Please write benefit 5… from memory.
“To enjoy God‘s presence”
Read the familiar words of Isaiah 40:28-31 and savor every word. Write your favorite part of these verses.
“31 ‘…but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles…’”
I believe Isaiah 40:28-31 tells us exactly what to do when we get weary in the walk. Whose strength will the Lord renew?
“those who hope in the Lord”
Read Isaiah 40:31 once more, and insert these synonyms (to bind together, to be gathered together, be joined, to meet, lie, and wait for someone, to expect, to be confident, to trust, to be enduring) in the place of the words hope in. Based on your own conclusions, what do you think Isaiah meant by ‘hope in the Lord’?
“I think he meant a combination or amalgamation of all those synonyms.”
God doesn’t want our goal to be to win. He wants our goal to be to win Christ.
What is the first phrase in Philippians 3:9? “and be found in Him.”
Can you confirm experientially the concept we’re considering? Offer a little feedback… concerning the relationship between weariness and self-effort or renewed strength and the presence of God.
“Sometimes I stop and tell God, I don’t feel up to [going to] Kerstin’s or going out at all or doing this study. Then I usually feel some extra energy, though not necessarily right away, but by the time I’m doing whichever task.”
Read Today’s Treasure aloud; then write 2 Samuel 22:2-4.
“He said, ‘the Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation. He is my stronghold, my refuge, and my savior – from violent men You save me. I call to the Lord, Who is worthy of praise, and I am saved from my enemies.’”
Dearest Rachel –
As chaotic as it is to have to deal with this at the same time that I’m juggling destination, reports, and my experiences at these destinations, I really do need to take these moments to pause and remind myself of Sunday’s existence. Somehow, especially, since today is Easter Sunday; the second straight one where I’ve been out of town, out of the country (and both times, in Japan!), on a cruise and away from the fellowship I really ought to be part of. At least, by making a deliberate effort to record these notes of yours, I am forcing myself to stop and remember the One who gave everything to me so that I can have anything.
In a way, it’s quite appropriate that it would be Easter Sunday when I would come to the end of this particular study book. Beth even makes to point out how “we live in a spiritual battle” and that “in heaven we’ll undoubtedly be ‘free at last!’”; remembering the fact that you are, in fact, free on the very day we commemorate the actions and miracle that granted us that freedom seems beyond appropriate.
Like you, sometimes it feels a bit onerous to keep working on these things; deadlines don’t feel like they ought to be a thing in the middle of a vacation. At the same time, when I take the time to go over these pages, and see your handwriting answering these questions (and thankfully, that’s not a part of the assignment I have to deal with!), I somehow find a few words to say to you and those who might be reading over your shoulder.
He is risen, we would say to each other as the morning broke. He is risen, indeed; He is risen, just as He said. And one day we will both rise to meet Him – and each other – and bask in His presence forever. May that day come soon, Lord!
Until then, however, I’ll just have to keep asking you to keep an eye on me, honey. Oh, and wish me luck; I’m sure that I’m still going to need it.
Letters to Rachel 