Pastor’s Blog 1.2.19
This past Sunday Morning I was teaching on “Living from your new heart”. There are so many New Year’s resolutions that are focused around the physical body, I think we need some that focus on the really important part of our being – our spirit or our heart. Don’t get me wrong it is important to deal with our natural health, however, we don’t need to forsake one for the other.
Most January diets and gym memberships are really an answer to the indulgence of food from Thanksgiving to New Year’s. I am no exception to this for sure. It has been said that “a diet is a temporary interruption in a glutenous lifestyle”. LOL How sad but true! I am always drawn to the fact that the first three letters of the word diet are die! Interestingly enough, we have to die to some things to live to others. So I do encourage some lifestyle changes for the better when it comes to your health, but that is not my focus today!
What about your heart (spirit)? 2018 may have had some serious letdowns for you, or maybe you just let down on your spiritual disciplines a bit. The word revival means in its purest form, “to cause to breathe again”. I liken it to CPR, or jumping a dead car battery. In one sense, the life of a Christian could be categorized in one of two realities… experiencing the presence or not. Many believers never press through to the point of experiencing the presence of God, they just live in the principles, and look to experiencing God after they die. I for one do not want to live like that.
Tonight, I am starting a new series in our mid-week services entitled, “The power of the Presence”. I want to focus on reviving the presence in our daily lives and walk with God. I know for me personally, and for others, I am convinced that we all will serve the Lord with a greater zeal when we have experiences in His presence.
This past Sunday we looked at Psalm 51 as steps or a process to renewed presence….Confess, cleanse and consecrate. I am expecting more of God’s presence, how about you?
What are the benefits of the presence?
Rest:
Exodus 33:14-15
14 And He said,”My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”
15 Then he said to Him,”If Your Presence does not go with us, do not bring us up from here. NKJVDeliverance, Prosperity and Peace:
Deuteronomy 4:37-38
37 And because He loved your fathers, therefore He chose their descendants after them; and He brought you out of Egypt with His Presence , with His mighty power, 38 driving out from before you nations greater and mightier than you, to bring you in, to give you their land as an inheritance, as it is this day. NKJVFullness of Joy :
Psalm 16:11
11 You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore. NKJV
There are actually too many to list!
Like the Psalmist said, let’s bless the Lord and not forget all His benefits and it starts with His presence!
Blessings,
- Date - January 2, 2019
- Author - David Chisholm
