February 24, 2016
Scripture Reading: 3 John 3-4
3It gave me great joy when some believers came and testified about your faithfulness to the truth, telling how you continue to walk in it. 4I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.
Questions for Reflection:
What brought John the greatest joy in his life? When individuals visited their community and reported back to others how they were received, what brought the greatest sense of contentment and peace was to hear how they loved and served God. Why do you think this brought him happiness?
When Kitten and I first moved back to Evansville from New Orleans, we spent the next eight years serving as a youth minister on the north side of town. What brings me great joy is to see those kids now living their lives as adults fully surrendered to Him. I love seeing those former students engaged in loving and serving others, whether it is serving on a Myanmar mission trip, loving refugees through a non-profit or hosting a small group in their home.
Part of what brings such great joy is the return on our investment. We chose to invest years of our lives into the lives of others who are now investing their life in others. Who are you investing in? Who are you helping to trust and follow Jesus? Who invested in your life and cultivated your faith? Spend time today in prayer thanking God for those who invested in your life. Finally, pray for those that you are investing in. Pray that God would grow within them and that they will walk in the truth.