Relationship With Jesus

A Personal Relationship with Jesus

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Have you ever been asked the question “Do you, as a Christian, have a close personal relationship with Jesus?” How do you answer that question?

In case your answer is yes, is your relationship warm and helpful in both good and bad times? Is Jesus a part of your everyday living? Do you hesitate to talk about your relationship with your Lord and Savior? Is it too personal to talk about?

If it is not presuming too far, here are two personal experiences: I had survived the battle of Okinawa, which had more casualties than any other battle in World War II. The peace treaty had been signed and I was finally on board a ship ready to sail home. Just before sailing, a Japanese Kamikazi plane – a suicide plane loaded with explosives – was sighted and was headed toward my ship. As instructed I lay flat on the deck. I prayed “Please Lord help me.” Just before crashing into my ship, the pilot changed his course and hit the battleship Pennsylvania, killing many Navy personnel. I lay there thinking how close it was. Finally I remembered to thank the Lord for saving me.

The same is the case in everyday life, including the ordinary experiences. A few days ago, I needed two wing nuts to do a repair job. In searching a collection of bolts and nuts I found one, but not the second. And then again, I asked the Lord to help me find it. And soon there it was, thank the Lord.

We thank the Lord for the good things that happen to us. Do we thank the Lord for our misfortunes? Do I say “Lord, I needed that misfortune to teach me compassion, to be more considerate of those who are not fortunate, and to give me the humility to be easy to live with?”

1 Thessalonians 5:18 states “In everything give thanks.” That is a strong statement. At times I forget its full meaning, especially when misfortunes come my way.

The development of a warm, personal relationship with Jesus is just one of the blessings of being a Christian. It does not take a life–and–death war experience to develop that relationship. It can be found in the nuts and bolts of everyday living.

I trust that in your life, you have the satisfaction and comfort of knowing Jesus as your personal Savior and that in your daily living you talk with Him and have His support and guidance everyday.

-Henry Hogg
December 2, 1990

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