I can’t say that I have a clear ‘Ah-ha’ moment that shaped my faith. I’d rather say that my faith journey has been comparable to “1 Corinthians 13:12; for now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then we will see face to face. Now I know only in part; then I will know fully, even as I have been fully known”. My first understandings of the Bible had been rather narrow and literal. Bible Study; in an effort to greater   understand the scripture, maturations, and my life’s experiences, have molded my faith. I can’t force Biblical messages to fit my visions of how things should be. God’s a lot bigger than that! My journey in faith development is a work in progress, and will continue to be throughout my life. That journey has its ups and downs, the constant attractions to the world, and God’s pulling me along kicking and screaming, at times. Regardless of my sinful natures, I am still loved, and through Christ giving himself on the cross for us, we are saved!

I don’t completely understand God’s essence. God “I Am” (Exodus 3:14), is omnipotent, far beyond my comprehension. However, as stated in Matthew 13:3, we must become like children in our faith. This means trust! God gave us a pathway to salvation, through Jesus, and the Holy Spirit! What love for his creation, as sinful and disobedient as we are!

I’ve been a Law Enforcement Officer for 42 years (as a Patrol Officer, Sergeant and Chief of Police). Without my Christian faith as a servant, my experiences could have tainted my personal views of people and the world. Though failing at times, I have always kept Christ in my heart, serving as a servant, and having compassion for others. Jesus taught that we should love God, and love our neighbor. That doesn’t mean in a clean orderly world, but in the messiness of what we are. When I’ve seen horrible things happen, I’ve also seen the message of Jesus shine through others. I recall when a young man had been murdered, and the faith, and grace of the parents of this victim was so inspiring! They put faith above their grief. I volunteer for a Jail ministry program called UWAZO. Many of the men and women we minister are being prosecuted or convicted of felonies. Some of them are heading to prison. Having had the opportunity to help minister to these people has shown a side that I hadn’t seen before. Through all their imperfections, they seek their faith in Jesus as their savior. They don’t disavow what they have done, but they understand amazing grace!! With their developing faith, I can see the face of God!

Both Bible study and the church have been a rock for my faith development. Through Bible study, my faith can be reaffirmed, and grow. As I was once told, that in Bible study, you can see the “Red Thread of Christ” written throughout the message. As Christ said “where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them” (Matthew 18:20). I believe the purpose of the church is to bring fellow believers together as a family to worship, and support each other and the greater community in the name of Christ. As discussed in 1^st Corinthians 12:12-27. We are all part of the body, and baptized into the body. Through the “Holy Spirit” we have each been given gifts, each is part of the body, and the body needs that part. We each support the other. Through Jesus, we are asked to love God, and to love our neighbor as our self, as stated in Matthew 22: 34-40. What better way to do that than our church family.

Prayer: Lord God, be with all of us in our faith journey, Help us walk your path, and transform us from seeing you and your message through a dimly lit mirror to knowing you fully.