Tap In: “Into the Word” Week 41

As a Floridian, I look forward to the end of November because it marks the end of hurricane season.  Over the last few months, we have waited and prayed — eyeing the weather forecasts with diligence.  Even if a hurricane does not directly hit our area, there is a chance that we could lose power during a tropical storm.  So, my husband bought a generator, which sits in our garage just in case.

This week as I was digging  “Into the Word” I was reminded that I need not fear the dark or looming storms ahead.  I have a power source that surpasses any danger:

I also pray that you will understand

the incredible greatness of God’s power

for us who believe him.

This is the same mighty power

 that raised Christ from the dead

and seated him in the place of honor

at God’s right hand in the heavenly realms.

Ephesians 1:190 & 20, NLT

When I tap in to Christ, His resurrection power will bring light and life to any situation.  Spiritual tempests fizzle fast in the light of His glorious presence.  With Christ in my corner, I know that sunny skies will lie ahead.

Every Monday we will be working our way through Anne Graham Lotz’s 52-week study “Into the Word.”    Hop on over to the 3dLessons4Life Blog Facebook Page to join us as we dig into God’s Word together.

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Get Going: “Into the Word” Week 40

Two years ago, my mother in law went home to heaven after a year of slowly marching toward glory.  Grieving such a loss puts you in an odd place — you are standing still in one spot, while the rest of the world moves on unaware.  Loss, pain, and tribulation seek to swallow us up in the darkness, but as believers, we are children of light.  We must move forward through the obstacles and lay claim to the promises ahead.  

Recently, as I was digging  “Into the Word” I saw a living example of this principle through the life of Joshua:

After the death of Moses the servant of God, God spoke to Joshua, Moses’ assistant: “Moses my servant is dead. Get going. Cross this Jordan River, you and all the people. Cross to the country I’m giving to the People of Israel. I’m giving you every square inch of the land you set your foot on—just as I promised Moses. From the wilderness and this Lebanon east to the Great River, the Euphrates River—all the Hittite country—and then west to the Great Sea. It’s all yours. All your life, no one will be able to hold out against you. In the same way I was with Moses, I’ll be with you. I won’t give up on you; I won’t leave you. Strength! Courage! You are going to lead this people to inherit the land that I promised to give their ancestors. Give it everything you have, heart and soul. Make sure you carry out The Revelation that Moses commanded you, every bit of it. Don’t get off track, either left or right, so as to make sure you get to where you’re going. And don’t for a minute let this Book of The Revelation be out of mind. Ponder and meditate on it day and night, making sure you practice everything written in it. Then you’ll get where you’re going; then you’ll succeed. Haven’t I commanded you? Strength! Courage! Don’t be timid; don’t get discouraged. God, your God, is with you every step you take.” (Joshua 1:1-9, MSG)

After Moses death, God told Joshua to get going — to give it everything he had heart and soul.  If Joshua had allowed himself to get wrapped up in the pain and loss, he would have missed out on the Promised Land ahead.  So get going, there is greater glory in your future.

Q4U:  How have you plowed through valleys to get to the green grass of the mountain ahead?

Every Monday we will be working our way through Anne Graham Lotz’s 52-week study “Into the Word.”    Hop on over to the 3dLessons4Life Blog Facebook Page to join us as we dig into God’s Word together.

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Continue: “Into the Word” Week 39

I love playing cards and board games.  My newest passion is Skip Bo.  My dear friend did her best to explain the rules to me, but it took a few rounds before I got the hang of it.  Not until I was immersed in the game did I truly understand how to play.  

This week as I was digging  “Into the Word” I thought about how this truth applies to the spiritual discipline of prayer.  The best way to learn to pray is to lift your heart and voice to God with regularity and sincerity.  In one of his epistles, Paul expounds on this principle:

 Devote yourselves to prayer

with an alert mind and a thankful heart.

Colossians 4:2, NLT

   To “devote” implies consistency, steadfast attentiveness, perseverance, and a readiness of will.  God asks us to pray with a cautious spirit that is overflowing with gratitude.  This is a delicate balance gained through practice.

Q4U:  What do you think is the key to a solid prayer life?

Every Monday we will be working our way through Anne Graham Lotz’s 52-week study “Into the Word.”    Hop on over to the 3dLessons4Life Blog Facebook Page to join us as we dig into God’s Word together.

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