A Taste of Faith

Opening Verse:

“O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him.” (Psalm 34:8)

Introduction:

Many of us resist trying new experiences, much like young Lucas who always avoided new foods. The thought of exploring the unknown can be daunting, whether it’s a new food or a deeper dive into our faith.

Devotional Story:

Lucas was a little boy who had a very particular taste in food. His meals always consisted of the same few dishes he knew and loved. One day, his mother introduced him to a new fruit—a mango. Initially, Lucas refused. He did not want to try something unfamiliar. But with a little encouragement, Lucas decided to taste the mango. To his surprise, he loved it! The fruit was sweet, juicy, and unlike anything he had ever eaten.

This experience transformed Lucas’s outlook on food. He became more willing to try new dishes, discovering flavors he never knew he would enjoy.

What This Means:

Just like Lucas with his mango, sometimes we, as Christians, hesitate to delve deeper into our faith. We stick to the same comfortable routines and surface-level understanding, missing out on the rich, fulfilling experiences that await us when we truly engage with the Gospel. Moreover, our relationship with God is not a one-way street. It’s an interactive, growing bond that requires our active participation, not just passive expectations.

Think About This:

If you feel distant or disconnected from your faith, consider what aspects of your spiritual life you haven’t fully explored or embraced. Are there practices, prayers, or parts of the Bible you have avoided because they seemed too challenging or unfamiliar? Remember, God isn’t just a distant figure who grants wishes; He seeks a living, breathing relationship with us.

Prayer:

Dear Lord, help us to be brave and curious in our faith journey. Encourage us to taste the richness of Your word and experience the fullness of Your love. Give us the courage to step out of our comfort zones, trusting that You always have new joys and revelations to offer us. Teach us to nurture our relationship with You, understanding that it requires effort and engagement from both sides. Amen.

Closing Verse:

“But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.” (2 Peter 3:18)

New Path, Open Heart

Opening Verse

“Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert.” – Isaiah 43:19 (KJV)

Introduction

In our journey with God, He often calls us to step into the unknown, to embrace new experiences, learning, and growth. This journey is not just about moving from one place to another but about transforming our hearts and minds.

Devotional Story

Imagine a path in the woods you’ve walked a hundred times. Every twist and turn is familiar, every tree a silent companion. Then, one day, a new path appears. It’s narrow, barely a whisper among the underbrush, leading to the unknown. You feel a mix of excitement and apprehension.

This is much like our spiritual journey. God invites us to explore new paths in our faith, areas we haven’t dared to tread. These paths might be new opportunities to serve, to learn, or simply to grow more deeply in our relationship with Him. Like the first disciples, called to follow Jesus into the unknown, we are asked to trust and step forward in faith.

What This Means

Openness to new experiences means being willing to be led by the Spirit, even when the destination is unclear. It means trusting that God’s plans for us are for our good, even when we cannot see the path ahead. This openness is a key to spiritual growth and deeper understanding.

Think About This

What new path is God inviting you to explore? How can you approach this journey with curiosity and faith, trusting in His guidance?

Prayer

Lord, help me to be open to the new things You are doing in my life. Give me the courage to step out in faith, trusting that You will lead me through the unknown. Help me to grow in my understanding of You and deepen my faith as I walk this new path. Amen.

Closing Verse

“Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and show thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.” – Jeremiah 33:3 (KJV)