Welcome back to online Bible study for Anonymous: Discovering the Somebody You Are to God by Cindi Wood. We started our discussion this week by describing a divine encounter. Divine is godly in my vocabulary, not man-made. Also included in the definition is “when someone encounters a messenger of God delivered through another person.” It could be a school teacher, a salesperson at a store, or someone seated beside you.

As a Bible Cafe Coach, I have shared my personal story about a divine encounter. When attending my very first Bible study, I picked up my workbook from the church desk and walked out. Even though I purchased the book “When Godly People Do Ungodly Things” by Beth Moore, I decided to drop the study before it even started. And then, a divine encounter happened.

Lisa, one of my carpool moms, saw me walking out of the church. She stood in my personal space, just inches from my face, and blocked my path. Then she confronted me about leaving and I told her the study was not for me. She replied, “Christine, if you walk out now then Satan wins.” BAM.

After that divine encounter, I stayed and walked back into the church. Lisa didn’t need to hold my hand or join me in the small group. Her words spoken at that exact moment had a lifetime impact on my heart.

Cindi Wood writes, “… to rise above feelings of insignificance in the eyes of others, it’s critical to understand our significance to God.” After that first Bible study group, I started to realize this important point.

In this season of my life, I celebrate my significance by lovingly reading my Bible, doing daily devotions, singing worship songs, attending church, and fellowship with small groups at the Bible Cafe. Other times, when I feel emotionally and mentally fatigued, I turn to alone time with Jesus. It refreshes me to pray in my garden.

If you were blessed to join a discussion group this week, then you talked about greater and lesser sins. This is a common place of misunderstanding in church denominations.  Sin is sin.

In my small group, I told the story about the time I took a prostitute to church. Though she felt uncomfortable, she sat with my family at the church café. Through God’s eyes, she is a family member and a sinner, just like the rest of us. So we welcomed her at our church and our family table.  A few years later, the prostitute died and thankfully had the opportunity to be loved by the Church and to know Jesus.

Open your Bible and look at 2 Timothy 2:22 NIV: Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. 

Run away from youthful lusts—pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace with those [believers] who call on the Lord out of a pure heart (2 Timothy 2:22 AMP)

To have a pure heart is to seek spiritual transformation! We seek perfection in Christ. As we pursue holiness we clean the temple of the Holy Spirit within us and put on the character of Christ. My friends, that is a beautiful thing.

How do you feel about having an intimate relationship or conversation with God, where you are alone in His presence? Do you intentionally make time for this, or do you fear it? Think about your answer and write it down. Pray over your obstacles. Be a steward of His words and write them down.

Your story may lead someone to Christ.

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Christine Abraham writes for the Bible Cafe™ community. Learn about living by the Fruit of the Spirit as you enjoy her online Bible studies. Join Christine at the Bible Cafe™ University for weekly Bible teaching.