Word of God - Speak!

Revelation 21:5 (NIV)
 He who was seated on the throne said, "I am making everything new!" Then he said, "Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true."


This past weekend the church I attend held a Renewal Weekend for women.  This is like a retreat, a time to draw close to God, to fellowship with other Christians and to share. We share our stories of God's love and His provision. We share our hearts and our time and our prayers with one another. Each of these weekends has a Scripture verse which is a theme verse.  Revelation 21:5 was that verse.

Because Scripture is living and active, these words spoke to the hearts of the 24 women in attendance in differing ways. Because God meets us where we are, His words will minister to each heart individually, on a day by day basis. This is one of the things I find so exciting about digging into the Word. Every morning when I ask for a word - He gives me one!

For example, May of 2012 I was living in the north woods of Wisconsin.  My husband had recently died and I was working through all the change my life now faced.  I had been here for 10 months and was sensing during my daily time with God, that things were about to change again. The time was approaching for me to return home. I called my former pastor to explain my feelings and he said, "God is making everything new." It was this very verse I had read and underlined in my Bible that morning.

The Bible begins with the majestic story of creation and ends with the fulfilling picture of the creation of a new heaven and a new earth.  God is making all things new and you can write it in indelible ink; for the words from God will not be erased. (paraphrased by this writer)



Revelation 21:1-5

Luke 22:7-23

There is a verse in the Bible many will recognize and claim and it is: "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." (Jeremiah 29:11) This was a favorite with both my husband and me.  We had both attended a weekend retreat at our church (at different times) and this was the verse each of our groups adopted.

There is such comfort to be found in these words, especially for a new believer, a fresh follower who has just accepted the challenge to grow a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.  At such a vulnerable time as this, to hear the words of Our Lord saying His plans include Hope and Future, many begin a faith journey of a lifetime.  

As I read today's scripture I was reminded of this declaration.  When Jesus was giving instructions to Peter and John regarding the preparations for the Passover Meal, it became obvious He had planned this event ahead of time.  The scene was set and all the characters, right down to the man carrying water, had an important role to carry out.  Jesus commands and the faithful trust and obey.

He replied, “As you enter the city, a man carrying a jar of water will meet you. Follow him to the house that he enters, and say to the owner of the house, ‘The Teacher asks: Where is the guest room, where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?’  He will show you a large room upstairs, all furnished. Make preparations there.” (Luke 22:10-12)

The fact that our LORD has a plan for us makes it possible for me to carry on in the face of adversity; it give me a reason to move forward when things aren’t has I think they should be.  God has a plan, Jesus has a plan and I know that is all I need today.

Read the Luke 22:7-23 text here.  Listen to an audio of Luke 22:7-23 here.

Note: Today is the first anniversary of my husband’s death.  The verses were switched around (yesterday and today) quite by accident by this writer, but certainly no accident by our God.  I dedicate this devotional to the men of Dave’s renewal team, who visited, loved and prayed for him during the final weeks of his life.  God’s plan is falling into place quite nicely.