Hosting the présence -There is no greater privilege than being a host to God Him- self. Neither is there a greater responsibility. Everything about Him is extreme. He is overwhelmingly good, awe-inspiring to the max, and frighteningly wonderful in every possible way. He is powerful yet gentle, both aggressive and subtle, and perfect while embracing us in the midst of our imperfections. Yet few are aware of the assignment to host Him. Fewer yet have said yes.The idea of hosting God may sound strange. He owns every- thing, including our own bodies. And He certainly doesn’t need our permission to go somewhere or do anything. He is God. But He made the earth for humanity and put it under our charge.If you were renting a home from me, I wouldn’t walk into your home without an invitation, or at least without your per- mission. You would never see me in your kitchen, taking food from your refrigerator and cooking a meal for myself. Why? Even though it is my house, it is under your charge or stewardship. While there may be landlords who would violate such protocol, God is not one of them. He planted us here with a purpose. Yet it’s a purpose we can’t accomplish without Him. Our true nature and personality will never come to fullness apart from His manifest Presence. Learning to host Him is at the center of our assignment, and it must become our focus so that we can have the success He desires before Jesus returns.In one moment we find ourselves rejoicing in the dance, arms raised with heads lifted high. In the next we are bowed low, not be- cause someone suggested it would be an appropriate response, but be- cause the fear of God has filled the room. In one moment our mouths are filled with laughter—we have truly discovered “in [His] presence is fullness of joy” (Ps. 16:11 NKJV). In the next we find ourselves weeping for no apparent reason. Such is the walk with God. Such is the life of the one who has given himself to host this One The Ultimate AssignmentHis longing for partnership is at the core of this issue. It is His heart. He’s a Person, not a machine. He longs for fellowship. He loves to love.My interest in the ever-increasing story of a people suited to carry His presence is in these areas:• What happens to the person when God rests upon them?• What is their responsibility in protecting that Presence?• What is the impact on the world around them?• How are the ways and nature of God revealed in their encounter?• What is possible for us through their example?
Posted on: Sun, 06 Apr 2014 19:03:52 +0000
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