Oh, that You would rend the heavens! That You would come down! That the mountains might shake at Your presence . . . That the nations may tremble at Your presence! (Isaiah 64:1–2) It is so easy to get distracted from God and caught up in things of little value. When we get distracted, the presence of God seems so far away. Do you realize distractions create distance between us and God? When you are experiencing a season of dryness, listen to God’s instruction to Moses. God told Moses to drive out the enemies. What enemies are distracting you from the purpose and plan of God? The devil comes at all of us. He comes as a roaring lion (1 Peter 5:8) to scare, intimidate, and devour. His goal is to kill, steal, and destroy (John 10:10). He is crafty enough to know when he cannot touch us. Then, he tries to get us to compromise, so he comes as an angel of light (2 Corinthians 11:14). This angel of light lures us away, seduces us with good things, fun things, until we have left the place God has for us. Once away from God, we are susceptible to the devil’s attacks. It is your responsibility and mine not to be lured away into the devil’s trap. Be careful and cautious. Our churches suffer when we are not living in God’s presence. Ted S. Rendell said, “Perhaps the greatest barrier to revival on a large scale is the fact that we are too interested in a great display. We want the exhibition; God is looking for a man who will throw himself entirely upon God. Whenever self-effort, self-glory, self-seeking, or self-promotion enters into the work of revival, then God leaves us to ourselves.” We can begin our day with a lot of religious activity, but if we fail to secure the presence of God with confidence, our lives will not be impacted and we will not know God’s leading. We desperately need the presence of God in our midst. It is each Christian’s responsibility to secure God’s presence. Revival is all about the presence of God among His people. How do we secure the presence of God? Do not be in a hurry. Slow down your quiet time. Wait upon the Lord. Give Him time and opportunity to speak to your spirit while you are still and quiet before Him. You do not have to be talking all the time. Wait in silent expectation, read the Word of God slowly, write it out if you need to. Sing hymns or praise songs to the Lord. But above all, listen. Relate what you are going through to your prayers and the verses you are reading. God of Glory, forgive me
Posted on: Wed, 29 Jan 2014 15:53:59 +0000