Everything is a Gift

We’re talking about how everything is a gift and why you don’t have to earn what God has freely given you.

In this episode, we’ll be looking at:

+ How you can be set FREE from the wearines and frustration of performance…

+ Why RIGHTEOUSNESS is a GIFT to receive…

+ How the PRACTICE of Lectio Divina (Divine Reading) can be a CATALYST in your devotional life…

+ How you can EXPERIENCE God as a Lavisher Gift Giver…

Key Scriptures:

+ James 1:17 - Every good and perfect gift is from above and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.

+ Romans 8:17-18 - And if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him. For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us.

LECTIO DIVINA or “Divine Reading”“Lectio Divina (Latin for divine reading) is an ancient way of reading the Bible--allowing a quiet and contemplative way of coming to God’s Word. It opens the pulse of Scripture, helping readers dig far deeper into the Word than normally happens in a quick glance-over...and can be used with any passage of Scripture:

+ Find the Scripture you wish to think deeply about.

+ Come to a place of stillness with God. Embrace His peace.

+ Relax into His goodness and kindness towards you.

+ If you find your mind wanders at times, be at rest. See God smiling…happy to go with you while you bring your attention back. He doesn’t care how many times you have to do it, because He enjoys being with you. And He knows that as you practice, your focus will grow.

+ Take a deep breath. Inhale and exhale slowly. Thank Him that He is your Prince of Peace and that He is with you always. Take your time.

+ When you’re ready, read your chosen passage of Scripture aloud… slowly. Allow its words to become familiar to you.

+ What images does it bring to your spirit?

+ What phrases or words especially resonate with you?

+ Think more deeply about those bits of emerging revelation.

+ Capture your thoughts in short notes or writing.

+ Read the passage twice again.

+ Like waves crashing ashore, let the words of Scripture surge onto your spirit.

+ What exhilarates you about the words you’re hearing?

+ What scares you?

+ How do they make you feel?

+ What is the theme of this passage to you? Write it down.

+ Does this passage rekindle any memories or experiences?

+ Does it remind you of any promises or words from the Lord?

+ Write those down too.

+ What Is the Holy Spirit saying to you through this Scripture? Investigate it with Him! Picture the two of you walking through it together. Write down what you experience.

+ Read the passage aloud two more times.

+ Is there anything God wants you to do in response to these Scriptures?

+ Pray silently. Tell God what this passage is saying to you. Tell Him what you are thinking about, just as you would if the two of you were sitting in a coffee shop together, chatting about your lives. Take notes on your conversation.

+ Finally, pray and thank God for His relationship with you.

+ Come back to your passage once a week for the next three months. Each time you read it, let more revelation rise in your heart and wash over you.

+ If you wish to, write a crafted prayer based on this passage for yourself, your family or your faith community. Pray that prayer until you feel God has birthed in in you.

After you watch this episode, let Him know that you’d like to expand your capacity to receive what He’s already deposited in your New Man and then welcome the Holy Spirit to help you in this process.

Enjoy having a wonderful encounter with God’s nature of freedom to give.

Thanks for joining me!

-Graham