|
For, at just the right time Christ will be revealed from heaven
by the blessed and only almighty God, the King of all kings and Lord of all lords. ~ 1 Timothy 6:15 NLT When the pandemic began we imagined we would have to wait a few months for it to be over. It is probably a good thing that few of us realized we would be counting the years instead of the months. If there is one lesson we should be learning, it is how to wait! Are you getting better at waiting? I confess, and my husband will confirm, that, even though I have gotten better, I can be very impatient. Since Christ’s birth and death, his people have been waiting for Jesus’ promised return. Though the date is unknown to us, God’s timing for Jesus’ return is perfect. 2 Peter 3:9 says, “The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent.” We believe the wait will be worth it. When our Lord Jesus Christ returns he brings his Kingdom to a totally renewed earth, with no more sickness, sadness, fears or death. We all will see Jesus as he is, a glorious, powerful King who will rule righteously with compassion, power, wisdom, and justice. And we will be like him! I don’t know about you, but when I look at the world around us, I find myself praying more and more, “Come soon, Lord Jesus!” When Jesus does return, we will discover that how we used this time of waiting really matters. The Holy Spirit is tirelessly giving us opportunities to be built up in humility, peace, patience, perseverance, endurance, kindness, gratitude, goodness, faithfulness and forgiveness. All of those are essential in shaping who we will be for eternity with our heavenly Father. Foremost in our present relationship is experiencing and understanding God’s love. Our Father God is always good, faithful and full of grace. Receiving his love and learning who we are in Christ, as redeemed, transformed daughters of Most High God enables us to accomplish the work here on earth prepared for us to do before time began. And recognizing that we are aligning with God’s plans and purposes gives us boundless opportunities to enjoy the waiting. Dear friends, be blessed with supernatural patience and endurance as you wait for Jesus’ return. May your entire body, soul and spirit rejoice as God strengthens you with more of his truth, love, peace and joy. May you boldly share with others the promises of the future for which we are waiting. May your hope be restored as you ponder the truth that you were designed to spend eternity with Jesus. Amen. Mary Sumner ~ February 18, 2022
0 Comments
All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. ~ 2 Timothy 3:16 NLT
As the new year began some of us asked God for a specific word or verse to pray into that would guide and grow us through 2022. One of my friends heard “safe”. It resonated deep in her spirit. She has been through some traumatic events that have shaken her confidence. I am excited to see how God will honor her commitment to trust him and keep praying into her word. How do you think she will react as she witnesses how God uses it to grow her this year? What about you? Have you asked God for a personal word and/or verse for 2022? It’s not too late. And if you have, how will you be reminded to keep pondering and praying into it? The Holy Spirit delights in guiding us, comforting us, exhorting us, and teaching us more about Jesus. And since God knows exactly what we need at exactly the right time, we will benefit by trusting that he will use that word or verse to grow us closer to him by building our faith and strengthening our trust in his word and faith in his willingness to get involved in the details of our lives. Besides that, it is fun! I am always amazed when God speaks into my life in such a personal way. Dear friends, be blessed with a spirit of spiritual adventure as you begin this year. Be blessed as you trust the Holy Spirit to speak to you, protect you, guide you and grow you deeper in love and trust of Jesus. He will use many tools, so be alert. His principle way is through God’s Word. May you burn with spiritual curiosity as you dive into the Bible this year and find the truth that will keep you strong and make you more beautiful. Amen. Mary Sumner ~ February 3, 2022 |
AuthorMary Sumner Archives
September 2024
Categories |
RSS Feed
