Infinitely More – Just The Beginning
From the very beginning of creation, God’s nature is very clear: He always starts with the end in mind. He always has a plan. He always has the answer. And He always sees infinitely more than we might ask or think. God is preparing us to experience infinitely more! God’s plan in the midst of this pandemic is that we might know Him more deeply, follow Him more closely, obey Him more consistently, and make Him known to those around us.
Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. (Ephesians 3:20, NLT)
God’s plan is to lead people to Jesus during this pandemic. With an increased level of fear, anxiety, and uncertainty about the future, God is speaking to people about how fragile our lives are, what we are trusting in and the reality of our own mortality. What is the foundation of our lives? If it’s not solid and sure, it’s being shaken today.
God’s plan is for people to follow Jesus now and into the future. The most important decision that anyone will make in this life is deciding who they will follow. It will determine the quality of life our lives on earth and the life after. There is no greater life than the one lived following Jesus! Paul understood this truth and stated it this way:
I once thought these things were valuable, but now I consider them worthless because of what Christ has done. Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ.” (Phil 3:7-8, NLT)
God’s plan is that His people would go deeper in their relationship with Him. James expresses the true desire of God, “Come close to God, and God will come close to you.” (James 4:8, NLT) Jesus left heaven, came to earth, and with his death on the cross, he ransomed us. The sin and brokenness that held us back and away from God is now taken care of by Jesus’ death on the cross. Through Jesus, we now are able to come close to God again. Jesus continues to express His desire to be close to us with this invitation, “Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends. (Revelation 3:20, NLT)
As you follow Jesus, never forget how much He loves you and wants to be close to you. Get close to Him and know Him by reading His Word. How is your one-year Bible reading plan going? Are you spending time in worship and prayer with Him. Let’s respond to His call to a life of infinitely more.
Pastor Barry Risto
Prayer Points
Scriptures: Ephesians 3:20; Philippians 3:7-8; James 4:8; Revelation 3:20
Confess any known and unknown sins.
Father, I thank You that I am able to participate in today’s fasting program.
Commit the month of April into the Lord’s hands. Pray that you will end the month well in Jesus’ name.
Psalm 90:2 – Despite the coronavirus pandemic, “You are God”. Ascribe greatness to our God. (pray this seriously)
Ephesians 3:20 – Jehovah, through Your mighty power within me accomplish infinitely more in the following areas … (mention them) of my life.
Ephesians 3:20 – God accomplish infinitely more in our nation regarding controlling the COVID-19 pandemic.
Father accomplish infinitely more in the lives of families who have been impacted adversely. (pray this seriously)
Phil 3:7-8 – Jehovah shape my perspective of life to align with Yours in Jesus’ name.
Lord, shape the perspective of life for my household (mention them) to align with Yours in Jesus’ name.
Lord, use the COVID-19 situation to shape the perspective of the church and the nations of the world to align with Yours in Jesus’ name.
James 4:8 – Lord draw me and my household close to You in Jesus’ name.
James 4:8 - Jesus purify my heart and that of my household in Your name.
James 4:8 - Father purify the church as You draw her close to You.
James 4:8 – Father draw the world to You during these difficult times.
James 4:8 – Father, remove the distractions in my life (mention them) that causes disloyalty to You.
Lord, remove the distractions in the church (global) that causes disloyalty to You.
Rev 3:20 – Lord, we pray for maximum impact of the word on the world during this pandemic.
Rev 3:20 – Father, soften the hearts of men to receive You as they hear the word during this time. (pray this seriously)
Unleash Your protection and providence upon the persecuted church globally in Jesus’ name.
Wednesday, April 22, 2020
Prayer Conference Call at 5:30 am
Dial: 647-977-2648 (Canada) / 202-602-1295 (USA)
Code: 827-220-552#
Teaching & Prayer Live at 8:00 pm
ppt.church/live
OR
Dial: 647-977-2648 (Canada) / 202-602-1295 (USA)
Code: 827-220-552#