As soon as Jesus called Philip, Philip followed Jesus (Jn 1:43). Then Philip became an evangelist and told Nathanael about Jesus (Jn 1:45). Philip had a great start in His life with Christ. However, after his good start something happened (or didn't happen) to Philip. He didn't grow in his relationship with Jesus. After three years, Jesus said to Philip: "After I have been with you all this time, you still do not know Me?" (Jn 14:9)
Are you like Philip? For three years, has Jesus come in search of fruit in your life and found none? (see Lk 13:7) This Easter season, ask Jesus to raise your relationship with Him from the death of lukewarmness and selfishness. Return to your "early love" (Rv 2:4). "Remember the devotion of your youth, how you loved" the Lord as your Spouse (Jer 2:2). Respond to the Lord as in the days of your youth (Hos 2:17). Go back to the beginning so you can grow beyond the beginning. Return to the "good old days" with the Lord so you can have even better new days with Him.
Like all living things, your relationship with the Lord either grows or dies. Grow "in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ" (2 Pt 3:18). Live for and in Him, die to self, love Him with all your heart, rise from the dead, grow!
| PRAYER: | Jesus, may my highest priority be my relationship with You. |
| PROMISE: | "Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures;...He was buried and, in accordance with the Scriptures, rose on the third day;...He was seen by Cephas, then by the Twelve. After that He was seen by five hundred brothers at once, most of whom are still alive, although some have fallen asleep. Next He was seen by James." –1 Cor 15:3-7 |
| PRAISE: | Sts. Philip and James filled Jerusalem with their teaching (Acts 5:28) and constantly instructed new converts about their "new life" in Christ (Acts 5:20). |
Reprinted with permission from Presentation Ministries, a lay association of the Catholic Church that focuses on evangelization and discipleship through Bible teaching, daily Mass, the charisms of the Holy Spirit, and Small Christian Community. Their ministries include:
· One Bread, One Body
· Daily Bread Radio Program
· Annual Bible Institute
· Discipleship Retreats
· Guadalupe Bible College