Be Overshadowed by God

Today I was blessed to lead Lectio Divina for two groups of pastors. We shared in the Bible story of Mary receiving the angel’s message from God that she would give birth to Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior (Luke 1:26-38).

We shared in the sweetness of God’s Word. What peace and wisdom came to us from God as we used our prayerful reading of Scripture to help us listen to God and open our hearts to him and to one another.

I led us through the time of reading and re-reading Scripture, each reading supported by a focus question, silent reflection, and verbalizing a prayer in our group. God’s Word moved deeper and deeper into our hearts, culminating in each of us listening for a personal message from God spoken into a particular life struggle or challenge.

I talked to God and my community about my fears of launching full time in our ministry of Soul Shepherding for pastors and leaders and not having enough money to support my family. I prayed about the uncertainties that lay ahead not only in ministry, but also as I prepare to support my daughter going away to college in another state. I told God that I was tired from a busy week of ministry and counseling. And in all these things I received the word of God as Mary did:

The power of the Most High will overshadow you (Luke 1:35).

Then as I listened to God I sensed him speak to my heart:

Bill, I did the biggest miracle through a little girl’s simple trust in me and my words. Trust me. Let my Word live in you and the Holy Spirit – the presence and power of God – will overshadow you, renewing you and anointing you. This is how I comfort you, guide you, and empower you in all things. This is how I do miracles through you!

I am the Most High. Be quiet and still before me. Let my power overshadow you. This is the secret of your renewal and my anointing upon you.

Come to me as the little chick of Psalm 91 who comes under the shadow of her mother’s wings. This is what Mary did and so I birthed the greatest of all dreams through her. This is what I am doing through you in your life and ministry as you yield to me.

Listening to God through Lectio Divina has been a great blessing to Kristi and I, along with the pastors, pastor’s wives, and other Christ-followers that we minister to. We recommend the practice to you!

More Soul Transformation Resources

I’d like to share with you a favorite Christmastime devotional, based on Mary’s story: “The Advent of your God-Dream.”

Perhaps you’d like to learn more about Lectio Divina?

You Can Live in Jesus’ Easy Yoke  is my new book to help you and your loved ones to experience God’s peace in the midst of the stresses of life.
 
Join our Soul Shepherding prayer team to help us in our ministry to pastors. 

Sign up for our Soul Shepherding e-mails.

Let’s be friends online: I post updates and abiding prayers daily on my Facebook and Twitter . 

Bill Gaultiere, Ph.D. & Kristi Gaultiere, Psy.D. ~ http://www.soulshepherding.org

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