributed by Colleen Meyer