June 24 – Encounters With Christ
2:174 – Encounters With Christ

#faithbites #faithjourney encounters

I know this is a shocker, but I like to question and learn as much as I can about as much as I can. From faith to food to life to science to everything, I want to learn.

Some may say my learning about faith is questioning it and going against teachings. For me, I believe that my faith is stronger because I try to learn. As part of that God puts people in my life to challenge me, help me understand, and give me guidance. These encounters aren’t ones I could plan or even imagine. For instance, today, one of our Pastors sent me a link to a resource that examines biblical texts and translations. It is helping me learn. I spent part of the night reading a section of Luther’s Bible in German, and no, I don’t speak German.

All this is to say, we need to be be strong in our faith, open to new encounters, and understand God has a purpose for all of this.

Scripture
  • It is good for me that I was afflicted, That I may learn Your statutes. The law of Your mouth is better to me Than thousands of gold and silver pieces. Your hands made me and fashioned me; Give me understanding, that I may learn Your commandments.Psalm 119:71-73
  • Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am – Philippians 4:11
Reflection

God doesn’t want us to want. He want us to be content in what he provides. At the same time he made us inquisitive. Some belief by faith alone, others, like me, deepen faith by exploring and learning. In Psalms, we see that learning about God and his commandments are worth more than Gold or Silver. You can send money and be no better off and the money is gone. When you learn about the Lord, you have that in your heart forever.

When I question isn’t not because I don’t believe. I search because I believe and want to know more. It’s the equivalent of an ant walking on a table. The ant doesn’t know 3 dimensions and only knows what’s beside and in front. We don’t know God’s full picture more do I think we can ever truly know.

That may upset some, but to me, it allows me to be open to his many encounters. It gives us to opportunity to debate, to have fellowship, and to learn together. We don’t always have to agree to love one another and be part of God’s family.

Charge

Do you question aspects of your religion? Are you open to the encounters with God’s people to help answer them? Try to write down your questions and pray on them. You will be surprised who will help you think about it.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank you for the people you put in our lives. Thank you for giving us the gift to be inquisitive, to look for your truth. We know that the Bible is your inspired word. Help us to understand it. Give us the compassion to debate and learn what is your true intentions rather than what others have put as your meaning. Lord, let us recognize honest questioning and learning from false teachings. It is hard as we don’t see the whole picture but we know you love us, protect us, and will help us see the light. In your name, Amen.

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