Make a spot in your calendar and arrange for 15 minutes of quiet.
Stephen Covey in his great book “7 Habits of Highly Effective People” says that we need to “start with the end in mind.” Today, we will take a few minutes to envision what God might do as we trust Him through a process that is bigger than any one of us.
Read out loud:
The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life. “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd sacrifices his life for the sheep.”
Jesus in John 10:10–11 (NLT)
Read it again and replace “them” in verse 10 with your name. Do the same with the phrase “the sheep” in verse 11.
You’re here in this space giving room for the Holy Spirit to connect with you. You’ve stepped out. You aren’t sure what to expect as you grow in your relationship with Jesus, but you can be certain of what Jesus’s intent is for you: a rich and satisfying life. Now, don’t be confused, Jesus’ way is different ‘riches’ and a deeper ’satisfaction’ than what the world offers. We will continue to learn about what we are truly satisfied with.
Read out loud:
“But those who drink the water I give will never be thirsty again. It becomes a fresh, bubbling spring within them, giving them eternal life.”
Jesus in John 4:14 (NLT)
Is it true? Can Jesus really satisfy? Is he true to his word?
This is his promise to us: a rich and satisfying life in which the true longings of our heart are met. We have much to learn as we journey together, but as we begin, let’s simply reflect on his intent for each human.
Take a few minutes and write out a prayer to God that expresses what you think about his intentions towards you. I encourage you to be honest in your prayers.