Experiencing God's Presence

Experiencing God's Presence

Years ago I remember visiting  my Dad's home in New Hampshire. The house where he lived was located right next to a beautiful picturesque lake. Imagine this, each morning being able to wake up and look out on this beautiful lake and experience the quiet serenity of still glassy water reflecting the beautiful landscape and tree lined hills. Looking out to the rolling hills of the countryside you experience an awesome display of assorted uniquely designed New England homes which surround the area. Each evening you can see the reflection of the moon on the quiet still water while the stars twinkle above. And if you pay attention, you can hear the frogs and crickets joyfully singing their songs into the night.

Because of my Dad’s failing health at the time, I wondered if my visit to see him would be my last with him and to this exquisitely beautiful and peaceful place, so I tried to savor each and every moment. To help me capture and enhance my experience I decided that during this visit I would take a boat ride around the lake. As I shut off the engine and let the boat rest in the center of the lake, I closed my eyes to meditate and let my thoughts capture the peaceful moment.  Yet, as time passed, a thought came to me; as hard as I tried to capture the moment and slow down time inside my heart and mind, I realized moments are just that, and would not have the effect of eternal bliss the way I wanted them to be experienced. I realized we just can’t hold on to the things of this world and have them last forever. Yes, I can have memories, but they are never as powerful as being at that place at that time where life seems to stand still.

So, what can we experience everyday that fills us with supernatural peace and perspective? We can experience a powerful daily relationship with Jesus. With Him time does stand still. He promises to  always be with those who love Him. Since my fathers death I only have the memories of our time and relationship together. The good news is that my Heavenly Father is always with me and I can experience His presence in every moment.

 

John 14:23 New International Version (NIV)

Jesus replied, “Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them.

As His disciples and throughout our lives as His ambassadors sharing the Gospel, Jesus promises to remain with us:

Matthew 28:18-20 New International Version (NIV)

Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

What I know to be true is that Jesus is always with me when I experience the joyful moments of life as well as times of difficulty and sorrow.  I can also experience being filled with the Holy Spirit when I choose to walk with God. I can experience God’s blessing as I serve Him and the people He puts in my care. I can experience special time with God as I take time to pray and read and study His Word. 

I realize the time we have been given on this earth offers us a great opportunity for us to experience God while doing something good for others. That is why each day should not be taken for granted. As Followers of Jesus, knowing what we know should spur us on to share the Good News with those who God puts in our path.  Yes, It may be difficult to do this because there are those who reject God outright, but there are ways to share what God is doing in our lives in such a way that could peak someone’s interest. Jesus tells us that there will be suffering for those who identify themselves with Him, but in light of eternity and the positive impact we can make in a fallen and broken world, it is well worth it. We can plant the seeds of hope in those who are suffering, and give hope to those who have no hope at all.

Here is a great passage to take to heart: 

1 Peter 3:13-17 NIV

Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. "Do not fear what they fear; do not be frightened.” But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. It is better, if it is God's will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.

I have also learned that there is something even better than a picturesque boat ride. We have God’s Word to reflect upon each day.  When I am reminded of a particular passage of scripture, it brings me back to that place and time where this particular passage of God’s Word became alive and relevant to me personally. The power of God's Word enters my heart and breathes new life back into me and continues to open new doors of thought and revelation. God’s Word deepens and strengthens my relationship and walk with Jesus and helps me live in abundance while giving purpose to my life. So it is good to know that God’s Word stays with us and can replenish us in a world that can never live up to our expectations or desires. Reflecting on God's Word is how we can experience and be filled with God's presence in any moment. This is how we can revere Him and Worship Him no matter where we are.  

As I look back and try to experience the memories of my time with my Dad and the boat ride on the lake, I can only really remember some of the thoughts and images that have stuck with me over time.

 

What is real to me at this moment is that I am in God’s powerful presence, sharing the love I have for Him and all He has done to change my heart and my perspective. 

Just Sayin…………………..Dave

Should the Modern Church look like the world?

Should the Modern Church look like the world?

The Modern Church is now known for its innovative design in building architecture and the use of the newest and most advanced audio, visual and lighting equipment available. Many Churches now use their facilities so people can experience Worship in a new a creative way. Some Churches are even now calling their Worship Service a “Worship Experience”.

I believe the Church should represent the best when it comes to Music, Art, Technology, Leadership, Discipleship, and Mission. In the past the Church was actually the place to experience the best music and art.  Today, many Churches are spending thousands and thousands of dollars in Technology to enhance their “Worship Experience” as a strategy to get the "un-churched", and nonbelievers  to come. But are the resources of the Church also being used to disciple and train those who come and become followers of Jesus? Are the resources of the Church being used to develop leaders? Are we helping people become devoted followers of Christ? Shouldn’t the Church's strategy, to get people to come through the doors of the Church to hear the message of hope and salvation, also include helping them become spiritually Mature Christians in order for them make a great impact in the world for kingdom purpose? We need to be careful not to lose sight of the mission God has given the Church.

Let’s take a look at the Great Commission for a moment:

Matthew 28:18-29 New International Version 1984 

Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

The key here is Jesus is telling us to go out and make disciples. A Disciple is one 
who is a devoted Student or follower of Jesus who adheres to His teachings.

Attributes of a Disciple: (From Bill Bright)

A disciple must have assurance of salvation
A disciple walks in the fullness and power of the Holy Spirit.
A disciple demonstrates love for God, his neighbor, his fellow disciples, and even his enemies. 
A disciple is one who knows how to read, study, memorize, and meditate upon the Word of God, to hide its truths in his heart
A true disciple of Jesus is a man or woman of prayer

The disciple is one who is obedient, who studies the Word of God, and obeys 

the commands of God in a lifestyle that honors the Lord Jesus Christ.

A disciple is one who trusts God and lives a life of faith. 
A disciple understands God's grace
A disciple is one who witnesses for Christ as a way of life
A true disciple of the Lord Jesus worships God in the fellowship of his church.

Can we say as a Church that we are helping people become disciples - fully devoted followers of Christ?

When we look at our Church we can see that we have many volunteers who serve in a variety of Ministry related activities. Research suggests that to the degree that one serves, is not an indication of ones level spiritual maturity or devotion to God.

(Barna Group Research) (Use the link below and Read this article!)

Link - http://www.barna.org/barna-update/article/5-barna-update/165-surveys-show-pastors-claim-congregants-are-deeply-committed-to-god-but-congregants-deny-it

Although large majorities of the public claim to be "deeply spiritual" and say that their religious faith is "very important" in their life, only 15% of those who regularly attend a Christian church ranked their relationship with God as the top priority in their life. As alarming as that finding was, its significance was magnified by research showing that on average pastors believe that 70% of the adults in their congregation consider their relationship with God to be their highest priority in life.

Evaluating spiritual maturity remains an elusive process for clergy as well as individuals. Across the nation, the only measure of spiritual health used by at least half of all pastors was the extent of volunteer activity or ministry involvement. Adults were no more consistent in their self-examination of their spirituality.

So what do we do? How do we help our congregation become fully devoted followers of Christ?

How does the Church become different than the world?

We must first look to God’s provision. When it comes to resources, God can and will support and equip a Church to fulfill its mission. 

Matthew 6:31-33 New International Version 1984 

So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

Matthew 7:11 New Living Translation 

 So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask him.

Philippians 4:19 New International Version 1984 

And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.

2 Corinthians 9:8 New Living Translation 

And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others.

Ephesians 3:20 New Living Translation 

Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us,

to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. 

I have heard many stories about financial provision in ways that can only be explained by God’s intervention. What seems to be the common factor is faith that God will provide. Another factor seems to be the Character and integrity of the Churches leadership.

If motivation is important to God, than we should look at our Church strategy and see if it aligns with God’s purpose. This verse brings to mind a verse from 1 Samuel:

1 Samuel 16:7 New Living Translation (NLT)

The Lord doesn’t see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”

So God knows the hearts of church leaders and the process by which they operate. God knows whether or not they are fulfilling His Mission for the Church or fulfilling their own personal goals, desires and agenda. The Church becomes unlike the world when our leaders put God and His mission first.

Another way for the Church to be unlike the World is the Christ-likeness of its leaders and congregation. How do we as a Church act in accordance to God’s principles when it comes to relationships?

Let’s take a look at how we are supposed to treat and relate to one another according to God’s principles: These commands should not be taken lightly!

Mark 9:50  -
 “....Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with each other.”

John 13:14  - 
“Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should 

wash one another’s feet.”

John 13:34 -
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, 

 so you must love one another.”

Romans 12:10 -  
Be devoted to one another with mutual affection. Honor one 

another above yourselves.

Romans 12:16  -
Live in harmony with one another.

Romans 14:13 - 
Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another...

.

Romans 15:7   -  
Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.

1 Corinthians 12:24-25 - 
...But God has combined the members of the body and has 

given greater honor to the parts  that lacked it, so that there should be 

no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern 

for each other.

Colossians 3:13 -  
Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have

against one another..

Galatians 5:13 - 
....But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, 

serve one another in love. 

Galatians 6:2   - 
Carry each others burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. 

Ephesians 4:32 -
Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in

Christ God forgave you.

1 Thessalonians 5:11 - 
Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, 

just as in fact you are doing.

Jesus said this very important statement:

John 13:35 NIV
By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

The love we have for one another will separate us from the rest of the world. No

Technology or modern Worship Experience can create that in us. Only the work of the

Holy Spirit is powerful enough to transform us from the inside out. So we must remember

what real growth in the church really means.  We must remember as individuals How God has intervened in our lives to develop us spiritually. Because of Jesus we have salvation. Through the supernatural power of the Holy Spirit we have been transformed us into a new creation.

2 Corinthians 5:17 NIV
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!

Character in a follower of Jesus is important to God. Those who reflect Christ in their lives will bring Glory to God and be different than those who love the world. We must remember that as followers of Jesus We must not love what the world has to offer.

1 John 2:15 NIV
Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world,

the love of the Father is not in him.  

In fact, we must renew our minds in order for us to keep us from falling prey to the patterns of this world.

Romans 12:2 NIV
Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Jesus said that those who desire for the things of this world will lose their soul.

Matthew 16:26 NIV
What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? 

Jesus tells us to free ourselves from our worldly desires in exchange for the blessing of eternal life.The Holy Spirit has the power to transform our minds and our hearts.

John 12:25 NIV
The man who loves his life will lose it, while the man who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life.

2 Corinthians 3:18 New Living Translation 

So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image.

We must remember that the wisdom of this world is foolishness to God.

1 Corinthians 3:18-20 New International Version  

Do not deceive yourselves. If any one of you thinks he is wise by the standards of this age, he should become a “fool” so that he may become wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God’s sight. As it is written: “He catches the wise in their craftiness”; and again, “The Lord knows that the thoughts of the wise are futile.” 

A good reason not to love the world:

1 John 5:19 NIV
We know that we are children of God, and that the whole world is under the control of the evil one.

But even as we are God’s new creation we can still have a bad day so we need to adhere to this teaching:

Ephesians 4:22-24 New International Version 1984 

You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. 

If we want to become more like Jesus then we have to strive to persevere on those bad days and not let our emotions get the best of us. We have to remember, even as followers of Jesus, we can conjure up the ugly side of our character. The good news is we don’t have to stay in that ugly place for very long. That is why forgiveness and grace are important principles to carry around with us each and every day.

So with all those verses above we can see how important it is to God that we treat each other well and not love the world and what is has to offer. Our obedience to these commands show that we love God.

God is pleased when we are obedient to Him and there is a blessing that comes with that obedience.

John 14:21 NIV
Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me. He who loves me will be loved by my Father,  and I too will love him and show myself to him.”

 John 14:23 NIV
Jesus replied, “If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him.

So let’s always strive to be unlike the world by being excellent in character and integrity. When the world sees us in action, they should see that we truly are Jesus’ disciples by the way we act and the way we love.  

We can enhance our daily worship experience by living a life set apart to God. When Sunday Worship comes we should display the true heart of the Church by the way we love each other and by the way we conduct our worship experience. God will be pleased if we worship Him in spirit and in truth.  

John 4:23 NIV
Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks.

When it comes down to it, all the technology and innovation in this world can’t compare to a person’s heart devoted to God. Even with all the new bells and whistles available to the Church today, we can’t accomplish our mission without God, without Jesus, without the power of the Holy Spirit.

We need to be the Church of Jesus Christ not the world. His Glory should shine. Our love for Him should be the motivation for everything we do. 

Just Sayin........................Dave

Don’t let the enemy get a foothold in your life

Don’t let the enemy get a foothold in your life

Have you noticed an uptick in spiritual battle recently? I won’t get specific, but in my life, over the past couple of months, there has been a concerted effort to take me down. The enemy is aware that I am vulnerable in areas where I seek to assert my own will and rely on my own strength. I am also aware that the enemy does not want me to succeed in any kind ministry including marriage, parenting, personal relationships, Church, or any ministry that it is imperative that I model Christ-likeness and act on my faith. In my case, the enemy has attempted to dampen my spirit and weaken my faith and trust in God’s promises and provision. My choice was either to trust in my weakened perspective and worldly insight, dealing with my circumstances in my own strength, or go to trust God for His strength, wisdom and discernment. My choice was to go to God because through experience I know I can trust Jesus with my life.

Here are 2 versions of my favorite Bible passage that tells me how to trust God and deal with life in a fallen world:

Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV 

Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight

 

Proverbs 3:5-6  NLT

Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding.
Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.

With this passage as my starting point I need to dive deeper into the Bible to discover ways to live a life set apart to God. Living a life set apart to God ultimately protects me from letting the enemy get a foothold in my life.

The passage that tells me how I can begin to live this set apart life is Romans 12:1-2. 

The passage explains how in two parts:

Romans 12:1-2 NIV

Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice,  holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is— his good, pleasing and perfect will.

First, I need to offer myself completely to God. I must live in obedience to His Word

and foremost express the love I have for Him through the ways I live my life.  I need to give my life to Christ, I need to live by faith and not by sight, I need to do good to others and consider their needs, I need to love my neighbor as myself, be Christ-like, allow for God’s sanctification process to take hold in my life and most important die to self.

Second, I must transform my thinking and live day to day with a Godly eternal perspective. The Bible needs to be my source of wisdom, strength and perspective for life. I need time with God each day so the idea of having a personal relationship has some meat to it. I need to spend time in prayer and have fellowship with other godly people whom God has inspired to live life for the sake of the Gospel.

The more I deepen my relationship with God, the more I understand the depth of His Love for me. The more I understand He has a plan for my life. The more I understand His desire for me to put my life in His hands. The more I am able to take further take steps toward trusting Him. The more I am able to submit to His leadership. The more I am able to embrace the promises He has made.

When it comes to life, God has promised: He has a plan for our lives

Jeremiah 29:11 NIV

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

When it comes to sin, God has promised:  He is faithful

1 Corinthians 10:13 NIV
No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.

When it come to sin in a believer’s life God has promised: we have been forgiven

Ephesians 1:7 NIV
In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace

1 John 2:12 NLT

 I am writing to you who are God’s children because your sins have been forgiven through Jesus.

When it comes to wisdom, God has promised: to give us wisdom

James 1:5 NIV

If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.

When it comes to family, God has promised:  we have been adopted into His family

Ephesians 2:19 NLT
So now you Gentiles are no longer strangers and foreigners. You are citizens along with all of God’s holy people. You are members of God’s family.

When we unpack the above promises along with many others we can see that God really does love us. The other fact we have to consider is that we have an enemy, Satan, who will do anything in His power to disrupt and distract the lives of Jesus’ followers.

Personal understanding:

Because the enemy has a foothold in this world I need to make sure He is not making any headway into my life. I know I need to stay alert because the enemy continues to attempt to derail me and keep me out of balance. The Bible warns me about the enemy:

1 Peter 5:8 NIV
Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.

I know I need to appropriate the spiritual blessings of God (Adoption into His family, Forgiveness of sin, Revelation of God’s plan through His Word, my inheritance, the Holy Spirit), and stay focused on the “right” things in order to help me fight temptations to sin and deal properly with spiritual battles:

Philippians 4:8-9 NIV

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

Romans 13:14 NIV
Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh.

When it comes to sin and temptation I know that living in a fallen world requires that I

put on the full armor of God:

Ephesians 6:10-17 NIV

The Armor of God

 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.  For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.  Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.  In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.  Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

What I learn from this passage is that the enemy is at war with me and the only defense I have is God himself.

I need to know and understand God’s truth and stand firm in it. I need to test everything through the lens of God’s Word. I need to understand that God’s Truth will defeat Satan’s lies.

When I became a follower of Jesus I need to embrace the fact that I am covered with His righteousness. I am therefore no longer under God’s wrath - “There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1). With this understanding I can battle the enemies attempt to question my salvation.

As a follower of Jesus I have been commissioned to share the Good News. However, the enemy would like to distract me from that mission. I need to listen to the inner voice of the Holy Spirit who inspires me to continue to share my hope with others.

For all of us to consider:

Satan’s attacks are sometimes relentless as compared to His subtle suggestions. We need to seek godly perspective when it comes to how we handle difficult circumstances. The level of our faith and trust in God to walk us through difficulties can have a profound effect on the way we represent the kingdom of God. The question we should ask ourselves is: Do we allow for the power of God’s Holy Spirit to shine through us during these difficult times? The benefit from dealing with

difficulties properly can shine a positive light on Christ and reinforce the principles of God that we preach to others. Faith becomes an important component in our daily struggles.

The Bible defines faith in this way:

Hebrews 11:1 NIV

This is faith – “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of

what we do not see”

Satan would like for us to doubt our salvation and standing with God. With our understanding and deep seated foundation in Christ and what He did on the cross, we can battle any attempt on the enemies part to sway our faith and trust in God.

The greatest offensive weapon we have against our enemy is the truth of God’s Word. Jesus said it best In His own dealings with Satan:

Matthew 4:4 NIV
Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God

Jesus quoted these words from the Deuteronomy to make a powerful point to Satan as well as overcome the temptation for Jesus to use His own divine power to take care of His physical need for food. Jesus set the example for us in that we should directly to go to God’s Word for strength in the midst of our weakness.

With all the false ideas about the God, the world, life, creation and eternity put out there every day, we are fortunate to have the truth of God’s Word to guide us.

So the ways we can keep the enemy from getting a foothold into our lives is to put our faith and trust in God the Creator and embrace His Word. We need to pray daily for wisdom and for the needs of others.  We need to center our lives around what we have been called by God to do. We need to live for Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith. We need to daily connect with the Holy Spirit, who guides, teaches and comforts us, and who is also the one God sent as the sign and seal of our salvation. We need to daily revere our Heavenly Father and live a life of Worship directed toward Him only.

Followers of Jesus have a lot to be grateful for. As we continue toward years end we can be sure that God has a great plan and purpose for those who love Him. This is one of the many promises He has made. The great news is, not only can we enjoy life, but we can bring joy to others through the message of the hope we have in Jesus. I pray we will all live the life we have been given in abundance.  Let’s celebrate every day the new life we have in Christ. That way, the enemy will never get a foothold in our lives. Remember, nothing can separate us from the love of God. He will never leave us nor forsake us!

Just Sayin……………….Dave