Genesis 2:7 "And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul."

Last week in Session, Rebekah asked us to introduce ourselves and speak to an earlier time when someone or something grew us deeper in relationship with God. As the observer of God's presence in our meeting, I was quickly consumed with Gods presence while listening to the others speak about their experiences. I was in awe of how God leads us. Many of your typical role models were presented: preachers, youth leaders and family members, but some were interesting. One Session member indicated two nuns at the hospital intrigued her as a young girl and inspired her to investigate religion. Then another stated that as a young person starting a career, an encounter with a faithful coworker showed them how to live a strong Christian life by her example.

As I think back over my life, I am always astounded by the people who have shaped and molded me much like God did in the beginning when he created us from dust and breathed life into our bodies. I realize that God put each and every person in my life to shape me into the person he wanted me to become. I want each of you to look back, maybe just week ago or decades ago, and think of a person or situation that shaped your faith journey. You may even want to reach out and thank that person for being there and, of course, thank God.

Dear Lord our loving Father,
Continue to guide us through our relationships and actions. Through our faith, help us to accept your direction so we may grow and better serve you. Allow our faith to be the compass to a better Christian life. Amen

Tony Whitley