Imagine receiving this invitation from Jesus:
Would you think: “Uh oh! I know I haven’t been reading the Bible lately?” Or maybe you would think, “I know I should have cleaned out my garage, but I’ve been SO tired lately.”
What if Jesus decided he wants you to be a missionary in a place you never knew existed?
If you want to know what he wants to discuss, you need to give yourself in prayer. Trust him. Listen to him. Follow it through. Now, let’s take it one at a time (From the New Living Translation, boldface font, mine):
First: Read God’s Words
- Revelation 19:13- He wore a robe dipped in blood, and his title was the Word of God.
- Revelation 19:9- And the angel said to me, “Write this, Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding feast of the Lamb.” And he added, “These are true words that come from God.”
- James 1:21- . . .humbly accept the word God has planted in your hearts, for it has the power to save your souls.
What makes God’s words essential to us to save our souls?
Second: When You Are Feeling Overwhelmed
- Psalm 55:22- Give your burdens to the Lord, and he will take care of you. He will not permit the godly to slip and fail.
- Matthew 11:28- Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.
- 1 John 5:3- Loving God means keeping his commandments, and his commandments are not burdensome.
Does God care about our burdens, give us tasks that keep us weary, or have the right to give us commandments? Will he make them too hard to do?
Third: When You Are Feeling Inadequate
- Daniel 5:11- There is a man in your kingdom, who has within him the spirit of the holy gods. During Nebuchadnezzar’s reign, this man was found to have insight, understanding, and wisdom. . .
- Acts 10:45- The Jewish believers who came with Peter were amazed that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles, too.
- John 14:26- But when the Father sends the Advocate as my representative—that is, the Holy Spirit—he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you.
Do you hesitate to talk to people about the Gospel? Do you wish you had gone to a seminar? What seminar did Peter go to? How did Daniel, who was forced to go to Babylon when he was a young teenager, become so wise? Jesus gave us the gift of the Holy Spirit who will teach us and remind us what Jesus has said.
Finally: Give Thanks to Jesus!
Thank you, Jesus! For inviting me to talk with you and learn through your Holy Spirit. Thank you, Word of God, for your truth and the power your Spirit has saved my soul. And thank you, Jesus, for sending your Spirit to teach us and to remind us who you are.
