Knowing God

“Hey Chopper, I honestly don't get it.  I mean, like, I follow Jesus. I quit doing drugs, but it's just so hard to get through without it... I still think about it. And, when I talk to some people at the church they have the same problems as I do... and I don't know what to do!”

“I know what you mean Simon. There's very little difference between the church and the world? I think about that often and wonder why.”

“I don't know, but dude, you can't even tell them apart... Hey, Chopper, do you think it's because they aren't listening to the words of Jesus? ... Hey, I mean, I guess, am I really listening to what He says? I don't know.”

“It's like Jesus words just go in one ear and out the other.  It's like Simon, when we hear God's word do we take it to heart? Like when we hear Jesus's story of the Good Samaritan, do we actually do what the story says? Like getting out there and helping people who are hurting? Or check this out: Are we asking God to teach us love, compassion, and kindness so that we can actually go out and help friends in trouble? Like getting off drugs?”

“Yeah, I hear you... I know what you mean.  You know, sometimes, I thought of something really cool. I think we should listen to Jesus as if we are sitting in front of him hearing Him for the very first time. That would be really cool. Everytime would be the first. And do you know why I think that's cool? Because Jesus really expects us to not only listen... But do what He says. That's the most important part. Doing it.”

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When we hear God's word do we follow through on what God is asking us to do?  Do you? In the story of the Good Samaritan, Jesus said:

But he, willing to justify himself, said unto Jesus, And who is my neighbour?

And Jesus answering said, A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead.

And by chance there came down a certain priest that way: and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side.

And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came and looked on him, and passed by on the other side.

But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him, and went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him. And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee.

Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour unto him that fell among the thieves?

And he said, He that shewed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise.

                                            Luke 10:29-11:4 (KJV)

Jesus did not say give money so that the priests, and pastors can help people, he invited each one of us to participate, to be willing to serve others at the bidding of the Lord, as life's twists and turns required.  If someone is hurting and needs assistance along life's roadway, am I willing to stop and help? Are you? Are we? 

Am I seeking God's ways. Are you? Am I taking God and Jesus at their word? Are you?

Jesus spoke to many in his day. Sitting on a hill side, on the beach, at a well, people listened and allowed Jesus words to change their life.  The following are some of the stories which have been submitted about what you are learning about Jesus and how Jesus is changing your life just as he is Chopper's and Simon's: