“Yet I hold this against you: you have forsaken your first love.  Remember the height from which you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first.” (Revelation 1:4-5)

These words are from the Book of Revelation in the New Testament to the church of Ephesus and attributed to the Apostle John while he was exiled on the Island of Patmos.  While these words are directed to the early church of the first century, they are timeless in how they continue to apply to the human tendency to fall back from our intentions. 

We are all familiar with New Years Resolutions that seem to fade after a few weeks.  The same can happen to our commitment to God and our relationship with his son, Jesus Christ. 

After experiencing a personal encounter with Jesus and the power of the Holy Spirit in my mid-30’s, several things happened.  I was drawn to scripture and started to read the Bible from cover to cover.  The words seemed to leap off the page with new meaning.  I began to spend time in prayer every morning before breakfast.  I started to share my experience of meeting Jesus in a new way with others, even with colleagues at work when the opportunity arose.    

My wife, who had a similar experience, and I became part of a Christian community in addition to our commitment to our local parish.  When I retired from Mobil Oil Corporation, I was asked to become involved with Christians in Commerce, a national Chrisitan outreach to the business community, now called WorkLight.

Now that I am older and less involved with fewer opportunities to share my faith, it is harder to maintain that same level of commitment of earlier years.  Yet, I know that God is calling me to be faithful.  Come, Lord Jesus.  Come, Holy Spirit.

How do you maintain your continued faithfulness to God’s call in your life?        

Is a personal relationship with Jesus possible?

Order A Friendship That Transcends by Bill Dalgetty at https:///www.billdalgetty.com e-Book or soft copy.

Numerous stories describe how this friendship can be lived out:

• Experiencing God’s voice when a child is born with Down syndrome
• Declining a career advancing promotion for family considerations
• Praying with an employee intending to have an abortion
• Seeking God’s will in business decisions
• Experiencing a personal encounter with Jesus

This book has received a Nihil Obstat from Arlington, VA Bishop Michael Burbidge, endorsements by Portland, Oregon Auxiliary Bishop Peter Smith, and words of encouragement from Cardinal Raniero Cantalamessa.

“What do you want me to do for you?” (Mark 10:51)

This is the question that Jesus asked Bartimaeus, a blind man sitting beside the road outside of Jericho as Jesus passed by.   “Jesus, Son of David, have pity on me,” yelled Bartimaeus.  Those nearby rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the louder, “Son of David have pity on me.”

Mark reports that in spite of the large crowd and the efforts to suppress Bartimaeus’ shouts, Jesus stopped.  Though he could see that Bartimaeus was blind, he did not presume to act on his need.  Instead, Jesus asked what it was that he wanted him to do.

What an amazing moment for Bartimaeus!  He knew his need – “Master, I want to see.”  Jesus granted his request.  “Go, your faith has saved you,” and immediately Bartimaeus received his sight and followed Jesus. (Mark 10:46-52)

If you were able to meet Jesus face to face, how would you respond to his question, “What do you want me to do for you?” 

Last week while at the beach, I came down with a serious bronchial infection that left me constantly coughing day and night.  After returning home, I have been to my doctor’s office three days in a row to receive various antibiotics, and treatments to clear my lungs.   Family and friends have been praying for healing as I have as well.  I am confident that God will answer our prayers.  

We may not always know what our true need is.  Our physical needs are usually more obvious, but sometimes we need other things such as help in giving up a particular sin, or offering and receiving forgiveness.  Sometimes we ask for the wrong things, like James and John asking to sit at Jesus’ right and left hand when he came into his glory.

Solomon asked for wisdom instead of riches and God gave him both.  I have never asked God for money or position, but he has more than provided for the needs of our family. I have made countless requests for my wife, children, grandchildren, and friends, and many of those requests have been answered. 

What do you want Jesus to do for you?