Personal Experience

 Scripture:

“The people of Israel served the Lord throughout the lifetime of Joshua and of the elders who outlived him—those who had personally experienced all that the Lord had done for Israel.”  ‭‭Joshua‬ ‭24‬:‭31‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Observation:

This verse has a powerful thought behind it. It tells us that the people of Israel served the Lord throughout the lifetimes of those who had seen Him work and personally experienced His mighty miracles. One of the most difficult things about Christianity is that each generation must have a move of God. Theology and good ideas don’t keep people following a religion, personal experience does. 

Application:

When someone personally encounters the Lord, their lives will be changed forever, but each person must have that encounter for themselves. You can’t pass on an experience. You can tell your kids about it, but they must experience it themselves. If it isn’t personal, it isn’t likely to be passed to the next generation. 

Prayer:

Father, let this generation see a true move of God. Let Word of Life be a place where people can have personal encounters with the risen Christ. Help me to serve You well in my generation. Thank You for so many incredible personal experiences with You. You have allowed me to see much, but my kids and their kids will need to see You work in the same ways. Pour out Your Spirit in this generation.

Your Son Forever,

Jeff