Episodes
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PROLOGUE
We have spent 21 days in centering prayer, focusing our attentions and affections on God. What a precious time it has been. The nearness of God is surely for our good. The kindness of the Lord truly leads us to repentance. The steadfast love of God and his beautiful presence is transformative. Taking time to behold him really does change us. He is with us always. And His steadfast love endures forever.
SCRIPTURE
Esther 4:14 âAnd who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?â
DEVOTIONAL
The scripture in Esther 4:14 is in reference to God positioning Queen Esther (Queen of Persia) in a place of influence so that she could speak up for the Jews who couldnât speak for themselves. Her obedience to âherâ moment in history actually saved her people from being destroyed.
Yesterday, in the United States it was Martin Luther King Day. On this day we celebrate and think upon a life of one who lived and died to work for the Kingdom of God to be established on earth through racial equality.
Dr. Kingâs life was an example of a life lived âfor such a time as this.â He said, âI have a dream.â And he did. That black and white and red and brown and jew and gentile and boy and girl and all Godâs children would live together in peace and unity. But the authority of his conviction was on the fact that his dream was originally Godâs dream. Dr. King knew what was right. He knew who God was and what God loves and hates. Dr. King knew when he fought for the kingdom of God, he was moving within the will of his loving father and God was with him. He was acting as a prophet, priest, and king, to co-labor with God - to establish âthy kingdom on earth as it is in heaven.â He had confidence to go up against oppression because God hates injustice and robbery.
You are also a prophet, priest, and king. And you were chosen to be alive âfor such a time as this.â It is no mistake that you have been brought to this day, to this hour. Your age, your race, your background and lineage, your skill set, your personality, your story - it is all part of this moment. God is wanting to establish and increase his kingdom of peace and love inside of you and establish it on the earth through you.
You may not be called to do something extraordinary in manâs eyes. You may not get the recognition of man. You may never step on a podium or stage. In fact, you may not be called to do it in ways that bring attention to anyone but your loving Father in heaven. Or you may be called to risk reputation, financial stability, the comforts of daily living, and even risk your life. These things are between you and God.
But what is known is this. God is sovereign. God is good. God is with you always. You are secure in Godâs love. You are already seen. You are already known. You are already important, and valuable, and irreplaceable to God.
Godâs call to us not about comparison. We all belong. We all have a place. We do not need to earn Godâs love or manâs praise. There is no need to be bullied by the values of a broken world, by what man sees as valuable or productive. And we all have good works to do that were set out before the foundation of the world.
This is a call to step into your time...each day...saying yes to the love of God for yourself and others...and the purposes of God that he has for you...daily...for such a time as this.
REFLECTION
Where have I said yes to dreaming with God?
Where have I said no to dreaming with God? Why?
Where have I said yes to living a life of âfor such a time as thisâ?
Where have I said no to living a life of âfor such a time as thisâ? Why?
PRAYER
God wake me up to my design. Wake me up to why you have created me for this place and this time in history. Help me to embrace your dreams!
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SCRIPTURE
Revelation 7:9-10 âI saw a vast crowd, too great to count, from every nation and tribe and people and language, standing in front of the throne and before the Lamb...And they were shouting with a great roar, âSalvation comes from our God who sits on the throne and from the Lamb!ââ
DEVOTION
Imagine this scene: A crowd with people from every nation, every tribe, every people, every language, all standing in front of the throne, joyfully worshipping at the top of their lungs. That scene sounds like the most electrifying, exciting, chaotic, joyful, unified display of life.
How did John know they were from different tribes, tongues, nations, and people groups? He knew because he could see it and hear it! It was a joyful celebration of different people with different languages, colors, and expressions of praise.
There were differences of all kinds, but they had something in common. They had all been bought with a price and brought into the family of God. They had been redeemed and restored and made whole. And they were unified in who deserved their affection and praise.
When we talk of heaven, we often speak as if we will be changed into someone other than who we are. But that is not what happens in heaven. The Kingdom of God is about completion. It is about restoration. It is about returning everything to the original plan - Godâs original dream!!!
Of course, where sin and trauma and illness and evil of all kinds have twisted us and marred the original design God had for us - that will be removed forever. But Jesus did not come to turn us into someone else. Jesus came to bring us into OUR fullness.
We also imagine that the harmony in heaven will result from us all being the same. But that is not what John saw around the throne. No, he saw a vast multitude of diversity. Godâs perfect will allows us to be uniquely different but unified under him.
That is heaven. Everyone is different in size, shape, color, and background but everyone is the same in the spirit of adoption - one God, one King, one Lord, one Father, one Savior. No need to compete for attention or control for security. Instead, in the Kingdom, everyone is satisfied in Godâs love and able to fully celebrate and honor the beauty and uniqueness of all Godâs children.
QUESTIONS
Am I afraid of people who are different than me? What differences make me the most uncomfortable? Ask God why. Talk to God. Let him transform your thinking through His kindness.
PRAYER
God, you came to restore me. You came to reconcile all things to yourself. Give me eyes to see your original design for me. Give me the heart to embrace and even celebrate the differences in race, color, personality, and nationality of others. Exchange my fears for your peace. Teach me to love as you love.
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Missing episodes?
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SCRIPTURE
Acts 4:32 âThey shared everything they had.â
DEVOTIONAL
âAnd all the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had.â (Acts 4:32)
Where could such generosity come from? To hold all things in common and see resources as something to be freely shared and given away? To be in one heart and mind and enjoy every minute of it!
Acts 4:32 is fruit from experiencing the presence and belonging of God. His presence and belonging reveal the knowledge of God and who we are in him.
Because we have a secure seat at Godâs table, we are forever free of having to watch our backs or prove ourselves. Instead of being orphans, we are now sons and daughters! We are seen. We are known. We are loved. We are safe. We can bring justice to places by sharing our resources and giving them to all who need them. We can invite others to find their secure seat beside us.
The mind of Christ is limitless and vast, with creative and redemptive solutions to all problems. The resources of God are without ration or short supply. The power of the Holy Spirit that rose Jesus from the dead and gave Him authority over heaven and earth and under the earth is now living inside of you. He conquered death, turned to us, and said, âDonât be scared. Go do what you saw me do on earth. I am with you through the ages.â
Letâs remove the boulders of oppression for individuals and systems and prepare the way for the Lord! Letâs create justice with the resources of our faith, our time, our reputation, our connections, our creativity, our favor, our skills, our wisdom, our finances, and our compassion. We have access to the power of God for creative miracles and solutions. So, press into your Good Father and find where He wants you to co-labor with Him.
QUESTION
We are kings and co-heirs with Christ in His kingdom. He has asked us to do what we see the Father doing and to bring His kingdom to earth. What part of the kingdom is God asking you to share? Do you struggle with hoarding blessings, or do you freely share Godâs blessings with others, knowing that you have a limitless supply of Godâs goodness?
PRAYER
God deliver me from an âorphan spiritâ, from an attitude of lack. Help me see where you are calling me to be an ambassador of heaven and share the blessings of heaven.
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SCRIPTURE
Isaiah 61:8 âFor I, the LORD, love justice; I hate robbery and wrongdoing.
DEVOTIONAL
We see in Isaiah 61 that God clearly defines what He loves and hates. He loves justice. That means he loves fairness, equality, and balanced scales. And just as much as God loves justice, He hates itsâ opposite - robbery and injustice. He hates wrongdoing, inequality, and unbalanced distributions.
There have been cases of injustice and robbery throughout history. But there is a foundational story of robbery and injustice that the whole earth is groaning under. It happened in the garden. The God of the Universe, who created man to live in peace, unity, and safety with Him and each other, was robbed of his dream. God was robbed of connection with His children. He was robbed of co-laboring with his kids to increase His Kingdom on earth. And Jesus was deprived of His inheritance â us! This robbery occurred when Adam and Eve surrendered the right to be co-heirs with God and care for the earth. (Gen 1:26)
âWhat have you done?â God cried. God lost usâŠ. And we lost Him. We lost our connection to Him, and with that, we lost the knowledge of who He is, what He is like, who we are in Him, and what we were created for. It was the most devastating and cataclysmic loss of all time.
So Jesus came to take back what was stolen, balance the scales, and ransom the debt. With the precious payment of His life came the restoration of all things. But this task still needs to be completed. From the beginning of Godâs vision, we were made to labor from love to spread His kingdom. So now, as his redeemed, we get to fight with God to restore His original dream. There are good works that have been set out for you since the foundation of the earth.
Micah 6:8 says, âHe has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. To act justly can be translated âto do or create justice.â
In Isaiah 61 we see that God calls us his priests and has anointed us with His presence to bring beauty where there are ashes, joy where there is mourning, and praise for despair. We are to rebuild and restore devastated places. We are anointed to CREATE JUSTICE where there is injustice, inequality and unbalance of every kind. When we do this, the earth is set right again with Godâs justice and He receives the glory and the splendor He so rightfully deserves!
QUESTION
Where do you feel called to pray or fight for justice?
Where have you grown complacent, numb, or despairing with injustice?
Where are you participating in injustice on a conscious or unconscious level?
What good works has God set apart for you since before the earth's foundations? Ask God to give you revelation! If you feel afraid or overwhelmed by this question or anything you might feel He is saying, simply talk to Him about it.
PRAYER
God, I want to live Micah 6:8. Help me to understand what is good to you and how to do it. Help me to act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with you.
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SCRIPTURE
Luke 19:10 states: For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save (sozo) that which was lost.DEVOTIONAL
Jesus came to ransom back what was lost. To rescue his glorious inheritance, which is us! Yes, He came to save all of humankind. But what does the word âsaveâ mean? The word save is âsozoâ in Greek and represents more than salvation. It means salvation, healing, and deliverance. It means to make whole again. Our beautiful Jesus did not just come to save a part of us. No, he came to save all of us.
We are born into a broken world and experience brokenness as a result. But Godâs nearness is for our good, and He wants to make us WHOLE through His presence. Matthew 15:30 says, âA vast crowd brought to Jesus people who were lame, blind, disabled, those who couldn't speak, and many others. They laid them before Jesus, and he healed them all.â We know that Jesus could ONLY DO what he saw the Father doing. The Father wants us saved, healed, and delivered.
We must ask the Lord to help us see the world around us as He sees it. We want to learn to love what He loves. We want to be moved with compassion as Jesus was - knowing that God has so much more for us and all humankind than we experience under the curse. We can fight for heaven to manifest in all we encounter. We can pray to heal tormented minds, sick bodies, and unjust circumstances. Jesus said, âThe Kingdom is among you!â We know that nothing is broken in heaven. Our God desires to bring sozo to the earth.
QUESTION
Where do I need the Son of Man to seek and sozo what was lost in me? In my circumstances?
Is there an area I have been afraid to be healed or delivered in my life due to fear of the unknown or change?
Is there any area where I have grown hopeless in calling out for a savior, healer, and deliverer? (Talk to God about your feelings and your experience.)
Do I feel complacent with the world around me? Where do I need to grow in compassion?
PRAYER
God, you came to sozo meâŠto save all of me! I confess I want your salvation, healing, and deliverance for every part of me. I want to share your sozo with those around me. Holy Spirit, teach me how to bring your salvation, healing, and deliverance to the sick, the hurting, and the lost.
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SCRIPTURE
Exodus 33:14 And He said, "My presence shall go with you.â
DEVOTIONAL
Romans 8:19 says, âAll creation is eagerly waiting, yearning to see the unveiling of Godâs glorious sons and daughters!â What is creation waiting for? They are waiting for us to bring heaven to earth and take our place as co-heirs with Christ.
How do we do such an abstract, overwhelming thing? We simply bring the presence of God with us as we go through our day. We lean into our relationship with God and do what we âseeâ the Father doing. (John 5:19) We already have his love. His acceptance. His belonging. AND we have access to the riches of our inheritance in Christ. He wants to go with us wherever we go. He wants to flow through us to others.
Experiences with Godâs presence sparked and sustained Pentecost, The Reformation, The Great Awakenings, and even our modern-day Jesus Movement. Experiences with Godâs presence and the viral transmission of His presence through people captivated and carried Godâs goodness to others. Currently, around the globe, there are outpourings of Godâs presence leading to salvations, healings, reconciliations, social justice initiatives, and cultural transformations of all kinds.
As a vessel, you simply bring Godâs spirit of hospitality to the world. You introduce people to your precious friend, Savior, God, and King. You are teaching people by letting the love of God flow through you to them - His power, His presence, His kindness, His healing. If a guest in your house was thirsty for water, would you offer them an empty glass? You would offer them a glass filled with water -- because you had water to offer. Jesus said, âCome to me and drink! Believe in me so that rivers of living water will burst out from within you, flowing from your innermost being...! (John 7:37-39)
God wants you to drink of His presence and be satisfied. He wants you to ask for more and more and more of Him. And He also wants you to overflow with His goodness to bless and transform the world around you!
QUESTION
Watching Godâs presence touch someone is one of the most thrilling experiences you can have. Do you feel afraid or excited to bring the presence of God to your spheres of influence? If you feel apprehensive, what are you afraid of? Talk to God about it.
Are you willing to ask God to guide you to someone who needs a touch from Him? If so, ask God to show you what to do. He might lead you to pray for someone, speak a word of encouragement, buy a coffee for someone or⊠who knows! Let God lead you. The Holy Spirit is your teacher and guide!
PRAYER
God, thank you for your presence. Thank you for graciously filling me with your presence. I want to be filled with you, not only for myself but also for others around me.
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SCRIPTUREâš
Acts 17:28 âFor in him we live and move and have our being.â
DEVOTIONAL
From the beginning, God established a precedent by walking in the garden daily with Adam and Eve. We were all made to walk with and experience Godâs presence as a natural, everyday part of our lives. God created us to depend upon Him and his presence and even to partner with him in our decision-making processes.
Jesus emphasized this importance when he said, âIâm telling you this straight. The Son canât independently do a thing, only what he sees the Father doing. What the Father does, the Son doesâ. (John 5:19) Jesus went even further when he said, âMan shall not live by bread alone but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.â (Deuteronomy 8:3). We are to draw on Godâs word and his presenceâŠlike we draw each breath.
Did you know that many scholars believe that the name Yahweh âcould not be spoken at allâonly breathed? Many are convinced that its correct pronunciation attempts to replicate and imitate the sounds of inhalation and exhalation. Therefore, the one thing we do every moment of our lives is to speak the name of Godâ *
What is it in the heart of God to want to draw so near to us that He âchose to give himself a name that we canât help but speak every moment weâre alive? All of us, always, everywhere, waking, sleeping, with the name of God on our lips.â **
Of all the scriptures in the bible, possibly one the most devastating is when Adam said to God, âI heard you in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid.â (Gen 3:10)
Adam heard God, but his response was fear. He was naked (unclothed and unprotected), so he hid. When we feel fear or vulnerable, do we run to Godâs presence or away from it? âGod called out to man and said, âWhere are you?â (Gen 3:9) Thankfully, He is still calling out to all of us.
Why is it so important to be in Godâs presence? Because Godâs presence changes everything! We become what we behold. The presence of God brings release to the captives, healing for whatâs broken, and freedom for the oppressed. Itâs not our striving and straining. Not our performance, not working harder at being betterâŠno, Godâs presence changes and transforms us.
QUESTION
âWhere are you?â (Gen 3:9) What part of you is hiding from Godâs presence? What part of you willingly runs to God?
PRAYER
God, I know there are parts of my heart that hide from you, even hide from myself. Thank you for being so patient and kind with me. Thank you for calling me by name. Teach me how to run to you, even when I am afraid.
* Richard Rohr
** Jason Gray
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SCRIPTURE
Galatians 4:6 Because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying, âAbba! Father!â 7 Therefore you are no longer a slave, but a son; and if a son, then an heir through God.
DEVOTIONAL
Belonging is the knowledge of being part of Godâs family. It is the spirit of adoption, the spirit of sonship. And it is the opposite of an orphan spirit. Belonging brings safety and security. It allows us to live from love, not for love.
Imagine an orphan on the street. They have to look out for themselves. Their goal is to survive. They must stay vigilant at all times, looking for their next meal, their next escape, and their next shelter. Orphans cannot rest.
But Godâs Kingdom contains rest because Godâs Kingdom is rooted in belonging. In Godâs Kingdom, there is enough room for everyone. Everyone has a secure seat at the table. Itâs a fact. No one can take your place or steal Godâs affection or protection from you. And through your adoption into Godâs family, you have access to all the things that Jesus has. Thus, from a position of belonging, you can make great sacrifices, endure great misunderstandings and humiliations, practice radical generosity, take great leaps of faith and courage, and celebrate and invest in the lives of others. Life in the Kingdom of God does not require living by âsurvival of the fittest.â Instead, you can lay down your life for another and confidently know that God has your back. In Godâs kingdom, there is invitation and security for everybody. It has belonging.
REFLECTION
Do you live from a place of rest knowing you belong to God? Are there signs you live in unrest? Are there any places where you have an orphan mentality?
PRAYER
Father, awaken my heart now to the truth that you have given me the Spirit of Your Son into my heart, and it is crying, âAbba! Father!â. Thank you that I am not a slave, but I am a son/daughter.
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SCRIPTURE
Do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, forbearance and patience, not realizing that Godâs kindness is intended to lead you to repentance? Rom 2:4
DEVOTIONAL
Jesus said, âRepent for the kingdom of heaven has come near.â (Matt 3:2). Repentance is part of preparing and widening the road for the kingdom of God to come. We see in Romans 2:4 that God's kindness leads us to repentance. Through his kindness and grace towards us, we are empowered to reject anything less than what God wants for us, turn, and grab hold of His higher ways.
God wants to bring us into wholeness. He wants to get us back into the reality of what we were created for, of who we were created to be, his children, who are also named Kings and priests. Godâs beauty is superior to anything this world has to offer. When we glimpse His beauty, holiness, and the superior wisdom of His ways â and see ourselves in the light of his truth, the natural response is to repent.
Now, of course, part of repentance is painful. It requires ownership of our actions. There is grief in repentance. We sadden God with our harmful choices. We may experience real consequences when we sin. We deeply wound others and ourselves when not walking in the light.
But as children of God, repentance is not intended to be frightening. As Godâs beloved, we are not coming before a harsh judge. We are coming before a loving father who has been waiting and watching to take our destructive and distracted choices and replace them with a more life-giving way.
As a son and daughter, we are given access to the throne where we may repent of our sins. As kings and priests, we stand in the gap for others. In taking our place for others, we bring the Kingdom Of God nearer to them.
QUESTION
Again Romans 2:4 reads, âDo you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, forbearance, and patience, not realizing that Godâs kindness is intended to lead you to repentance?â
What might change in you, in your relationships, and in your daily choices if you caught a more extraordinary glimpse of the kindnesses of our Lord?
As you ponder the riches of his kindness and patience, what do you want to change? What do you want to repent of?
PRAYER
God, show us the riches of your kindness toward us so that we might know where we are choosing so much less than what you have for us and where we are grieving you with our choices. Ever draw our hearts into repentance with your kindness. And let us bring your kingdom to earth by showing your kindness and patience to those around us so they might be drawn to your kindness and turn to you.
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SCRIPTURE
Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Matthew 6:10 (NIV)
DEVOTIONAL
When teaching the disciples to pray, Jesus said, âYour kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.â. His language is an invitation to awaken our hearts to a greater awareness of Heaven. His prayer moves us towards cultivating our ability to see beyond what is right in front of our eyes and begs the question, âWhat is Heavenâs reality?â The more knowledgeable we become to what Heaven looks like... the more accurately we can pray through our desires, our words and our deeds for âThe kingdom of our world to become the kingdom of our Godâ (Rev. 11:15).
The kingdom of God coming to earth means Godâs goodness will be manifested in our midst in real and tangible ways. For example, Psalm 89:14 states, âRighteousness and justice are the foundations of Your throne; love and faithfulness go before you.â Think about that. Where your heart longs for justice in a situation is where you long for Godâs kingdom. You establish God's kingdom on earth where you show love to your neighbor.
QUESTION
Can you imagine your city filled with salvations, healing, joy, justice, reconciliation, and peace? What part of Godâs heart do you long to see? Dream with God for your family, your church, and your city. Remember, âAll things are impossible for the one who believesâ (Mark 9:23).
PRAYER
Holy Spirit, give me eyes to see Heavenâs reality today in every thought, circumstance, and interaction. Expand my faith and vision for what is possible with you.
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SCRIPTURE
[Selah] Pause in his presence. Psalm 3:2 (TPT)
DEVOTIONAL
It can be easy to rush in and out of each otherâs presence. How often are we guilty of listening but not understanding? How often do we offer a glance but fail to truly see? Thelonious Monk, the legendary Jazz musician, said, âWhat you donât play can be more important than what you do play.â You could say this another way: as a musician, what you hear may be as crucial as any note you play.â This is good advice for how we relate to God, ourselves, and each other.
In Davidâs psalm, he purposefully added the instruction to Selah before God. (See this verse in the King James Version.) Selah means âpauseâ or âlisten.â The Selah carries weight just as the other written words do. We are to intentionally linger and make time to experience Godâs loving presence.
QUESTION
Where do you need to slow down? Speak less? Listen more?
PRAYER
Pray the following slowly: âGod, help me to pause in your presence.â
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SCRIPTURE
Iâve called your name. Youâre mine. Isaiah 43:1
DEVOTIONAL
Just as God calls himself by many names⊠so He has many beautiful, powerful, and wonderful names for us. Our many names are rooted in Godâs name. And thus, our identity is rooted in Godâs identity. Just as Godâs Word and Name are unchanging⊠so are the names and identities that He has for us, even if we do not understand, acknowledge, or believe them.
So, what are some names the King of the Universe calls us? He calls us His children, sons, and Daughters of the King. He calls us Beloved. He also calls us Co-Heirs with Christ. He calls us Christâs inheritance. He calls us priests and kings.
Because He calls us these things⊠we are these things. Let me say that again. Because He calls us these things, we are these things. He exalts His Name and Word above all things; because of this, His word and titles for us do not change either. What a fantastic truth. I am a son. I am a daughter. I am a Co-heir with Christ. I am beloved. I am Godâs royal child and Christâs royal partner.
As His children, He tells us to come to His throne and cry Abba, Father. But He also tells us to approach the throne confidently as a Co-heir with Christ.
QUESTION
Are your inner thoughts and actions in agreement with who God says you are? Can you embrace your identity as a royal child of The King? Do you know how to come to God as a Co-heir with Christ? Talk and listen to God about these things.
PRAYER
God, I want to see myself the way you see me. I want to know myself as a royal child and a Co-heir with Christ. God, teach me who I am in you, and give me the grace to walk in the truth.
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SCRIPTURE
Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen. 1 Tim 1:17
DEVOTIONAL
Today, we will begin to focus on God as King. He is our Creator. He is our Father. He is good. He is kindâŠAnd He is King!
God is King over heaven and earth. Jesus is called The King of Kings and Lord of Lords. He is Lord over all, yet his Lordship is one of kindness surpassing human understanding. He rules forever and ever - from the Beginning to the End and from the End to the Beginning. Nothing and no time has ever been outside of His reign and His dominion.
This thought can be overwhelming. But what seems to be the most challenging part is to grasp that although He is the King of Kings...He is inexhaustibly interested in us.
The Lord of All is interested in all of you...not just a part of you! The same God who paints a new sunset each morning and keeps the planets spinning is also the One who calls us his most precious creation and joyfully cares for our needs! It is not below him to help us find the perfect house, the needed job, the needed friend, to heal a painful wound from our past or present, or even remind us to make a phone call. Our Father is the King of the Universe, overflowing with outrageous, extravagant kindness. What a mystery that He remains constant in his interest in the moments of our daily life! Truly, The King of Love always wants to come into our hearts and establish His Kind Lordship and Dominion of Peace, where we will surrender to Him!
QUESTION
Can you grasp that your Father is the King of the Universe and that He loves you, He likes you, and He longs to be with you? Can you come before The King as a confident child, or do you feel like a beggar, a servant, or a frightened child?
Remember: God is strong enough, confident enough, patient enough, and kind enough for you and your honesty today. He wants to instruct your heart with His love.
PRAYER
Dear precious Jesus. You are King of Kings and Lord of Lords, and Your love for me is without end. I call you King. Establish Your Lordship and Dominion of Peace and Good Order in me today.
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SCRIPTURE
I will protect him, because he knows my name. PS. 91:14
DEVOTIONAL
Yesterday, we began to meditate on becoming familiar with the names of God. In Psalm 138:2, God states, "He exalts His Name and His Word above all things.â His Word is unchanging and eternal. His Name is unchanging and eternal as well.
We all have many names that carry parts of our identity. I am a father, a son, a husband, a friend, a producer. These are just a few titles. In each identity, I display a different part of myself, create a different history, and perform in different ways specific to the title. All of these names are âstoredâ inside of my given name. But unless someone experiences me in each of these roles, they cannot know who I am in that specific expression of my identity. The more roles they see me in, the greater confidence they get in knowing me and in evaluating who I am.
Godâs names carry the authority and the reputation of God. They help us access the many different parts of him. They have substance. They are strong. They are constant. They are trustworthy. And they are not at war with each other. We grow closer to God by knowing them. His names are attached to the essence of who He is. Each time we understand a name of God in our hearts, we grow in our confidence and authority to call on God from a place of relationship. âThe name of the Lord is a strong tower. The righteous run into it and are safe.â (Proverbs 18:10)
QUESTION
Is there a name of God that you feel you should get to know?
Is there a name of God that creates negative emotions that you avoid, confuses you, or leaves you disinterested?
Begin to talk and listen to God about any part of these above questions that feels significant. Remember: God is strong enough, confident enough, patient enough, and humble enough for you and your honesty today.
PRAYER
My God and Father, my strong King, my true Friend and only Savior -- I want to know you. I need to know you. Who are you? Who are you as my Creator, Sustainer, Provider, Protector? Who are you as Lion? As Lamb? Lord, awaken my hunger to know you, to know you by name in my innermost parts. Amen.
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SCRIPTURE
âDavid said ... I come to you in the name of the Lord of hostsâ. 1 Samuel 17:45
DEVOTIONAL
Have you ever noticed the difference you feel when someone talks about someone you have met versus someone you have not met? The difference is dramatic. A name means nothing unless we can attach meaning, significance, and understanding to the name. God has many beautiful names. He wants you to know Him and His powerful names! God The Father, God The Son, and God The Holy Spirit all have names and attributes that meet our deepest needs. He wants you to be familiar with and even intimate with His names so that you can call upon Him by name.
QUESTION:
What name of God do you need today?
Do you feel orphaned? He is your Father!
Do you need safety? He is our Refuge and Strength!
Are you lonely? He is Emmanuel God with Us!
Do you need a friend? He is A Friend of sinners!
Do you need light? He is The Light!
Do you need a way through? He is The Way!
Are you hungry? He is The Bread of Life!
Do you feel cursed? He became The Curse, for your sake!
Do you need comfort? He is The Comforter!
Find a name of God and turn it into your prayer. He is I AM.
PRAYER (example)
God, my heart and soul are hungry. You are the Bread of Life. Fill me with your bread. Lord, let me abide in your name. Help me see where I can invite you by name into my heart and life today.
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SCRIPTURE
Just as the Father has loved Me, I have also loved you; abide in My love. John 15:9
DEVOTIONAL
If we love God because he first loves us, then it stands to reason that one of the most beneficial and effective disciplines we may practice is to be good receivers of Godâs love. We must prioritize positioning ourselves where we can readily experience Godâs boundless love for us, for Godâs love penetrates and ultimately transforms the human heart. As we practice being good receivers of Godâs love, we move from anxiety to peace, guilt to freedom, hurt to healing, and isolation to intimacy. This practice is called âabidingâ
QUESTION
Name one significant way you have experienced Godâs loving presence. How did it affect you? Name one barrier you currently have to position yourself before God to receive his love. Can you ask God how you may partner with him to remove that barrier?
PRAYER
Jesus, I want to experience and know your love for me more profound than ever before. Please show me ways I may practice abiding in your love
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SCRIPTURE
So he got up and went to his father. âBut while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him. Luke 15:20 (NIV)
DEVOTIONAL
God is love. God is a loving father. God is a good father. And God is in a good mood. âLove is not easily angeredâŠ. Love is not proud and doesnât demand its own wayâŠ.Love always perseveres...love is kind.â
As humans, we all hit our limit. Regardless of how well we love, there are situations in which we are too tired, anxious, distracted, or overwhelmed to show love's attributes. We all know what it is like to have to assess the mood of a parent, spouse, teacher, or authority figure to decide if it is a good moment to bring our request or need to them because they are human too - and can hit a limit and not be able to respond in love.
But God is not like a man. God is always full of grace. God is strong enough for us. God is in a good mood. He is ALWAYS waiting and watching to be with us. He keeps no records of wrongs. Circumstances never sway him. He loves us. He likes us. He wants us. There is never a wrong time to come to God.
We will always be shocked and surprised by the overwhelming goodness of God. There will always be a part of us that has a hard time believing that God wants to run towards us, throw his arms around us, and kiss us. It is simply too great a news.
QUESTION
Are there any reasons why you think you canât go to God? Are there any reasons why you tell yourself you shouldnât go to God? How do your reasons line up with the truth of the Father in Jesusâ parable?
PRAYER
God, thank you for never withholding your love from me. Thank you that while I was still a sinner, you saw me as worth the sacrifice of your only son. Just like the Father in Jesusâ parable, you run to me, you throw your arms around me, you want to be with me, you celebrate me! Thank you that there is no wrong time to come to you, for you are not like a man. You ALWAYS love me.
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SCRIPTURE
Love is patient; love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, and it is not self-seeking. It is not easily angered. It keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 (NIV)
DEVOTIONAL
God longs for you to know His love -- for God is love. To know God is to know the source of Love. But what does Godâs love look like? As beautiful as human love can be, it falls short in comparison to the perfection of Godâs love. As humans, we often think we know God and how He loves us by what we have experienced from the people in our lives. Sometimes, this helps us understand the depth of Godâs love - if we have been loved well. But, if we have been hurt by those we love, we often consciously or unconsciously project onto God's attributes of our flawed experiences with human love. So, what does Godâs love look like?
Slowly read aloud 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 again.
Now read the passage below, but substitute God for love -- because God is love.
(God) is patient, (God) is kind. (God) does not envy, (God) does not boast, it is not proud. (God) does not dishonor others, (God) is not self-seeking, (God) is not easily angered, (God) keeps no record of wrongs. (God) does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. (God) always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. (God) never fails. 1 Corinthans 13:4-8 (NIV)
QUESTION
Which of the above 1 or 2 statements resonates with you the most? Write them down on a card, in your journal, or in your phone. Let them feed your soul.
PRAYER Pick out 1 or 2 of the above phrases and pray like the example below. Take your time. Move through this practice of taking the scripture and making it your prayer.
God, I thank you for being a good father. You love me. You are not easily angered with me. You always hope for me. Would you catch my attention when I slip into conscious or unconscious thoughts opposite to these truths? Thank you for being my loving Father.
PRAYER
Pick out 1 or 2 phrases above and pray like the example below. Take your time. Move through this practice of taking the scripture and making it your prayer.
God, I thank you for being a good father. You love me. You are not easily angered with me. You always hope for me. Would you catch my attention when I slip into conscious or unconscious thoughts opposite to these truths? Thank you for being my loving Father.
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SCRIPTURE
Rev 3:20 Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.
DEVOTIONAL
One of the most important things we need to remember as we engage in these 21 days is how the Lord desires to commune with us! He wants to come in. He wants to be with you. He is talking. He is present. He is waiting. And He can come closer. He doesnât put conditions on whatâs behind the door. He simply wants to come in and be with you.
God already loves you, likes you, delights in you, and guess what? Heâs seen behind the door, and it hasnât spoiled his appetite. He still wants to come in.
So, letâs reread the passage. Use your imagination. Jesus is at the door of your heart. He says, âHere I am! Iâm standing at the door and knocking. If you hear my voice and open your door, I will come in and eat with you, and you with me.â
QUESTION
Jesus is at your door: What are you feeling? Are you excited? Are you panicked? Do you want to open the door for him, or do you have reservations? Do you believe he is excited to see you? If not, what do you think he is feeling?
PRAYER
Jesus, You have said you are waiting and wanting to be with me. Please show me when and where I donât believe this. I want you to come in! I want to have an open-door policy with you! I want you to have the keys! Like the Psalmist said, âThe closer I am to You, my God, the better because life with You is goodâ!
Psalm 73:28 (VOICE)
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SCRIPTURE
âMy sheep hear my voice...â John 10:27-28 ESV
DEVOTIONAL
When I realized that prayer didnât have to be laborious but was merely a conversation, I began praying in a new way. I started to discover that talking to God was essential, but listening to the voice of my Creator was even more grounding and transformative. He often had much to tell me, bringing a new perspective, a clearer identity, practical solutions, and peace. I began to experience prayer as more of an exhale and refill than a form of discipline with a timer and gritted teeth. My main job was to quiet myself and listen.
We are bombarded with emails, texts, Instagrams, push notifications, etc. There is so much noise. There is so much talking âATâ us. But the noise often hides our real desire as human beings - to know and be known. Sometimes, we donât even remember this is our core need.
But this is our design - to be known and to know others in return. The first fruit of the curse was hiding and God having to come after us asking, âWhere are you?â
God invites us today to both talk to him AND listen to him. Itâs not like our technology. We arenât posting and giving thumbs up. He isnât sending push notifications and going back to his life. We are invited into a relationship. He wants to listen to our needs and concerns and joys and fears. He wants to tell us his heart and secrets. He wants to whisper words of encouragement and an overcoming perspective. He wants to remind us that He loves us and will never leave us. He doesnât want to talk AT us, he wants to be WITH us. Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known. Jeremiah 33:3 ESV.
QUESTION
How does it make you feel knowing God wants to talk with you? How does it change your perspective on prayer knowing that your loving Father always has time for you and always has loving and encouraging things to say to you?
PRAYER
Jesus, thank you for your promise that I hear your voice. I ask you to awaken and arrest my heart to hear you when you speak to me.
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