Day 1 - Seeking the Lord Together

March 1st, 2022
Written by: Nathan Boyd

SCRIPTURE FOCUS
Hebrews 4:12 (NLT)
For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.

DEVOTION
We are so excited to begin another round of devotions. In the past these devotions have helped unify our church and encourage deeper intimacy with the Lord. We are expecting the Lord to do great things as we dig into scripture together and spend time listening to the voice of the Holy Spirit. For this season we will be studying the book of Matthew each weekday, looking at a specific Psalm on Saturdays and then taking Sundays off. Our challenge for you throughout the next forty days is to be diligent to study the scriptures, don’t just allow someone to feed you the Word, and potentially miss out on what the Lord might want to say directly to you. 

I have been walking with Jesus for the past two decades and during that time nothing has been more formative than the time that I have spent with the Lord most mornings. Hebrews 4:12 has proven to be true in my life time and time again,

• the Word of God is alive and powerful - No matter how many times I read through the scriptures the Spirit always gives me new insights that I have never seen before.
• [the Word of God cuts] between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires - The Lord has not only given me new insight as I read through scripture, but he has used these new revelations to convict me of sin, challenge me in areas where I am weak, and encourage me to trust him deeper. 

My prayer for you this season is that you would experience intimacy with our Savior and that he will use the time we spend in God’s Word together to lead you to places that you have never been before. 

Tomorrow is the official beginning of Lent. Depending on your background, Lent may, or may not be, something that you know much about, especially if you have grown up in the Protestant tradition. Lent is simply a time to reflect, repent, and prepare our hearts for the celebration of Easter. During this season people typically give up something, or fast, in order for them to have more time to pursue the Lord. As we begin celebrating lent tomorrow we would challenge you to prayerfully consider what you could give up that would free up more time for you to spend with the Lord. This could include social media, TV, a hobby, or maybe even the luxury of sleeping in. Whatever you decide to give up, be committed to the process over the next 40 days and let someone know your plan so that they can help hold you accountable. 
 
ACTION STEP
Over the next forty days commit to be disciplined to follow along with the morning devotions and remove something from your life so that you can better focus on the Lord during this season. You may want to make a practice of writing in a journal to keep track of insights the Lord may be speaking to you. 

PRAYER TIME
Father, I thank you for being a God that speaks to your children, help me to very clearly hear your voice over the next 40 days and help me to be obedient to whatever you might call me to do.