The Presence of God

Are we sensing the presence of God as we journey through this Lenten season? Are we seeking His presence more? 

Does the Presence of God dwell in your church? Do you sense His Presence during times of corporate prayer? 

The Presence is most likely to show up when we pray together. When, we, the church body unite in prayer and worship, praising him, humbling ourselves before him - His Presence comes.   

Terry Teykl, pastor and author of The Presence Based Church says:  

"As the body of Christ, we desperately need the Presence of God. We are nothing without it. His Presence, unrivaled in any aspect of beauty, power, fame or majesty, is our provision and glory. It should be the thing that holds us up and sets us apart. One moment in the Presence can do more than a lifetime of church services without it."

Do we believe this? Do we then, seek His face? Is worship a top priority? We won't sense His presence if our hearts are closed to Him or if we're holding a grudge against someone. We must prepare for worship, let go of unforgiveness, repent of our own sin or wrong doing - then we will be open to His Spirit.

   

Scriptures on the Presence of God

"One thing I have asked of the Lord, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord and to inquire in his temple. (Psalm 27:4)

"In thy presence there is fullness of joy, in thy right hand are pleasures forever more. (Psalm 16:11)

In my book, Changing Churches, I write:
  

"Worship connects us with the Presence of God. True worship, opening our hearts to God and praising Him, is fearful and astonishing. It changes us. Worship is as vital to our faith as breathing is to our bodies. We bow in adoration, devotion, respect, and awe. God is holy and eternal. We are finite. We humble ourselves in this holy encounter. We meet God weekly in corporate worship, as a church body. The fragrant aroma of His Presence in us and in the church increases in proportion to our prayer and worship."

Time in His Presence changes us. Perhaps this is why we don't seek Him. He changes us when we draw near to Him. Our flesh resists change. Change is scary. But it is worth it. Knowing Him personally is worth everything.

Terkyl says:  

"I love the local church. It is God's hope for transformation of lives, the expression of His glory in the earth, and His chosen bride for the Son. If someone today wants to sense and experience the real and manifested Presence of God, he shouldn't have to go any further than the local church...."

Is your church seeking God's Presence? Are you?

Blessings, Dottie

Vocation and the Beatitudes

Webster’s defines vocation as a strong feeling of being destined or called to undertake a specific type of work, especially a sense of being chosen by God. I wrote this adaptation of the beatitudes when I was in my twenties. I discovered it on my computer and thought others would find this of interest.

Blessed is the one who chooses his vocation wisely, for he shall help build the Kingdom of God.

Blessed is the one who chooses his vocation in terms of the needs of the world rather than the money it pays, for he shall find joy in serving.

Blessed is the one who evaluates his abilities and talents before choosing his vocation for he shall be well suited to his job.

Blessed is the one who adequately prepares himself for his life work for he shall do a more competent job.

Blessed is the one whose work is a joy and a delight for he shall be truly happy.

Blessed is the one who, having made a mistake in choosing his life work has the courage to find his vocation for he shall be satisfied.

Blessed is the one who seeks to discover the will of God for his life work, for he shall know the meaning of vocation.

Blessed are you when you carefully and prayerfully evaluate your capacities and interests before choosing your life work; when you diligently and purposefully prepare yourself for your chosen vocation; when you throw yourself unreservedly into your chosen work – to meet the challenges and the needs presented as best you can.

Rejoice and be exceeding glad for your life will be a meaningful adventure.  

Blessings, Dottie

"Commit your work to the Lord, and then your plans will succeed." Proverbs 16:3

HOW DEEP IS THE LOVE OF CHRIST?

“When I think of the wisdom and scope of God’s plan, I fall to my knees and pray to the Father, the Creator of everything in heaven and on earth.  I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will give you mighty inner strength through his Holy Spirit. And I pray that Christ will be more and more at home in your hearts as you trust in him. May your roots go down deep into the soil of God’s marvelous love. And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love really is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is so great you will never fully understand it. Then you will be filled with the fullness of life and power that comes from God.” Ephesians 3: 14-19 NLT

His resources are unlimited! He will give us mighty inner strength through his Holy Spirit! What marvelous thoughts about what God will do when he is at home in our hearts. We may have the power to understand the depth of his love! Amazing!

How deep is the love of Christ?  Can we grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ?  I’m not sure we can. But think of this, when we take one step toward him he runs to meet us. His love is deep. No matter how far away we’ve gone, no matter how much we have rebelled against him, he’s ready to forgive us and take us back. The God of the universe, creator of all things, wants a close relationship with each of us. His love is deep. His love is unconditional. His love is unlimited. His love is so deep we can never get to the bottom of it.

Dear Father, Help us grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ.  We thank you for your love.  Help us share Your love with others.