Desiring His Presence

Well, what can I say? God fills heaven and earth, but sometimes it can feel as if He is nowhere to be found. However, we must trust that God is with us and never lose our desire for Him and His presence. In Day 7, we find that Abraham seized the opportunity to invite God to his habitation. However, Abraham desired more than a visit, he wanted God to spend time with him and abide in his tent.

And said, My Lord, if now I have found favour in thy sight, pass not away, I pray thee, from thy servant: Let a little water, I pray you, be fetched, and wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree. Gen 18:3-4 (KJV)

Jesus made it clear that those who wanted more of God had to ask. Through His teachings, we are instructed to come to Him in prayer. Moreover, we are instructed to ask for more of His presence if we so desire. On today, then, the question arises: “What is your level of desire for God?” It is not enough to desire His blessings in our lives, we must desire His presence. His presence is what will transform and keep us.

It is easy to look at others and think that God loves them more because of their evident spirituality and maturity in Him. However, we must know that God is not hiding from us, but we must desire Him. If you want more, ask for more. Have faith. Just know that those who hunger and thirst after righteousness shall be filled.

Prayer of the Week:

 “I thank you for your willingness to abide with me. I trust You, that you will give me what I ask for, especially for more of your presence. Amen.”


 

In the Heat


Growing up, I remember the hot days of living in South Florida. The heat sometimes would be unbearable. However, in the midst of all the heat, relief could be found at the nearest beach or swimming pool. Complaining about the heat would only make it worse, so the only solution was to make use of what was available to me. 

Likewise, as Christians, we sometimes do not make use of what is available to us. God has promised to be with us always. Yet, we forget to receive His love, grace, and comfort in times of “heat” in our lives. Continuing our examination of Abraham, we discover that at the hottest part of the day, God visits him.

And the LORD appeared unto him in the plains of Mamre: and he sat in the tent door in the heat of the day; And he lift up his eyes and looked, and, lo, three men stood by him: and when he saw them, he ran to meet them from the tent door, and bowed himself toward the ground. Gen 18:1-2 (KJV)

Abraham saw the Lord and ran out to meet Him and invite them into his habitation. How do you respond to God in the “hot” times? Do you complain or do you invite Him into your situation? God made Himself available to Abraham. He makes Himself available to us, but do we allow Him to comfort us or help us? Today, you may be experiencing the “heat” of life. But respond like Abraham: worship God and invite Him into your situation. He will give you peace, grace, and comfort to endure.

Prayer of the Week: 
“I trust you on this day Lord. You will provide some cool refreshing in the midst of the heat of life. I thank you for it now. Amen.”