You’re Invited: Encounter God in His Word
This morning, I woke up at 4 AM. Do you ever wake up and feel unable to fall asleep again? Usually when this happens I figure, God just wants undivided time with me. Some of my best times with the Lord are during these early-waking hours. When I obey. When I drag myself out of bed.
This morning, I lit up the gas fire, snuggled up, and grabbed my bible. But, before I dug in, I just sat there, with God.
My eyes traveled to the fresh lilies on the table, ones of the purple, white and yellow variety. They “wowed” me for a moment, a move of the fresh beckoning of Spring with fullness of colors, unleashed. They made me think about how Jesus busted open vibrancy when He rose out of darkness to bring us the wonder of life, and life abundantly. These flowers speak: Resurrection-life power will come!
And, the more I stared, the more I saw something I had not before: a green stem, budding. What looked, yesterday, all closed up, was now showing forth fresh life! What looked like nothing now had new color. What was hidden was now apparent. What was in the process of growing, now had reached the appointed time — of shining!”When he had said this, Jesus called in a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!” The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his face. Jesus said to them, “Take off the grave clothes and let him go.” (Jo. 11:43-44 NIV)
I wonder if you feel like you are in grave clothes? Maybe you’re defeated? Discouraged? Demotivated in a marriage? Debilitated by sickness? Down in the dumps? Feeling like you amounted to nothing? Divided in mind?
May I encourage you for a moment? Jesus is “the resurrection” (Jo. 11:25). Resurrection-power is part of his character, just as much as your funniness, smarts, observant nature or whatever…is your nature.
Just as much as I cannot remove your nature from you, we cannot remove Jesus’ nature from Him.
Jesus resurrects.
Be encouraged. Some of us feel insecure on the inside, but God is beginning an internal budding. Some of us are hiding our true heart and self from others, but God is helping us trust His grace is enough to take us out of our shell and into the fullness of who He created us to be! Some of us are embarrassed and ashamed about how we parented or let family members down, but Jesus is prepared to remove the stones so that real life can flow between us and those we love in relationship.
Jesus removes grave clothes to bring us new life, His way, and in His time. Will we trust Him?
My dear ones, do not lose hope. Do not lose courage. Do not grow weary. Jesus always shows up right on time.
Prayer: Father, thank you for your Son, Jesus. He saves and saves again. He resurrects and resurrects again. Nothing is impossible for Him. We are not too much of a mess for Him. He knows us and still wants us and that is a miracle. We are so grateful. Please bring resurrection-life power in our life! In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Reflection & Invitation: The Word of God is powerful. It is the most powerful weapon. Just as this morning God used a flower to pierce me with His Word, He wants to release His Word in your heart in such a way that it cuts through to the dividing of soul and spirit within you.
“For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” (Heb. 4:12)
Do you feel cut by the Word of God? Do you feel engaged with it? Does the Word of God read you or are you just dully reading it?
I want to help you engage with the Word of God.
Join me for an “Encounter God in His Word” Workshop Night.
During this 1.5-hour session, you will:
1. Learn practical prayers and tips to more deeply encounter God deeply through The Word of God.
2. Gain insight on how to carry The Word of God through your day so it changes your heart.
3. Discover how to create daily habits that put God’s Word first in your life.
4. Glean wisdom from the Word and wield the sharp sword you were meant to carry.
Thursday, Mar 16, 2023 07:00 PM Eastern Time ET via zoom.
**recorded version available.
The Word of God is as a fire and a hammer (Jer. 23:29). It is powerful to break anything and to build up all things. Learn to use it, in fresh ways!
Attend via Zoom (or get the recorded version) on Mar 16, 7:00 PM Eastern Time. The cost is $25, which covers administrative costs and is also a blessing to Kelly & Purposeful Faith. Click here to attend.
P.S. If you missed the “What’s Your Calling” workshop, it is still available via recording.
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