Pondering Point

Things to appreciate about MG/SG in the life of Apostle Peter: 

• God loves to use a marriage and family that is centered around Him to bring people into a life of discipleship.
• God can use previously existing partnerships/friendships to build spiritually-based MGs that He desires (fellowship).

Most everyone wants to become the best we can be, people of excellent character; and most of us realize that trusted friends and family are a great asset toward that end. Because they know us, they help us better see our inner self, our desires, including how our life is lining up to what God desires for us (or not). Those who know us well can give us different insights about issues, relationships, and challenges unfolding in our lives, and about how we are dealing with all of it!

Without a home of His own, Jesus seemed comfortable in the homes of others like Peter and Lazarus. Peter himself was found in the home of Simon the Tanner. This comfort in others’ homes can often be the case in our lives where little pockets of people become well-acquainted with each other through mutual hobbies or activities, friends or careers. But it is even more potent when these groups are centered around God – becoming an extended family of sorts. As in many situations, we grow closer to some and not so much with others.

Prayer for the Day

Father God, help us to intentionally develop our family to be God-centered, whether it is our birth family, our marriage, or otherwise. Amen.