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 | I was at the gas station, staring off into the distance while the tank filled. The thought flitted across my mind, "It's Tuesday…" and I remembered that I hadn't asked Jesus to come with me. The realization washed over me. Leaving Jesus in the armchair in my living room was more of a common occurrence in the rest of my week than I'd like to admit. I left Jesus at home and just about everywhere else. Sometimes I left Him in the pews at church or at a Starbucks table, or in the prayer at dinner time. I acknowledged Him where I expected to see Him… and where other people expected me to see Him. Did He belong at a gas station on a Tuesday morning? He would have gone anywhere with me, even the places He didn't seem to fit. I just didn't invite Him. - Tuesdays reminded me that I needed to take Jesus with me everywhere.
Those Tuesdays with Jesus transformed me. Not only did I develop a habit of talking about Jesus, I became more confident talking with Him. What was most surprising was when I became more confident in my ability to listen to Him. What did He say, you ask? Well, turns out, Jesus has no tolerance for those negative thought spirals. I'd start dogging on myself for something, like being late for a meeting or distracted with my family, and He'd say, "Megan, you have a choice. You can either continue feeling guilty or be grateful for awareness." Truth is, He wasn't very sentimental about it. Or in the aftermath of a mistake, I'd consider His character and imagine Him saying something like: "You're not perfect, but you're Mine!" | | | The conversations went a lot like this: He'd remind me that I belonged to Him. Again and again, He affirmed my identity as His. And then He'd point me toward someone else who needed to know it too. Pretending to see Him next to me changed the way I heard from Him. In my new awareness of His presence, I could discern His nudges. I could sense His elbows jabbing my side, making me less aware of myself and more aware of the people who needed to meet Him for the first time or needed to be reminded that He was with us. There were plenty of times when I wanted to ignore Him, and, honestly, many times when I did. But I'd look over at Him after the moment of obedience had passed, and realize that He had more chances for me, continually offering opportunities to step into His plans. Slowly but surely, I became aware of the fact that Jesus not only wants to speak, He wants to speak into every area of our lives. He wants a say in how we act, share coffee conversations, sometimes even dictate what or whom we listen to as we drive. Tuesdays with Jesus reminded me that He is present — always. And His presence prompted me to listen. - Rich Ferreria was the first person I ever heard share stories from spending time with an imaginary Jesus. Thanks for the life-changing idea, friend.
- Jesus shows up at a Pharisee party and calls the host out on not inviting the poor (Luke 14:12–14). He also shows up at the parties of tax collectors and sinners (Mark 2:13–17). And who could forget that wedding at Cana where he turned water to wine (John 2:1–11)?
Excerpted with permission from Meant for Good by Megan Fate Marshman, copyright Megan Fate Marshman. * * * | | | What a fantastic idea! How would you like to invite Jesus to join you on Tuesdays? How would your plans change? What would your family and friends think? How would it change the way you perceived Him? Come share your thoughts. We want to hear from you! | | | Are you ready to believe in His plan? | Meant for Good: The Adventure of Trusting God and His Plans for You | | | $18.99 $10.44 (45% off) + FREE shipping on all orders $35 and more | Meant for Good is a power-packed, biblical look at the truth that you really can trust God's plan for your life--no matter what your life looks like right now. Dynamic Bible teacher Megan Fate Marshman will help you discover how to stop discounting yourself from a hopeful future, start living in active dependence on God, and find your way to the good plan He has for you. With authenticity and revelatory insights into the character of God, Megan shares an engaging and fresh look at the core themes within the well-loved scripture of Jeremiah 29:11-14. Through winsome and inspiring stories, Meant for Good will show you how to trust God in your daily life and, more importantly, how to trust God's definition of good above your own. You will discover: - That your not-enoughness is exactly enough for God, and that in fact, you have everything you need to take that first step into the life God has for you.
- How to stop counting yourself out, because Jesus never has. God is up to something really good, and He's inviting you to join Him.
- How to hear and respond to God's voice, and intentionally grow a personal, intimate relationship with Him.
- How to defeat anxiety, trust God with all you're carrying and worrying about, and experience a life of freedom in relying on God daily.
God has a good plan for you--a plan to give you a hope and a future. Are you ready to believe it? | | | Save 45% on the Meant for Good Bible Study | In this six-session video Bible study, dynamic Bible teacher Megan Fate Marshman will take you through an engaging exploration of the significance of Jeremiah 29:11-14. Through interactive Bible study exercises, you will discover how to stop discounting yourself from a hopeful future, start living in active dependence on God, and find your way to the good plan He has for you. | | | Study Guide
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Sale: $8.79 (45% off) | | Video Study $29.99 Sale: $16.49 (45% off) | | Study Guide with DVD $44.99 Sale: $24.74 (45% off) | | | That's how the enemy works. If He can win the battle for your mind, then he can win the battle for your life. ~ Louie Giglio You can find freedom from the war inside your mind—if you allow Jesus, the Good Shepherd, to lead the battle. It's time to reject the lies and listen to the truth. Sign up now and join us for the Online Bible Study with author & pastor Louie Giglio! | | | this devotion with someone who needs it today | | | |
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