Read
Reflect
Recently, a close friend called me, unexpectedly to tell me he was going to be in town and hoped we could meet for lunch.
I was so happy to hear from him and so excited at the prospect of seeing him again; my mind was racing as I ensured I had time for him.
I had no idea my friend was going to be in the area and it was a wonderful surprise to know that he had planned for us to get together. It felt good to know he would go out of his way; I felt important and that I mattered to him.
In an even more profound way, God shows us that he longs to have a relationship with us and to spend time with us. There’s a short phrase in today’s reading that I think is incredible…”He is going ahead of you”
The women had visited the tomb where Jesus was laid, only to find that He was not there, He was alive. Not only that, Jesus wanted to spend time with them and His disciples and in Galilee and had already gone ahead of them, to meet them there.
How awesome is that! After everything Jesus had endured, Jesus wanted to spend time with His friends and He went on ahead to meet them.
Jesus wants to spend time with you too. He took the initiative and has made a way for you and me to have a relationship with Him, even to be called His friend.
Respond
Belong – Because you can belong before you believe.
How do you feel when you spend time with your closest friends? Is it difficult to believe that God wants to spend time with you? Why do you think that is?
Believe – Because those who belong often start to believe.
What difference does it make in your life to know God wants to have a personal relationship with you?
Become – Because everyone who believes can become someone new.
If God wants to spend time with you, how do you intentionally spend time with Him? In what ways can you include time with God throughout your day?
Dear God, Thank you for proving that You are trustworthy and that I can trust you in every part of my life. Show me specifically where or what I need to surrender to you today. I ask this in Jesus’ name, Amen.
– by Dan Barber
