Reclaiming What is Lost or Forgotten

Following Jesus from the Edges
Pastor Calvin Cook
November 5, 2026

There is something heavy on my soul this morning, and I want to share it carefully. My desire is to express concern, with a willingness to examine my own heart first.

As I seek a deeper understanding of holiness, I believe the Holy Spirit is helping me recognize things I have overlooked, excused, or allowed to become comfortable in my life.

I believe we are in a serious struggle for our souls. We can become so occupied with what feels good, seems appealing, or fits our desires that we neglect the foundations of our faith. Little by little, the things that draw us closer to God can begin to seem less important.

As I opened the Scriptures this morning, I was drawn to Paul’s second letter to Timothy. In chapter 3, Paul warns about people becoming lovers of themselves, lovers of money, proud, ungrateful, unholy, unforgiving, and lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God.

Then comes the phrase that has stayed with me:

“Having a form of godliness but denying its power.” — 2 Timothy 3:5, NIV

Those words have stuck like Gorilla Glue to my mind and heart. I cannot seem to get away from the question they raise: Am I truly allowing God to make me the person He has called me to be?

I can pray, worship, speak the right words, and appear religious while resisting the very work God wants to do within me. I can ask Him to change my circumstances while hesitating to let Him change my heart.

That is a difficult thing to admit.

Something may look good, feel good, or seem harmless and still draw me away from God. Its influence may be quiet. It may take my attention, shape my desires, or gradually become more important than obedience.

We sometimes repeat the words, “What doesn’t kill us makes us stronger.” But some things weaken us slowly. Resentment can harden our hearts. Pride can keep us from correction. Distraction can crowd out prayer. Compromise can become familiar enough that we stop recognizing it.

Isaiah speaks honestly about our condition:

“All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.” — Isaiah 53:6, KJV

That verse names our wandering, but it also points us toward the Savior who bears our sin. There is hope for people who have gone their own way. There is forgiveness, redemption, and restoration through Jesus Christ.

Perhaps it is time to reclaim what we have allowed to slip away: time in God’s Word, honest prayer, worship, fellowship, repentance, and a willingness to follow the Holy Spirit.

Paul’s warning makes me ask what I am welcoming into my life—and whether it will become something difficult to surrender.

Peter needed restoration after denying Jesus. Thomas needed to encounter the risen Christ in his doubt. The early believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, fellowship, breaking bread, and prayer.

Their stories invite me to consider my own response. Am I willing to receive what God wants to do within me?

Today, I want to bring Him an open heart. Perhaps you will join me.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, reveal what has drawn my heart away from You. Forgive what I have excused, restore what I have neglected, and make me willing to receive Your transforming grace. Through Your Holy Spirit, teach me to love what is holy and follow Jesus faithfully. Amen.

May the peace of Christ guide your decisions, conversations, and plans today. Whatever comes against you, may you remain rooted in His love and responsive to His leading.