The Two New Geese

Devotional for Sunday, July 11, 1999 by Mary Jane Hanson

Each day, on our drive to and from work, we watch a pair of geese and their young. One particular day, the geese were not to be seen. Sadly, I wondered if the highway construction work, which had just commenced, had caused disruption for the goose family.

Then one day, I rejoiced to see that the geese had returned. I was delighted by a subsequent discovery that I made, that two geese had joined the family. I wondered if the first two geese had honked out an invitation to the other geese, with the message that the habitat was excellent for raising baby goslings!

About eighteen months ago, I phoned to discuss the possibility of joining a home Bible study group. The leader immediately gave me a warm invitation to come, with the enthusiastic message that the group had had wonderful answers to prayer. Also, the topic for study at the time was forgiveness. I felt that it was not a coincidence that this was the group that God wanted me to join. At that time, we had eight members. This year, there have been fifteen members, gathering to study the Bible and to pray together. We care for one another, by praying for each other at the end of the study and during the week. We also pray for others. A small group is an excellent place for Christians to receive nurture.

As the year ended, our leader told us that we will be dividing into two groups next year, because our group is now too large. Isn't this wonderful? We have grown in numbers. More people are experiencing a Christian community like the early church. Perhaps the two new small groups will be four groups by the end of next year!

Small groups are sources of spiritual food, and they help us to grow as Christians. It is important for us to belong to one. Surely those of us who have been encouraged and sustained in our Christian walk desire that people come to encounter the living Christ with others who are making the same journey. After all, don't we discuss what is most important to us -- our faith?

Like the geese who added to their number, let us seek to add to our small groups for Christian nurture. Let those of us who already belong to one invite others to come along! Let those who have not yet found such a small group ask, "Why not join one this year?"

Prayer: God who provides good gifts, we thank you for small groups where we can study the Bible and pray together. We desire that others might join us in our groups. In Christ's name, we pray. Amen.

Mary Jane Hanson <mjh013@sasktel.net>
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada

E-mail This Devotional to a friend without subscribing them, or give a Gift Subscription.
Today's Music:     Emmanuel.  

Previous Devotional: Experience Powers! (2)

Next Devotional: My First Ticket