Scriptures:

John 20:19-29

John 17:23

Key Thoughts:

Þ Some empty ideas about Jesus

Þ The primary desire of God

Þ Our need for a real Jesus

Þ What goes down when God shows up

Þ What it means to have God breathe on you

Þ How can we experience intimacy with God

For Our Good:

God Speaks: What is the Lord saying to you?

Personal Reflections: In light of what Jesus has said to you, how might you live differently? Who needs you to share this message with them?

Family Resources:

Practice intimacy with God this week:

1) Daily renounce doubt in God’s love. Affirm that God likes you and looks for ways to be with you. Post the quote from Henri Nouwen on your mirror to read daily. (This quote, printed below, mirrors several scriptural statements.)

2) Search yourself to confirm that all areas of life are surrendered to God’s rule and direction. Ask what interests God has that should be your interests.

3) Resist the practice of religious activity without a sense of the Divine’s Presence.

Henri Nouwen: “I have called you by name from the very beginning. You are mine, and I am yours. You are my beloved, on you my favor rests. I have molded you in the depths of the earth and knitted you together in your mother’s womb. I have carved you in the palms of my hands and hidden you in the shadow of my embrace. I look at you with infinite tenderness and care for you with a care more intimate than that of a mother for her child. I have counted every hair on your head and guided you at every step. Wherever you go, I go with you and wherever you rest, I keep watch. I will give you food that will satisfy all your hunger and drink that will quench all your thirst. I will not hide my face from you. You know me as your own, as I know you as my own. You belong to me.”   

FOR GOOD Prayer Emphasis: Pray every day this week at 4 PM.