FOCUSING ON THE LORD’S PRESENCE

“I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.”  (Revelation 1:8)

Wait patiently with Me while I bless you. Don’t rush into My Presence with time-consciousness gnawing at our mind. I dwell in timelessness: I am, I was, I will be always. For you, time is a protection; you’re a frail creature who can handle only twenty-four-hour segments of life. Time can be a tyrant, ticking away relentlessly in your mind. Learn to master time, or it will master you.

Though you are a time-bound creature, seek to meet Me in timelessness. As you focus on My Presence, the demands of time and tasks will diminish. I will bless you and keep you, making My face shine upon you graciously, giving you Peace. (Numbers 6:24-26) 

-- Adapted from “Jesus Calling: Enjoying Peace in His Presence” by Sarah Young 

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SMALL GROUP DISCIPLESHIP

A verse in 2 Corinthians 3 talks about how God works to help us to grow spiritually. “All of us, with unveiled faces, seeing the glory of the Lord as though reflected in a mirror, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another; for this comes from the Lord, the Spirit” (v. 18).

Commitment to Christian discipleship in the context of a small group is one way we can spend quality time with Jesus. When we do, we are changed.

These are some of the primary ways we can know God: 1) The revelation of His character through the Bible; 2) The incarnation of His love in the person of Jesus Christ; 3) The experience of His presence through prayer; 4) The power of His presence in the Holy Spirit; 5) The fellowship of His body – the church; 6) The mystery and the joy experienced through worship; and 7) Natural revelation, the witness of the creation to the Creator.

Meeting together with other Christians for prayer and Bible study places us close to God. The passage in 2 Corinthians suggests that spending time in the presence of God is a key element to spiritual transformation. What is spiritual growth if it is not being transformed into the image of the Lord? 

-- Derek Maul in “Get Real: A Spiritual Journey for Men”

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DRAWING CLOSER TO GOD

“Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”  (Hebrews 4:14-16 NKJV)

God has provided prayer as the means of communicating directly with Him. Christ, the High Priest and Mediator, has made it possible for all Christians to come “boldly to the throne of grace.” Prayer may take many forms of expression, some of which are adoration and praise, thanksgiving, confession, and supplication. Each of these enables you to draw closer to God. Because you have the potential of two-way communication with God, be careful not to neglect your time with Him. Regular times alone with God for the purpose of fellowship are vitally necessary. 

-- From “Growing Strong in God’s Family”

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TIME WITH GOD

“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.”  (Psalm 23:1-3 NKJV)

It is impossible for a believer, no matter what his experience, to keep right with God if he will not take the trouble to spend time with God… Spend plenty of time with God; let other things go, but don’t neglect Him. 

-- Oswald Chambers

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