In the new year God challenged me to frame my year with the word “Contend”.
I have never received a word or thought at the beginning of the year before, it usually just becomes obvious to me as I walk my year out. This year was a little different as I felt in my spirit that I needed “to fight for” certain things as my year unfolds.
I love the fact that as a church we take a couple of moments of our year to focus, as one, on His presence. These twenty-one days of fasting and prayer have hopefully helped us to slow down and listen to the Heart of God. He is always there, never leaving our side. We just need to step out of the rush, slow down and focus on the life breath that comes from His word.
“Be strong. Take courage. Don’t be intimidated. Don’t give them a second thought because God, your God, is striding ahead of you. He’s right there with you. He won’t let you down; he won’t leave you.” Deut 31:6
This is one of the things that I am contending for this year. Fighting for the space in our busy world to just be quiet and listen for His voice.
We find our voice in Him. We find our voice by spending time in His word. This is what brings us life and sustains us through tough times as we walk out our lives as well as speaking into the lives of others. When Jesus walked the earth He craved the moments he could get away to pray and listen to His father’s voice. This gave Him the strength He needed to walk through life on a daily basis ultimately to the moment where He laid down His life for us.
Dear friends, I’ve dropped everything to write you about this life of salvation that we have in common. I have to write insisting—begging!—that you fight with everything you have in you for this faith entrusted to us as a gift to guard and cherish. Jude 1:3
This is a phrase that we say a lot at Relate Church but it is so true. “He is always speaking… We are not always listening.”
We need to fight for our time with Him. Not just a concentrated time in January and September but creating a daily rhythm of life that feeds ands gives rest to our soul. His voice and what He is saying is specific to each and everyone of us. Each word waiting to give life to our bones. It’s time to fight for this one!
“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” Matt. 11:28-30
Rod Doell
Pastor
TODAY’S PRAYER:
DAY 19 - JANUARY 24
Pray for: Cultural and Social Influence
Matthew 16:18
Pray that Jesus would build His Church. Pray for personal increased influence - in your place of work or school, friendships and social connections. Pray for collective influence, that the church would change the culture and point to Jesus in an attractive and unmissable way. Pray that God would enlarge and amplify our message as only He can.
