10/18/21 Praying With JESUS: 40 Days Toward Church Revitalization — Day 06

John 8:31-32 (ESV)
31 So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples,
32 and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

CONTINUE IN MY WORD… Perhaps the most important dimension of REVITALIZATION is the restoration of God’s people to a profound confidence in God’s Word. Jesus’ promises surrounding His Word are numerous. In John 8:31-32 He promises that faithfully giving heed to His Word on a continuing basis proves we are His followers. In John 15:7 He promises that abiding in His Word and allowing that Word to transformatively abide in us opens the doorway of prayer and allows us to bear much fruit for His glory. In John 14:23 He promises that those who keep His Word will be loved by His Heavenly Father and will eventually make their home with God. In John 8:51 He promises those who keep His word will never see death!

The beginning of a new week is an ideal time to recognize and confess any lack of confidence we have been demonstrating, real or otherwise, in God’s Word. His Word is timeless and unfailing; it is fully dependable and trustworthy. Throughout the REVITALIZATION process you will need to daily profess your confidence in, and dependence upon, His Word. “Do not lean on your own understanding, [but] in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight” (Proverbs 3:5b-6). “Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105).

PRAY… Father, I confess that I have not always delighted in, nor trusted in Your Word. I turn from my faltering faith and ask Your forgiveness for my lack of confidence in Your Word; forgive my failure to believe that Your Word is settled in heaven forever. Today I am asking You to restore my full confidence in Your Word and that You will use Your Word to guide me, and our church family, through every phase of the restoration and REVITALIZATION process for Your eternal glory and praise. I ask this in the Name that is above every other name, Amen.