During this holiest week that looks and feels like no previous Easter that I've experienced, I was praying for a word to share with my small group. I heard God say, "disengage." As I often enjoy doing, I looked up the word in the dictionary to obtain the fullest understanding and application of it.
Disengage (verb) 1. separate or release (someone or something) from something to which they are attached or connected.
As I prayed and meditated upon this, I began to gain more clarity. I want to share my thoughts with you, and I pray that they are beneficial.
We are currently forced to disengage from most of the joy-filled, meaningful, and powerful traditions that we are accustomed to. These traditions and customs, many carried on for centuries, can sometimes steal the attention and affection of our hearts. This year we have an opportunity to reflect upon the preeminent cause for our celebration; God loved us so much that He gave His one and only Son to die for our sins so that whoever believes in Jesus would not perish, but have eternal life (John 3:16). Jesus lovingly submitted Himself to judgment, crucifixion, and death for us. He conquered the grave, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. We no longer have to live as "foreigners or outcasts," but we become children of God with access to Father God through Jesus the Son, and we are empowered by the Holy Spirit to live in victory. His great love never ceases to blow me away; it causes me to wonder how we can ever say "no" to Him?
What are some things that we all need to "disengage" (separate or release from) as a prerequisite to an intimate relationship with God?
God is inviting us to disengage from the things that are pulling us away from the relationship with Him and to engage (or reengage) intentional and passionate pursuit of Him.
We do not have to stay connected to sin, past failures, shame, unforgiveness, or regrets. We have the gift of free will and the power to choose to remain connected to these things or to become free of them.
What do you need to separate from or release? I encourage you to make time to pray and meditate upon this quietly until you hear God's loving, gracious, and merciful voice that whispers to enlighten and empower you.
We have great news! We can gain freedom through TRUE confession and faith in Christ.
References: 1 John 1:9, Psalm 103:12, Micah 7:18-19, John 8:36
As we prepare to celebrate our Savior's triumphant resurrection tomorrow, will you consider further reflection and preparation of your heart through contemplation and prayer?
Suggested Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father,
I know that you love me. I believe that Jesus died for my sins. I am sorry for ________________, please forgive me as I choose to forgive _____________. Empower me by Your Spirit to sin no more.
Thank you, God. I love you. Amen.
Copyright ©2020 by Ronilynn Brissey-Ramos
Photo by Pablo Heimplatz on Unsplash
Disengage (verb) 1. separate or release (someone or something) from something to which they are attached or connected.
As I prayed and meditated upon this, I began to gain more clarity. I want to share my thoughts with you, and I pray that they are beneficial.
We are currently forced to disengage from most of the joy-filled, meaningful, and powerful traditions that we are accustomed to. These traditions and customs, many carried on for centuries, can sometimes steal the attention and affection of our hearts. This year we have an opportunity to reflect upon the preeminent cause for our celebration; God loved us so much that He gave His one and only Son to die for our sins so that whoever believes in Jesus would not perish, but have eternal life (John 3:16). Jesus lovingly submitted Himself to judgment, crucifixion, and death for us. He conquered the grave, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. We no longer have to live as "foreigners or outcasts," but we become children of God with access to Father God through Jesus the Son, and we are empowered by the Holy Spirit to live in victory. His great love never ceases to blow me away; it causes me to wonder how we can ever say "no" to Him?
What are some things that we all need to "disengage" (separate or release from) as a prerequisite to an intimate relationship with God?
- Unrepented Sin. References: 1 Corinthians 6:9-10, Galatians 5:19-21, Colossians 3:5, Ephesians 5:3-6, Revelations 22:12-16, Matthew 25:41-46
- Refusal to forgive. Reference: Matthew 6:15
- Other "gods" / "things" that we have put before Him. Reference: Exodus 20:3-6
God is inviting us to disengage from the things that are pulling us away from the relationship with Him and to engage (or reengage) intentional and passionate pursuit of Him.
We do not have to stay connected to sin, past failures, shame, unforgiveness, or regrets. We have the gift of free will and the power to choose to remain connected to these things or to become free of them.
What do you need to separate from or release? I encourage you to make time to pray and meditate upon this quietly until you hear God's loving, gracious, and merciful voice that whispers to enlighten and empower you.
We have great news! We can gain freedom through TRUE confession and faith in Christ.
References: 1 John 1:9, Psalm 103:12, Micah 7:18-19, John 8:36
As we prepare to celebrate our Savior's triumphant resurrection tomorrow, will you consider further reflection and preparation of your heart through contemplation and prayer?
Suggested Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father,
I know that you love me. I believe that Jesus died for my sins. I am sorry for ________________, please forgive me as I choose to forgive _____________. Empower me by Your Spirit to sin no more.
Thank you, God. I love you. Amen.
Copyright ©2020 by Ronilynn Brissey-Ramos
Photo by Pablo Heimplatz on Unsplash
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