Worship

“You’re Worthy of it All” by Shane and Shane

Scripture

“The one who has the bride is the bridegroom. The friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly at the bridegroom’s voice. Therefore this joy of mine is now complete.” -John 3:29 (ESV)

A Legacy of Faith and Preparation

I remember when I was 6 years old and the Lord spoke to my mom.

I Am coming back, and you are not ready.

It was at this very time we saw the salvation of our entire household.

I always share this part of my testimony when I share the gospel. Not long ago, my mom texted me a reminder of what God said to her that day. Forty years had passed since she last mentioned that day. About an hour after receiving my mom’s text, I read this quote on Instagram:

“The Lord is calling some to embrace a season of rigorous preparation to prepare others for the greatest transition in history, the return of Jesus.” -Mike Bickle

This thought of Jesus’ return flashed across my mind twice in just a matter of hours. I knew the Lord was speaking. I took note of the repetition of the theme. For months, my thoughts have been turned and redirected to the reality that Jesus is returning for His Bride. In fact, I think what was once a part of our doctrine is shifting into our main line of sight. I believe it will be something we will each base our lives’ pursuits upon.

Living with Eternal Perspective

I remember sitting across from my translator in Asia as she told me that she hopes to give her life for the sake of Christ and that her nation would come to know Jesus. With tears streaming down her face, she said to me, “We only take people with us to Heaven—nothing else.”

I pray He gives you a picture of His face. When He looks at you, He is full of total love and approval and affection and joy. One day we will see Him face-to-face. One day we will dine at the wedding feast of the Lamb. It may not be far off. Are you ready?

Today’s theme verse jumped off the pages of my Bible when the Lord gave me the vision for a 31-day encounter in January 2020 to listen for the voice of the Bridegroom.

Will it be in our day, in this generation, that we see our coming King? The reality is that He is coming for His Bride. How do our lives reflect our expectation for this day? How are we preparing for this ever-present reality? Lord, are the affections of our hearts set on You? Are our lamps filled with oil like the five wise virgins (Matthew 25:1-13)?

Lord, I pray that You would take me deeper and deeper into new facets of Your love. Would You change my focus to eternity, that I would count the cost and live for that day? May my life be a radical testimony of those who have been redefined by love. Fill my lamps with oil. And may the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be fixed on the One who paid it all for me and who is worthy of my all.

This devotional was adapted from my book “Arise My Darling.” You can purchase the book on Amazon.

A Few Key Notes

• I will be casting vision for 70 cities over Zoom in January. If you would like to receive the invitation to that call, please email [email protected].
• A new five-week Arise study begins January 19! Christina McCracken will be teaching from her new book “Live for That Day: Garnering Rewards at the Judgment Seat of Christ.” Join us at 7 p.m. CST every Tuesday over Zoom. You can purchase her book on Amazon.
• Join us February 25-March 1 in Fort Hood, Texas, to share the love of Jesus with others! We will be taking a men’s team and a women’s team! Married couple housing is available.
• Ladies in the Houston area, join us for an inspirational workshop led by Cristina Slabic about designing your days to move in the direction of your dreams.

Saturday, January 16

8 a.m. – noon

Magnolia’s First Baptist Church

18252 N. Sixth St., Magnolia, TX 77353

RSVP to [email protected].

• Gather with other women in the Arise network over Zoom for a weekly prayer time this month.

2:30-3 p.m. CST every Thursday

Zoom ID: 8974297573