Devotional Introduction: July-August 2015

July 1, 2015

The greatest mentors in our lives are often our parents, grandparents, and teachers. There's no mistaking their influence in our most formative years. Yet there's much learning to be done as adults. I recall a couple of men in my church when I was a newlywed. They were at least a decade older than I was, but they befriended me. They shared their thoughts, spiritual insights, testimonies, and struggles with me. It wasn't a formal relationship, but those mentors poured their life into mine and shaped me as a young husband and father. I remain grateful for their witness.

The scriptures are full of mentors, and in July my wife Deb and I explore with you how scripture talks about mentoring and being mentored. May we be both teachable and willing to teach!

Then in August, Thea Leunk leads us through the Psalms. The psalms are mentors of a sort in their own way—they lead us in praise, worship, awe, lament, and even complaint. They give voice to all aspects of the human condition in God's presence.

May you be refreshed, refocused, and renewed in God's word!

About the author — Steven Koster

Rev. Dr. Steven Koster joined Back to God Ministries International in 2006 and soon launched ReFrame Media with a fresh vision for media and technology to build disciples and communities in Christ. During his time as Director of ReFrame, he also served as the Executive Editor of Today. Steven stepped down from these roles in 2019 as he felt led to focus on new challenges, including doctoral research and their family’s bed and breakfast in Grand Rapids. He and his wife Deb have three adult children and enjoy leading pre-marital counseling and marriage enrichment seminars. Steven continues to collaborate with Deb to produce our marriage and family ministry, Family Fire.