On waking each morning, you now welcome the Lord with ‘Good morning, Father, Son/Jesus and Holy Spirit, but have little time to spend with Him. On Saturday you usually give Him quality time, but this week you have to work. Just as you are leaving Margie comes to mind. You ask the Lord to bless her for at the Bible Study she had obviously drawn up courage to answer your question. Before she left you thanked her for talking about the Bible reading plan that you could follow. Head down she backed away murmuring the need to go, and almost ran away.
In seeing Margie’s distress, you spoke to Liz, who observed, “Gareth’s comment was most unfortunate. Margie is shy, she leads a sheltered life. Don’t worry, I’ll visit and encourage her.” After thanking Liz for the way, she had stepped in, she admitted, “I felt the Holy Spirit was speaking through me”. Having said that, she suddenly looked anxious, and to reassure her you recount your similar experience in singing in tongues in the street. At that she drew you aside to explain that although the Holy Spirit was taught on the Alpha Course the church eldership considered that was a personal belief which should be kept private. At your frown, she smiled, “Come on Sunday before church, there are few people of like mind who meet in a small back room at 9.30 am to pray.”
In doing that on the last four Sundays it’s been encouraging to be with others, who wait and hear from God as you do. It is amazing each person has a picture or scripture to contribute which fits together to inspire and aid the prayers. The opportunity hasn’t arisen, but you sense when it is right you will be able to share your dreams with them. Liz is such an encouragement, for she told you she believes God has called and gifted you, but advised that a life of faith does have preparation and waiting periods which can last for days or years! Tenacity in staying close to the Lord enables trust and faith to build a strong foundation which is essential for each stage of life. With a wry smile Liz added it was odd, for in a desire to pursue the purposes of God we need to learn how to rest in Him. It is then we will hear and see more clearly what His desires are for us. (398)
Word: “But his delight is in the law of the Lord, And on His law [His precepts and teachings] he [habitually] meditates day and night. And he will be like a tree firmly planted [and fed] by streams of water, Which yields its fruit in its season; Its leaf does not wither; And in whatever he does, he prospers [and comes to maturity].” Psalm 1:2-3 (AMP)
Worship: “WhateverYour Plan Is” Josie Buchanan / moment