Invitations of Jesus Series: Episode 9 The Bush

Hello, my walking friend! Doesn’t it feel great to be moving? Aren’t you grateful for the ability to get some exercise? It’s easy to take a simple thing like walking for granted, so let’s take a few seconds to thank Jesus for the ability to go for this 10 minute walk today. 

Today is the 9th episode in the Invitations of Jesus series and we are reflecting on Jesus’ invitation to live a life of adventure at any age.

Our verse to meditate on today is John 10:10 NIV:

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I have come that they may have life and have it to the full. 

The thief does come to steal, kill, and destroy. That may seem extreme if you haven’t personally experienced this kind of physical violence; but the enemy isn’t just interested in hurting God’s image bearers physically, it is even more important to him that he hurts them mentally, emotionally, and above all, spiritually.

How does he do that? Let me ask you, have you ever had a dream that went unfulfilled because of doubt or fear? Have you ever felt a calling from Jesus to do something that you felt ill-equipped to do, so you didn’t even try? Have you ever experienced a significant disappointment or tragedy and you began to doubt God, maybe even curse him? I think all of us can answer “yes” to at least one of these questions. And that is how the thief, the enemy, can steal your joy, kill your dreams, and destroy your faith. 

The enemy also lies. He will tell you that you are too old…or too young…to do what God has called you to do. He will tell you that God will send you to the wolves if you accept his invitation to serve him. He will cause you to doubt that God even called you to do this or that at all. 

But that’s how the enemy works. He is the father of all lies and those are all lies. Jesus has told us that with him, you can do all things he has called you to do. He has promised that he will never leave you nor forsake  you, wherever he sends you. He has declared, that regardless of your age or position in life, he wants you to live life to the full. When we accept that invitation, we can expect a life of adventure with Jesus. 

Now let’s take a little time to meditate on John 10:10:

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I have come that they may have life and have it to the full.

Did Jesus reveal anything special to you as you meditated on the verse? I was inspired to write a poem based on the story of  Moses and God’s invitation to him to live a life of adventure at any age. The poem is called The Bush and you can read the poem in my poetry devotional entitled, Invitations Poetry Devotional.  

You can read Moses’ story in Exodus chapter 3. 

You are now at the halfway point of your walk. If you need to be back in 10 minutes, this would be the time to turn around and head back.

Let’s take some time to meditate again on Jesus’ invitation to live a life of adventure at any age, and what that means to us. 

Now I am going to pray for us:

Dear Lord,

Age truly is just a number to you. Thank you for allowing me to dream and to serve you in every season of life. Please empower me to do both. I pray this in the precious name of Jesus, the one who invites me. Amen.

Here are some questions for you to consider:

Can you think of a time when you felt too old or too young, too weak or inexperienced, for the task you were called to do? Were you able to complete the task? If so, how? If not, why do you think you were unable? Take some time to consider your answer now.

Looking back, do you now believe God had a purpose in having you be the one to fulfill that task or mission? Take some time to think about that now.

Can you think of a task or mission God may have for you to do in your current season of life? What is it? Is there anything keeping you from accepting Jesus’ invitation to join him in his work? What can you do to remove that obstacle? Take some time to consider all of this now. 

Before we wrap up, listen to today’s verse one last time John 10:10:

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I have come that they may have life and have it to the full.

Is there anything else you would like to talk to Jesus about? Remember, he is right there with you, walking with you, and he is eager for you to share all that is on your heart and mind with him. Take some time to talk to Jesus now.

Good job, my friend! Are you feeling empowered to accept Jesus’ invitation live a life of adventure with him? Lock arms with Jesus and you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the enemy. Remember, Jesus wants you to have, not just life, but life to the full.

Today’s podcast was adapted from my poetry devotional called Invitations. For information on this devotional, or any Walk with Jesus resources, including the Walk with Jesus 21 day scripture, devotional, and guided prayer journal book for walkers, go to LynneLeite.com.  You will find the URL for this book and other resources in the podcast show notes. 

 I hope we can walk together again tomorrow, friend. In our next episode we will consider another invitation from Jesus. Until then, God bless you as you walk with Jesus.