Enjoying His Presence

The necessity of living in the awareness of God's presence has been overlooked for most of my Christian life. In reality, it wasn't until the last couple of years that I began to hear teaching on the subject. Oh, how I wish I had this when I was a new believer.

The psalmist declared that in the presence of God was the fullness of joy (Psalm 16:11). I want to go right ahead and say that you don't have to wait until you die to come into the presence of God. Far too many believers are waiting for eternity to live in the fullness of joy. Why not go ahead and learn to host the presence of God now?

Most of us have had days where it seemed like we couldn't get a positive outlook on anything. Difficulties, problems, etc. seem to flood our surroundings. But I have found that just one moment in His presence can change everything. Inviting God into your situation is also an invitation to experience His joy in the midst of it.

This is why we cannot wait until Sunday mornings to get into worship. Worship needs to be a part of our daily lives. Full blown, wide open worship has to be the heartbeat of who we are. There's a lot of people who struggle being open in worship during a service. Instead of struggling on Sunday, you can be as free and as intimate as you want in private. Here's a secret: that's when worship is really good ;)

Below is a link to a song by Bryan and Katie Torwalt called Holy Spirit. I was introduced to the Torwalts at the Awakening Conference in Chicago. The lyrics are profound in themselves (which I have posted as well), but I encourage you to go to the link I have posted and listen to the song. Who knows...this song may change the rest of your day.

Why not go ahead and learn what it means to enter the holy place.

*If you would like to listen to the song, copy and paste this link in your browser: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pcmUYDU-2DY

Holy Spirit - Bryan and Katie Torwalt

There's nothing worth more
That will ever come close
No thing can compare
You're our living hope
Your presence

I've tasted and seen
Of the sweetest of love
Where my heart becomes free
And my shame is undone
Your presence Lord

Chorus
Holy Spirit you are welcome here
Come flood this place and fill the atmosphere
Your glory God is what our hearts long for
To be overcome by your presence Lord

Bridge
Let us become more aware of your presence
Let us become experience the glory of your goodness
Let us become more aware of your presence
Let us become experience the glory of your goodness
Lord

Every generation of believers needs to learn what it means to host the presence of God. In the Old Testament, Israel has the tabernacle and the temple. Each of these place contained the holy of holies - the place where God would dwell between the cherubim. In the New Testament, we become the temple of God. He dwells within us. Experiencing His presence isn't as much about what you see going on around you but knowing what God is doing in you.

However, I also believe you can enter into a place in worship where you experience both. An outward manifestation along with an inner realization of what the Spirit of God is doing. Sound like fun? Then take some time to get into His presence today.

Understanding the Gift of God

In John Chapter 4, we read about Jesus and the woman at the well. For centuries believers have gained incredible insight from this story. While I will not focus on everything that this story contains, I do want to look at a common misconception.

Jesus asked this woman for a drink of water. Rather than just giving Him the water, she went into a discussion about racial prejudice. Instead of joining her on a rabbit chase, He responded by saying "If you only knew the gift God has for you and who you are speaking to, you would ask me, and I would give you living water." (John 4:10)

Now we are dealing with something totally different. Jesus deliberately took this discussion to a new level. Sure...he was thirsty but she was dealing with a thirst that could only be quenched by Him.

There is a common misconception that people have about faith in God. We automatically think that God is wanting us to give Him something. But eternal life isn't about what we bring to the table. In fact, Jesus demonstrates for us that if we understand the gift of God and what He is all about that we would ask Him for a drink that will never run dry.

Refuse to get caught up in the debates. What Jesus offers to us isn't about our background, where we worship, or our lifestyle choices. He freely offers Himself to us. The gift that He wants to give is a fountain of life that will never run dry. He took this illustration of eternal life to a new level in John 7 by saying that this fountain would be live a well of water springing up and flowing out of you.

What have you tried in life that hasn't worked?
Relationships?
Religion?
Theological Reasoning?
There is only one thing in this life that will satisfy the hunger and thirst of your soul. His name is Jesus.

This woman had encountered the Messiah and she was changed forever. Through this one event an entire city came to know who He was. The same can happen in our own lives. It doesn't matter how ugly your life may seem. It doesn't matter to God the shame that you feel. This offer of life comes freely to every one of us.

Jesus death on the cross brings forgiveness of sin. Your faith in Him brings eternal life. The Spirit of God brings the power of the abundant life to you. You will never need another thing to satisfy your soul. You won't have to look for completion anywhere else. This is the life that He gives and it is a life that will flow out of you to everyone else.

Eternal salvation is not about what you can bring to God. He's not looking for your gifts/works. He has already given the greatest gift. Salvation and the abundant life that follows comes through your faith in Jesus Christ. The Bible tells us that if we believe that Jesus rose from the dead and confess Him as Lord that we will be saved. Salvation is waiting for you.

Are you thirsty?

When to Act

Trying to discern God's will? If you have never been down this path before it could seem difficult. Over the years I have watched as people struggle to come to a decision. What should we do?

The truth of the matter is that there is a lot of advice on the subject. Henry Blackaby in "Experiencing God" would tell you to continue to do the last thing God told you. Eventually He will show you the rest of the path. While I do believe it's good advice, there are times when we have to act. There's probably nothing more frustrating than seeing a door before you and wondering if you should walk through.

My advice? Test the door.

Ecclesiastes 11:4, "If you wait for perfect conditions, you will never get anything done."

While the Lord often gives us clear directions, I believe there are times that He waits to partner with us. In other words, He is waiting for us to act. When we act in faith then we bring ourselves to a place where God can move. Rather than sit back and wait for everything to come into place, we may have to test the door.

Several years ago, my pastor told me that there are several types of doors that we will face:
1) Those that open automatically
2) Those that require us turning the knob
3) Those that are locked
While I do not advise pushing/knocking a door down, there is nothing wrong with checking a door knob or two.

What I have discovered in my relationship with the Lord is that when we act in faith He is the rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. I'm not telling you to operate from presumption. Presumption says "I'm here so where are the blessings?" On the other hand, we cannot expect God to partner with our disobedience. Saying "No" to the Lord keeps us from entering into the best life possible. I have watched both of these attitudes at work over the years and discover people that blame God for their bad choices. And then there are the times when it wasn't very clear...I wasn't really sure...then by faith I chose a path and God was there.

The story of Gideon and the fleece is rather popular. God has told Gideon to go out and fight. Rather than jumping up and joining God, Gideon placed before God a test. God in His grace answered Gideon. However, placing fleece out before the Lord is not an act of faith. When we put things before the Lord: act here, move there, make this show up, and then I will act isn't faith either. Unless the Holy Spirit is directing you to wait for certain things to happen, we need to move.

If we wait for perfect conditions, we won't get anything done. Can you imagine the Body of Christ waiting for perfect conditions when it comes to evangelism? Waiting for perfect conditions until we serve the needs of the poor? Who would get saved? Whose needs would we meet? Jesus feeding the 5,000 didn't wait for perfect conditions. He simply asked, "What do you have?" He took the bread and fish, blessed them, and placed them in the disciples hands. The result? The multitude was fed and God received the glory.

What has Jesus blessed and placed in your hands? When are you going to act?

The Beginning of Rest

It's hard to believe that we are already 10 days into a new year. Time flies when you are having fun...or even when things are crazy! I don't know what the new year holds for you, or what you may be experiencing. Allow me to bring some encouragement.

I was sitting at my desk this morning when all of a sudden I began to smell fresh cut grass. As stated, this is the 10th day of January so there isn't any mowing going on around me. Knowing what Hebrews 5:14 says about having our senses trained for discernment, I began to ask the Lord what it could mean. The Spirit of God began sharing Psalm 23 with me. I want you to read these first few verses from the New Living Translation:
1 "The Lord is my shepherd;
I have all that I need.
2 He lets me rest in green meadows;
he leads me beside peaceful streams.
3 He renews my strength..."

While this may not seem like an earth moving revelation for some of you, it meant a great deal to me this morning. God has extended an invitation for me to lie down and enter into His abundant peace. In other words, I am to rest in Him.

While the New Year brings about great excitement for many people, it can also bring us into a place of great anxiety. A lot of it depends on what was left unresolved from the previous year. The excitement vs anxiety mindset is also dependent on how I enter into a new season. With every new season comes an opportunity to learn more about the Lord and how He wants us to operate. I can come in trying to use all the tools I used last year (be they good or bad) OR I can allow Him to teach me what is needed. This is the part of our relationship with Him that we often miss. Much like Samson, we can pick ourselves and go out before not realizing that God isn't going to work the same way he did last time.

Regardless of the environment that you find yourself in today, you also have an invitation to rest. You have the wonderful opportunity of allowing God to restore your soul, give you strength, and experiencing His incredible peace.

Some may ask: "Where do I find green meadows and still waters?" They are found in the quiet place (the place where you meet with God or He leads you to meet with Him). Do you have a quiet place? If not...allow me to encourage you to get one. Every believer needs a place and a time where they rest in His presence. David's psalm concerning the Shepherding nature of God came through his own experience out in the pastures. He was able to rest in those moments of watching after the flock. It was in those quiet places that much of the worship music of Israel was birthed, and where David earned the title "A man after God's own heart."

What can I do in the quiet place?

Read the Bible: God has given us incredible promises through His Word. However, if we are not aware of what is contained in those pages, we will not experience them.

Pray: You have an awesome privilege as a follower of Christ. You have the opportunity to daily talk with God and allow Him to talk to you.

Be still: There are times in life when we simply need to get away from everything, tell the Lord that we are going to be still and listen. There is great power in rest. Why do you think the enemy fights it so much?

Soak: Another way to experience God in the quiet place is to put on some worship music, lie down, and allow the worship of others to move your heart. Focus in on the words, the melodies, and dwell in an awareness of His presence. God is spirit and those who worship Him must worship Him in spirit and truth. Allow your spirit to connect with His.

These are just a few ideas on how to get the most out of your time with the Lord. I'm not saying that you have to have a format. In fact, I would encourage you to allow the Lord to lead you into those green meadows and beside those still waters. May you find the refreshment you need. May your soul be restored. Let this year be the beginning of rest in your life.

Thanks for Checking In...

Hello 2012 and hello to all my PBC Voice friends.

New blog entries will begin next week. I just haven't been able to put my thoughts to the keyboard yet. However, I have made some changes to the look of the blog. I invite your comments.

I trust that all is well and that this new year brings with it great expectancy. Blessings to you all. See ya next week.