I Grew Up in the Church - Walt Brehm

Scripture for today – Luke 15:21-23    ²¹The son said to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.”  ²²But the father said to his servants, “Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. ²³ Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. ²⁴ For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.”  So they began to celebrate.

I grew up in the church, Sunday school, worship service, youth fellowship, the whole bit.  I served as an acolyte in my preteen years and an usher as a teenager.  I even attended the Presbyterian Church across the street from my dormitory for a few weeks after starting college.  And then I drifted away.  Science classes, liberal professors, atheist friends, the war, the draft.  And I stayed away.  I was a good man but I didn’t believe.  I saw the advantages of living a Christian life but it was based on human interaction.  I couldn’t rationalize the doctrine with the science that I knew.  Then the neighbor asked if our daughters could attend church with them.  It seemed like a good idea, we wanted them to have the grounding that we had had.  After a few months we went with them on Sunday and realized that we needed to get our family together within a denomination that matched our values.  That brought us to St Paul but I still didn’t believe even though I sat in the pew.   And then it came to me as a mashup of two hymns.  I was mindlessly singing, “I serve a risen savior” but started to think about the words when we got to the refrain, “You ask me how I know He lives?  He lives within my heart.”  And suddenly I knew that I could do this.  Here is something that I could believe, something I did believe; and how precious did that grace appear the hour I first believed!   I believe God will wait as long as necessary for each of us to return to Him and will welcome us with open arms.

Prayer – Our Father in Heaven how precious is Your holy name.  We ask You today for new eyes to see the truth of Your words and new souls to understand the depth and purity of Your love for us.  Help us to be mirrors of that love.  In Jesus’ name we pray.  AMEN

Thought for today - You don't need to wait for that second chance, because every second is a chance to change your life for the better. - Jeanette Coron