Welcome back to our amazing series a word in season for 2024 part five . On how to transition from living life, to living life more abundantly.
Our scripture we have been working through is John 4, about the Samaritan woman. A lady who through an encounter with Jesus managed, to step from just living life, to living life more abundant. From a lady hiding in the shadows and retrieving water outside of the crowd. To becoming one of the greatest evangelist of the bible.
Over the last two parts we have learnt 3 keys.
Let’s recap on these.
Key 1
Living life more abundantly is found, foremost in the kingdom of God. Available to all of us through Jesus invitation.
Key 2
Custom and Cultural belief’s will only get you life, never life more abundantly !
And I explained why.
Because Custom and Cultural belief’s are
1. Tied up in ritual- not relationship,
2. Things are done out of obligation not freedom,
3. Things are done out of a heart of need -not out of heart of love.
4. Lastly judged by works, not out of Faith, in Jesus. Who paid the price in full, on the cross.
And finally
Key 3
We need His mind to understand what He is saying and offering us. As described in Roman’s 12:2
Romans 12:2 (TPT)
2 Stop imitating the ideals and opinions of the culture around you, but be inwardly transformed by the Holy Spirit through a total reformation of how you think. This will empower you to discern God’s will as you live a beautiful life, satisfying and perfect in his eyes.
So now let’s carry on, with the story of the Samaritan woman. In a place where Jesus does something very interesting. He starts on those things that are restricting and will restrict her from stepping into a life more abundantly.
With a question,an invitation, from a heart that loves her, called compassion. Jesus never took pity or sympathy on people he met. He only met people with a heart of compassion. For both pity or sympathy require one to step down to their level. Where compassion allows you to reach down and help a person up.
So lets read what Jesus says
John 4:16
Jesus said, “Go get your husband and bring him back here.”
He is now asking her to be honest, vulnerable and transparent. Which is part of our next key to living life more abundant.
First let’s see how she responds to the invitation from Jesus. Then we will look at the next key.
John 4:17-18
“But I’m not married,” the woman answered.
Key 4
Truly being honest, vulnerable and transparent in front of God, is the way to enter into Life more abundantly. It was the posture of David’ heart, when He asked the Lord to search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. (Psalm 139:23-24 (NIV)
I once was asked a remarkable question I will share with you.
If the Father is all knowing, why would David ask Him to search his heart ?
This was the answer the Lord asked me to reply with. Which holds some incredible revelation and Godly wisdom.
You are correct the Father is all knowing, But He honours freedom of choice so much ! He only chooses to see, what you invite Him to see. This is what Jesus was trying to do with this lady and she allowed it to happen to her !
Key 5
Truly being honest, vulnerable and transparent in front of God is an entry point to His promises, provision and your promotion.
Let’s finish here today !
Here is your challenge for today !
1. Find a quiet space and place. Spend some time worshipping Him. Drawing close to Him.
2. Now ask the Father to search your heart and reveal to you those things that are restricting and will restrict you from. Stepping into, living life more abundantly. Write down all He reveals to you.
3. When you have your list. Take each thing and Say the following prayer: “Father I choose to lay this………………….(name the thing) at Your feet, What are you going to give me in return ? Wait and write down what He says or shows you beside the thing you’re laying down. Repeat this for all of the things on your list. Being careful to write in detail what He says or reveals to you in picture, vision etc
4. Now take the two lists, This is your choice time, you can keep what you have or have what He has shown you ?? (See God is not a God that simply takes. But ‘Gives’ He only wants us to lay down or hand over to Him, because through doing so, He can give you something incredibly special in return)
5. If you want what you have then here we end for you.
6. But if you choose to lay down what He is asking. Here is how you do it. Take your lists, Now choose one thing and what He has shown you, He wants to replace it with. Say the following prayer ‘Father I choose to lay-down ……………………..’(describe what you are laying down). Then continue prayer with ‘I choose to pick up instead……………………….(say what He revealed He wants to give you in return )’ then conclude prayer with ‘I thank you in Jesus name amen’
7. Now repeat with the rest of your list.
Father I ask, would You help us to fully embrace, this message today. As You lead us towards the fullness of Your Glory, Majesty and Spender. So we can fully gasp and understand of what Jesus paid for, at the cross for us ! Amen
Craig Patten
Founding Pastor/Prophet
Encounter Centre & Ministries