How are you preparing for Resurrection Sunday?
As we prepare for Easter Sunday, which is now less than a month away, we use the word “prepare” because we are taking deliberate steps to experience a breakthrough.
When Jesus made the ultimate sacrifice, humanity was (and still is) granted the opportunity for new life through the forgiveness of sin and freedom from ALL the chains that come with it. Breakthrough frees us from chains.
All we have to do is accept this fantastic gift.
But there is even more. Jesus desires a relationship at a much deeper level. He wants to help unlock all the mysteries revealed in His Word.
If you follow our community, you know part of our preparation is the Daniel Fast. Whether you’ve started or not, we invite you to join in. We all have to decide how to prepare. It’s my job to give you some guidance and nudging. Last week I shared more on the other steps, including worship, dedicated prayer time, diving into the Word (I am recommending Joshua this season), journaling, and participating in daily devotionals.
Journaling may be one of the most important parts of the preparation. We’ve shared ideas on journaling, but I encourage you to write a love letter to Jesus. Pour out your heart.
What does He mean to you?
How has He revealed himself in your life?
How have you seen Him in others’ lives?
Don’t question the process.
Writing can be an essential first step in hearing His voice.
Pastor Jess has been teaching about spiritual gifts during our Wednesday services. I encourage you to take the spiritual gifts test. During a fast is a great time to push deeper into your giftings. You must be willing to step out in them to experience all God has for you.
Lastly, I encourage you to spend time at the table with family and friends. Pray together, laugh together, and go deep together. We need encouragement in the preparation. Don’t grow weary in this preparation – because it IS warfare. Tables are one of the most important places for human connection.
If you are still wondering about the importance of preparation, I encourage you to read Luke 24:46-49,
“Jesus said to them (the disciples), “Everything that has happened fulfills what the Scriptures prophesied of me. The Messiah was destined to suffer and rise from the dead on the third day. Now you must go into all the nations and preach repentance and forgiveness of sins so they will turn to me. Start here in Jerusalem, for you are my witnesses and have seen all that has transpired for yourselves. I will send the fulfillment of the Father’s promise to you, so stay here in the city until you are clothed with the mighty power of heaven.”
We prepare because we want the promise. I don’t want someone to miss a chance to know our Savior because I wasn’t ready. We do it for Him because He did it for us, and there is so much more to how He wants to use you.