There are moments in life where we may feel like God is far away. We might even perceive Him as unreachable or someone we can’t connect with. In times like these, we may be prompted to perform to seek out His love. Marisa Owen has felt the same. In her devotional, she invites us on a 113-day journey to experience the fullness of a relationship with the Lord.
We are so happy to introduce author Marisa Owen’s new book, To Me, Then Through Me.
Owen began her devotionals as a way to seek God. As she became more aware of her identity in Christ, the Father’s love began to pour out of her into others. She notes “These personal devotions were written as He taught me to filter life through grace and love; first towards me, then through me.” To Me, Then Through Me takes us on a journey of truth. God doesn’t need performance or the things we can do in our own strength. He just needs us to be willing to allow His love to do transformative work in our hearts and in our lives.
In this devotional, Owen encourages us to have God’s love for other people which can only happen when we extend that same love and grace to ourselves. As she speaks to this, she reminds us “The only way we’ll truly find love is through the revelation of our identity as one who is already beloved in Christ…Let’s meditate on how much we are loved and accepted by our Father.” As we grow deeper in our relationship with Christ, we must be reminded of how His word conquers all. When we develop a relationship with God and have full knowledge of who He is, we can walk into ALL seasons without a spirit of fear. This spirit of fear can keep us from walking out our daily purpose. One of the main ways we can do this is by inviting God unto the deep places of our hearts. As Owen invites us to take that plunge into the darkness, she assures us it is the only way for us to reflect the Father in everything we do. Putting him first allows the broken places to be restored.
One of the main ways we can do this is by inviting God unto the deep places of our hearts. As Owen invites us to take that plunge into the darkness, she assures us it is the only way for us to reflect the Father in everything we do. Putting him first allows the broken places to be restored. Owens says, “We become competent warriors, wielding our Sword (God’s Word) and the shield of faith, when we understand who we are in Christ.”
There’s no better time to get closer to Jesus than the present. We can easily get caught up in ourselves and our own agendas and lose our sense of identity. Those barriers can easily push us into a realm of performance rather than the kingdom posture we are meant to maintain. When we can break down those barriers, we can truly experience all God has intended for us in this life.
To Me, Then Through Me reveals that our insecurities and failures no longer hinder us from relationship rather they invite God to bring the healing necessary to change our lives. Owen tells us “if you want the truth above all else, God will become very clear.” If you are looking to rediscover your true identity or to dive deeper in your relationship with God, To Me, Then Through Me can do just that.
Where to purchase Owen’s devotional:
Marisa Owen has been happily married to her husband, Bart for over 30 years. The two have had the joy of ministering to youth. Her heart for the youth also led her to work in the public-school system with middle schoolers. Owen currently serves in women’s ministry at Covenant Love Church in Fayetteville, NC.
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