"I must live in His presence, commune with Him continuously and seek to know His mind. Unless I have seen something there with God, I have nothing to say here to men. May the Lord be merciful to us that we may forever live before God and fear Him."
- Watchman Nee, Spiritual Authority
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
This is something I've been really learning how to do this year (and I BY NO MEANS have "arrived" - I'm still learning as always), and if you guys don't mind something I want to challenge you to do (not in a sense where I don't think you are doing it already... just as a reminder to myself and to everyone else).
Spend time with Jesus.
Yes, read your Bible. Yes, pray (lots!). But in the midst of it all, don't forget to spend time with Him. Make that your primary motivation for coming into His presence.
"One thing have I 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 gaze upon the beauty of the Lord
and to inquire in his temple."
Psalm 27:4
Man! That's convicting. Is the ONE thing that I ask of Him is to just be with Him?that will I seek after:
that I may dwell in the house of the Lord
all the days of my life,
to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord
and to inquire in his temple."
Psalm 27:4
Read the Bible because it teaches us more of His character. It helps us know Him better. God speaks to us through it. It's living and active. Oh, and because He tells us to :).
Pray fervently because He LOVES it when we pray. He longs for you to look His way, recognize His presence, and converse with Him. Not because He needs us or because "He's lonely", but simply because He loves us. I don't understand it, but He loves us. His love goes deeper than we think. His grace and mercy reaches farther, because He's THAT powerful. He's THAT loving and gracious, and GOOD.
"You have captivated my heart, my sister, my bride;
you have captivated my heart with one glance of your eyes..."
Song of Solomon 4:9
you have captivated my heart with one glance of your eyes..."
Song of Solomon 4:9
You captivate Him with one glance. "I am my Beloved's, and my Beloved is mine!" (SOS 6:3). You are His. He is yours.
Pray fervently. Get to know His heart, and pray along with Jesus as He intercedes (Romans 8:34). Pray in the Holy Spirit (Jude 1:20). Pray for the purpose of knowing Him more and growing in intimacy with the Father.
Wait on the Lord. Let Him speak to you. His sheep can hear His voice (John 10:2). Ask Him if there's anything He wants to reveal to you today. Let Him tell you how much He loves you. Let Him reveal to you more of His character.
Sit at His feet. Listen to Him. According to Jesus, this is the one necessary thing.
"Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary [who in verse 39 was sitting at His feet and listening to Him] has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.”
Luke 10:41-42
Rise early. Give Him your best. Let Him be the first and last thing you think about. Walk with Him during the day. "Seek His presence continually" (Psalm 105:4). Talk with Him. Listen to Him. Don't lose sight of the Cross; because His blood has washed away our sins and the veil is torn, we can now have a relationship with Him. We are His children. The Church is His Bride. He loves us so much, and loves it when we empty ourselves and sacrifice just to be with Him, to know Him more. Keep Him in the center. Luke 10:41-42
In all the service and activity and all those great things, don't forget to spend time with Jesus. All day, no matter what you are doing. He's there with you, waiting for you to recognize His presence and enjoy the beautiful fellowship with the One who is walking right beside you, never to leave you or forsake you. The One who loves you more than anyone else in the entire world could ever love you. His love goes deeper than we think - let that be your motivation.
thanks Molly for some beautiful thoughts, and I say AMEN!