Adherent

The above image is scanned from a small note card that I used last Sunday to jot down my thoughts during church at Fathers House in Bend Oregon.  Randy our pastor was talking about the word Adherent:

Definition:

supporter or follower

Synonyms:

advocate, aficionado, backer, believer, card-carrying member, devotee, disciple, enthusiast, hanger-on This sermon caused me to ponder my level of Adherence.  To consider my enthusiasm and my ability to preserver.  I take solace in the fact that even faith is a gift, and that said, I feel confident in praying for a greater measure of adherence. Ephesians 2:7-9 7 in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. 8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast.

Lead by Example

I really enjoy the playfulness of shadows.  I captured this image with my iPhone the other day when my boys and I were riding bikes along the river trail in Bend Or.  We have a tandem bike with a tag-along bike attached.  My 8 year old rides on the tandem with me and my 5 year old rides the tag-along.  It is quite the train, but it is comforting to know that my boys are right behind me as we ride through traffic.  Looking at this image made me consider the responsibility of leading and guiding my two boys in their faith.  While we are on the bike they have to trust me 100%.  If I make a wrong move we all go down.  My prayer today is that God would use me to lead my boys and that their hearts would be open to the love He has for them.

Hebrews 13:7-9
Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith. ⁸ Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. ⁹ Do not be led away by diverse and strange teachings, for it is good for the heart to be strengthened by grace, not by foods, which have not benefited those devoted to them.