There’s nothing like a visitation from Jesus.
He comes (in my experience) with all authority but yet a beautiful humility that makes Him entirely approachable and completely welcoming.
The first time I encountered Jesus in this way was in 1993. My wife’s 19 year old son had been killed in a car accident months before. That kind of loss rips through your life in a way that only those with similar losses can understand.
We had a publishing company called Hidden Manna Publishing and had published some very successful books including Psalm 91 – The Ultimate Shield and The Bible Incorporated – In Your Life, Job & Business. After the accident, my wife (who has since passed away) completely withdrew from our business. I, on the other hand, threw myself into it with vigor.
The net result was that sales went through the roof, but so did accounts receivable. High sales looked good, but when stores don’t pay for the books they have received (and sold), it was a recipe for disaster.
During the turmoil of that time, I had a vivid dream… I was on a tire swing and Jesus was swinging and spinning me and laughing. I was like a kid and afraid I would fall off. He had everything under control and I was safe, yet afraid.
Then He stopped the swing and I got off. I awoke knowing that the scary ride I was on, would end soon and end well.
Not many days later, Jesus came to my bedside…
It was in the predawn hours. The light of day was not far off. He stood beside me and simply said, “I have meat (for you) to eat, that you know not of.” Of course I recognized those words from the gospel of John…
“But he said unto them, I have meat to eat that ye know not of. Therefore said the disciples one to another, Hath any man brought him ought to eat? Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work.” (John 4:32-34)
He let me know that He had a work for me to do that I had no idea of, but it was not what I was doing and He would lead me to it.
Shortly after that, World Bible Publishers made me an unsolicited offer to buy our company. I turned it down. They sweetened the pot about a half dozen times before I accepted. And just like that, our financial straits were over and we were on a new path.
I am on that new path now, but the reason I am sharing this with you is to let you know that Jesus is guiding you when you don’t even know it, and that He has a work for you to do, that you don’t want to miss.
The way to make sure you don’t miss it, is to stay within earshot of the Lord. By that I simply mean, spend time with Him, in His Word and in the Spirit. Maybe you’ve tried that but seemingly to no avail. There seems to be a disconnect.
That happens.
I’ve lost that sense of connection a number of times over the year, and each time, I need to RESET, RENEW and REJOICE.
How does one do that?
My dear lifelong friend Rick Osborne, himself a published author with over 10 million books sold, is hosting what he calls the Ephesians 3:20 RESET Challenge beginning next Wednesday, January 11th with special guest Craig Hill, author of The Ancient Paths. I will also be a special guest for one of the sessions.
If you register AND attend his five day challenge, your life will be ruined for the ordinary. You will experience a refreshing and renewal that will RESET your year and life. If you want a fresh touch from God, a renewal and a reset, then plan on joining us next week.
All sessions will be recorded and available for one week after to folks who register, so if you want a fresh connection with Jesus and a reset and renewal in your life that will make you REJOICE, then register here now.
I hope to see you in the challenge!