Begin with two minutes of silence and stillness before God.
Growing up, I loved reading books about world history, American history, and local lore, soaking up as many stories as possible. I wanted to understand what happened and who existed before me. Still, no matter how diligent a historian I was, there was no way for me to know every story, every person, every event from the past. So, after reading for hours, I spent the rest of my time imagining what life was like two hundred years ago, trying to fill in the gaps of my research. I would look around my house for evidence of centuries past - secret floorboard compartments, messages carved in a tree, or a hidden passage in the basement.
I never found evidence of historical importance in my family's 1950 split-level home, so I was determined to leave a message for a girl who would come centuries later. Risking certain punishment if discovered by my parents, I secretly carved my initials into the basement stairs, my bedroom's baseboards, and every tree in the backyard, and of course, I buried a time capsule in the yard. When I looked to the future, I saw uncertainty - I knew nothing, but I wanted to give those who came after me the knowledge of my existence. I wanted them to know about me!
When I read God's Word, sometimes I'm overwhelmed by the fact that God gave us His Word so that WE could know HIM! The Bible tells us so much about the history of our faith, the heroes who have gone before us, the promises of our heavenly Father given to us, and the hope our Savior secured for us. Thousands of years of history, rescues, warnings, promises, and praises all point to Him. But as much as we know, John 21:25 tells us, "Jesus did many other things as well. If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written." And that's just the 33 years Jesus was on earth!
In today's reading in Revelation 10, the Lord told John not to share a part of His revelation. I couldn't help but pause and wonder what it was and why it couldn't be shared! Why not just roll out EVERYTHING? As much as I would love to know the WHY, the WHAT, and EVERY detail of Jesus' earthly ministry through His second coming, God is the only Omniscient One, so I'll have to wait.
As a child, I played pretend to fill in the gaps of what I did not know, but God didn't leave us to grasp at straws or imagine what He wants for us. We know everything we need to have faith, a relationship with Jesus, and a life well-lived; we know who He is and why He came! And we aren't left without direction - without rich and full purpose. God showed us through Abraham, Moses, Daniel, and Jonah: Love God and love people; through your love and obedience, He will make His name known. In the Gospels, Jesus repeatedly modeled our mission: to love God and love people, and make His name known. We know our mission, and the Son is returning, so let's live with urgency and be people of mercy, goodness, compassion, and love. Let's live as children of the King and share the Good News!
When I was a girl, I was eager to share a message with those who would come after me, to make MY existence known, but God had something much better in store! If I could go back in time and visit my childhood home in Garner, North Carolina, I would give younger me a new message to believe and to share:
The Lord, who created you, knows you fully, loves you dearly, and desires a relationship with you - not because of what you've done, but because you are precious to Him! You exist because of Him and for Him! Cling to THAT hope! I love your passion for reaching others; God will use that! Put your trust and your hope in Jesus, and pass on the Story - not in hidden notes and whispers - but pass on the Gospel with boldness, urgency, and love. Live as a child of the King!
Take two minutes to reflect in silence.
Reflection:
Use the S.O.A.P. Method to study God’s Word.
- SCRIPTURE: What stands out to you in today’s passage?
- OBSERVATION: What is this text saying? What is the context? How does it fit with the verses before and after it? Are there any commands, instructions, or promises?
- APPLICATION: How can you apply this verse to your life? What does this mean today? What is God saying to you?
- PRAYER: Respond to the passage in prayer. Ask God to help you apply this truth to your life and spend some time listening to what He may be telling you.
PRAY FOR TPW 2025
Over 500 students, nearly 200 volunteers, and dozens of Venture Church staff will attend Turning Point Weekend this Friday through Sunday. TPW is Venture Students’ annual fall retreat designed for students in grades 7th through 12th to reach a powerful turning point in their faith and walk with Christ. Students from every Venture Church campus will come together to build relationships, play games, and, most importantly, passionately worship Jesus Christ.
As a church, before the weekend, we want to PRAY FIRST. Join us in praying every day this week for one minute at 1:00 PM for God to move in the lives of students and leaders!
How to pray for TPW 2025 this week:
- Pray for protection - physical and spiritual.
- Pray for the students and their experience this weekend, that it would be a turning point in their faith that ripples through their families, schools, and communities.
- Pray for our team and all the leaders who will be volunteering their time.
- Pray for Salvations!