Encounters with God: You Will Never Be the Same Week 1

Hi Family,

I am so thrilled to welcome you to Week One of our April Embrace the Word study: Encounters with God: You Will Never Be the Same.

There is something so powerful about a fresh start and a fresh word. This month, we are embarking on a transformative journey through the scriptures. We’ll move from the Old Testament, where God appeared in majestic clouds and consuming fire, to the Gospels, where we meet Jesus face-to-face, Emmanuel, God with us. Finally, we’ll see how He continues to encounter His people in Acts and the Epistles through the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit.

One moment in His presence changes everything. It refines us, restores us, and redirects us.

In Week One, our focus will be: The God of the Mountain & The Wilderness.In the Bible, the Mountain often represents God’s holiness and authority, while the Wilderness represents a place of testing and total dependence.

This week, we’ll watch as God pulls individuals away from the noise of the world to meet them in their isolation. From the burning bush to the quiet cave, these weren’t just personal moments of comfort or despair; they were strategic moments that changed the course of lives. When God meets you in your wilderness or calls you up to the mountain, it is because He is preparing to lead you into something new.

Our Anchor Verse for April

As we journey together, we have one anchor scripture that reminds us of the promise of this study:

“And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.” 2 Corinthians 3:18 

This is the heartbeat of our 30 days: as we “see” Him, we are “changed” by Him. One moment in His presence refines us, restores us, and redirects us.

From the burning bush to the road to Damascus, God intersects the lives of humanity. He meets us where we are, but He loves us too much to leave us there. Let’s set aside our ‘veils’ and prepare our hearts to behold Him. The God who appeared then is the same God who is with you now. Let the encounter begin. 

I can’t wait to see how the “I AM” meets you today.

Grace and Peace, 

As always, you can engage with this study in various ways:

• Follow the ETW: “Encounters with God: You Will Never Be the Same” reading/writing plan.
• Download the FREE Devotional Guide, which includes observation questions and daily Pause, Prayer, Practice, and Praise reflection prompts to guide you in studying God’s Word. Day 7 of each week is a catch-up day. Engage with related scripture using the D.W.E.L.L. Bible Study method or any method you prefer. Or spend the day exploring other areas of study that speak to you.

>>>> Download Week One HERE! <<<<

• Like and follow Sparrow’s Song on Facebook for additional content.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit, you may abound in hope. —Romans 15:13

Your friend in the journey, 

Remember: The Word W.O.R.K.S. We are walking in Wholeness, Obedience, Righteousness, and Kingdom Success through the Word of God.