Wednesday's Washing
"...Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her, so that He might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word." Ephesians 5:25-26
My Prayer
In thinking about where to start and what to share with you for this very first de
votional entry, I kept going back to the beginning - the place where it all started.
 
I have started and re-started this post I don't know how many times, and nothing felt right until I decided to share from this passage which you'll see at the top of every entry. It's the prayer I pray almost every time I spend time in God's Word; "Lord, wash me with the water of your Word."
 
I love this passage. It's so redemptive in nature, especially for someone like me who needs lots of second chances to get it right! To think that the more time I spend seeking the Lord, through his Word, the more my mind, my thoughts and my desires are being cleansed, purified, made right... I want that. I need that!
 
Do you want to walk in holiness, to be one who's heart is pure? Spend time in God's Word. Don't just read it as a task, something to mark off your "to do" list. Invite the Lord to speak to you before you open your Bible. What better Docent to instruct you as you seek to know him more.  
 
Believe it or not, the goal is not to finish. The goal is to encounter. The One who gave himself for you, to make you holy, radiant, without stain, wrinkle or blemish, wants nothing more than to spend time with you and to reveal himself to you. 
 
In this new year, give him room every day, to do just that.
 

Blessing you today,
Cheryl Moses


Father, give us a passion for your Word, eyes to see the truths therein and hearts receptive to all that you are speaking.
A little Extra...
If you don't know where to start, begin with a good scripture based devotional book or just start in the New Testament or Psalms. 
 
Spoiler Alert: I'm not a fan of Bible Reading Plans for use as a daily devotional. Sorry! They are great for those who already have a firmly established devotional time and want to add this in addition to it, but for everyone else, just don't. If you can't stay on track, which happens a lot, you'll most likely get very frustrated and you won't be able to maintain the schedule. Then you'll just quit.
 
If you're looking for a really good devotional book that is primarily scripture, I highly recommend, Face to Face, by Kenneth Boa. It is ALL scripture but has daily readings. Plus it's just awesome! I often revert back to it when my time in the Word seems to have gone dry or dull.
 
Alternate between versions. I will often re-read a passage in another version of the Bible to gain a broader perspective on what the writer is trying to say. I have one I gravitate to mostly, but I keep one or two others nearby for when I want to go deeper into a passage. This helps greatly with meditating on the Word.
 
Lastly, you can never go wrong with the Psalms! I read from the Psalms more than any other book in the Bible. It's just good stuff! Beginner? Start with Psalm 119. Don't try to read the entire thing in one sitting. It's looooong! Read a little until something grips you. Camp there and spend time with the Lord about what caught your attention.
 
If you get stuck in a particular book or passage in the Bible, great! Don't rush on. The Lord is clearly speaking to you about something. I've been stuck in Colossians for weeks, and I can't seem to move on. That's okay!
 
I'm praying that before we meet again, you'll get stuck somewhere!

Today's Text
Ephesians 5:25-27
 
 
Theme Verse
...Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word...
                Ephesians 5:26
Next Steps...
1) Make a plan! Set aside time every day to spend in God's Word.
 
2) Keep your appointment. Don't miss it and if you do, try not to miss it twice.
 
3) Dialog with the Lord about what he's speaking to you. Remember, we're after an encounter with the Living God.
More About Cheryl
I am the Secretary and Ladies' Ministry Leader at Calvary Community Church. I started attended Calvary in 1990 and since then, my understanding of who Jesus is and how big his love is for me, has grown considerably. I've always had a heart for serving others and ministering to women. Yet for all that I am and profess to be, a re-purposed mess may be the best description I can use to describe myself. If God can use me to touch just one soul through anything I say or do, then my life has been well spent. 
His Delight 


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