What would a text conversation between you and Jesus look like? A few weeks ago I posted on Facebook that my "youversion" bible app sends me reminders on my phone to remember to read the bible, and it is like getting a text message from Jesus. I have been thinking about that ever since.
Getting a text message from Jesus would be amazing, would't it? He does message you, all the time, through the reminders that he sends to you. He has shown himself to me through so many blessings. Over the last five years God has never let my children go without food or clothing, even when we had $0.00 in the bank. Through his provisions he reminds me that He loves me and is here for me in ALL things! Through the times when I stepped away from the Lord, He stepped towards me and my conscience (The holy spirit) told me that I should be reading my bible. Through music, and through the people that I interact with, I will always hear the same message from God, that he wants to be closer with me.
The last time that I stepped away from the Lord he pursued me hard. There were three songs that I kept hearing over and over again that spoke to my heart about how God will never stop pursuing me, He will never give up on me. Those songs are what brought me back to him! But when I was in this time of being away from the Lord, doing what I wanted to do, my conversations with him went something similar to what is above. "Lord I'm just too tired to talk to you tonight." "Don't you want me to have a fun life?" "I'm so depressed, I just need to watch a movie"... on and on the list of excuses. The part that I'm definitely ashamed of is that I didn't even care that my life was heading down a dark path. I wanted what I wanted, and that was it. But like I said, God did not stop seeking relationship with me!
God started reminding me that He has a specific plan and purpose for me, and that He wants me to talk to people about my history, my life, and glorify Him through helping others know about Him. It seemed like every sermon and song that I heard was about How God wanted me back, and he wanted me to start ministering to others. One song that was integral for me was Francesca Battistelli's "Write your story". Another one was Unspoken's "Lift me up", and specifically the Lyrics "You've brought me this far, so why would I question you now? You have provided so why would I start to doubt? I've never been stranded, abandoned, or left here to fight alone. So I'm giving you control."
On the flip side, now my relationship with the Lord is so unbelievable! I know that He loves me and he shows me daily. I have been reading His word every day even if it is only a few verses, I find time for Him, because it is not just about studying the bible its about having a conversation with God. If I don't allow Him to speak back with me, even if I am praying, then it is a one sided relationship. A few days ago I went through something that was pretty traumatic (I will blog about it later in the week) and that day I opened my You Version bible app, and was reading my 1 year bible plan. Within the first few verses Jesus was speaking to me through words that jumped off the page:
Getting a text message from Jesus would be amazing, would't it? He does message you, all the time, through the reminders that he sends to you. He has shown himself to me through so many blessings. Over the last five years God has never let my children go without food or clothing, even when we had $0.00 in the bank. Through his provisions he reminds me that He loves me and is here for me in ALL things! Through the times when I stepped away from the Lord, He stepped towards me and my conscience (The holy spirit) told me that I should be reading my bible. Through music, and through the people that I interact with, I will always hear the same message from God, that he wants to be closer with me.
The last time that I stepped away from the Lord he pursued me hard. There were three songs that I kept hearing over and over again that spoke to my heart about how God will never stop pursuing me, He will never give up on me. Those songs are what brought me back to him! But when I was in this time of being away from the Lord, doing what I wanted to do, my conversations with him went something similar to what is above. "Lord I'm just too tired to talk to you tonight." "Don't you want me to have a fun life?" "I'm so depressed, I just need to watch a movie"... on and on the list of excuses. The part that I'm definitely ashamed of is that I didn't even care that my life was heading down a dark path. I wanted what I wanted, and that was it. But like I said, God did not stop seeking relationship with me!
God started reminding me that He has a specific plan and purpose for me, and that He wants me to talk to people about my history, my life, and glorify Him through helping others know about Him. It seemed like every sermon and song that I heard was about How God wanted me back, and he wanted me to start ministering to others. One song that was integral for me was Francesca Battistelli's "Write your story". Another one was Unspoken's "Lift me up", and specifically the Lyrics "You've brought me this far, so why would I question you now? You have provided so why would I start to doubt? I've never been stranded, abandoned, or left here to fight alone. So I'm giving you control."
On the flip side, now my relationship with the Lord is so unbelievable! I know that He loves me and he shows me daily. I have been reading His word every day even if it is only a few verses, I find time for Him, because it is not just about studying the bible its about having a conversation with God. If I don't allow Him to speak back with me, even if I am praying, then it is a one sided relationship. A few days ago I went through something that was pretty traumatic (I will blog about it later in the week) and that day I opened my You Version bible app, and was reading my 1 year bible plan. Within the first few verses Jesus was speaking to me through words that jumped off the page:
I am preparing a place for you[...] When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am. John 14:3 (NLT)
Isn't that awesome! Jesus was reminding me that He loves me so much that He is making a place for us so that we can always be together! I am just so amazed by Him. My God desires to be with me, and have me with him wherever He is! He feels the same way about you. So today if you feeling like your relationship with the Lord is non-existent, or is less than you'd like it to be, Call on Jesus, tell Him about your day and how you feel and then read the Bible so that He can speak back to you.
Lord I thank you for your word, and for your love for us. I thank you that you desire for us to be with you always, and that you are making a place for us to live with you forever. I ask Lord that if there is anyone reading this that has not accepted you into their heart and life that you would give them the strength to reach out and invite you in. Lord remind us to spend time with you so that our relationship with you can be strong and so that we can be close. I love you Lord God! I pray all these things in the name of Jesus, Amen.
Lord I thank you for your word, and for your love for us. I thank you that you desire for us to be with you always, and that you are making a place for us to live with you forever. I ask Lord that if there is anyone reading this that has not accepted you into their heart and life that you would give them the strength to reach out and invite you in. Lord remind us to spend time with you so that our relationship with you can be strong and so that we can be close. I love you Lord God! I pray all these things in the name of Jesus, Amen.