Discover Open Book Ministries!

As a young girl, my friend Rene's mother and my Mom planned a surprise joint birthday party for the two of us. It was a loving and thoughtful gesture, but surprises have never been my thing. While visiting Susie at her home (another friend,) I read the hand-written invitation laying open on her kitchen table. I was mortified! Now I had to endure a party in my honor (ugh!) and also act surprised! Such a dilemma. Everything worked out, but I asked Mom to never surprise me again with a party. She graciously never did. 

There is a different kind of invitation written and sent to each of us individually and all of us corporately! It is encapsulated in multiple scriptures and stories in our Bibles. These sacred invitations from the LORD may surprise us, but will not mortify us. They may challenge us but the outcome will be knowing the LORD and being known by Him.

Here is some wonderful news! No need to "dress up" when we say "yes" to the LORD's sacred invitations. He prefers that we come as we are ... no party attire!  

For example, in the Old Testament, the prophet Isaiah recorded the all-encompassing invitation from the LORD. "Come everyone who thirsts ... come to the waters." (Isaiah 55) In the New Testament, Jesus repeats the invitation to the thirsty: come to Him, the Living Water, and drink. (John 7:37-38, Revelation 21:6) Have you ever been thirsty ... thirsty for peace, hope, for something more ... for God? 

One of my favorite sacred invitations is in Matthew chapter 11, verses 28-30. I love to read this passage in traditional Bible versions such as the New King James or the English Standard. However, let me add this thought ... there are two paraphrased versions the Holy Spirit can use to expand our understanding of these verses:  "The Passion Translation" and "The Message."  As you slowly "drink" the refreshing promises in Matthew 11:28-30, what thirst do these verses  address in your life?  

LORD GOD, it is humbling to consider the truth that You, the Mighty God and Creator, invites us to know You. Help us say "yes" to Your sacred invitations, to join our lives with Yours, to learn Your ways, and discover that You are gentle, humble, easy to please. Teach us Your unforced rhythms of grace. Open our eyes to places in Your heart and mind we have never before discovered.  

Amen 

~Vicki~