Monday, May 17, 2021

The Practice of the Presence of God – Day 5

 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.”  –  Philippians 4:6-8

“Our sanctification does not depend as much on changing our activities as it does on doing them for God rather than ourselves… We must recall our minds to God. Otherwise our spirits may wander, dragging us down to the things of earth.. Remember what I advised you to do: Think about God as often as you can, day and night, in everything you do. He is always with you. Just as you would be rude if you deserted a friend who was visiting you, why would you be disrespectful of God by abandoning His presence?” (pp 24,46,51 The Practice of the Presence of God)

Why do you do what you do? Most often the things we do are for our own benefit – even when we do for others, often it results in us feeling good about ourselves. The Shorter Catechism, poses the question “What is the chief end of man?” The answer – “to glorify God and enjoy Him forever.” Not a word about self-gratification – padding my nest – making sure that I have enough toys to be comfortable – to be self-confident. Pastor Rick Warren’s book, Purpose Driven Life, starts out with the phrase “It’s not about me.”

Having the right attitude and perspective towards the new life we are living starts with what we think about – what we allow to bounce around in our little grey cells. What we dwell on.  It takes effort to keep our focus on God. 

Do not be misled: ‘Bad company corrupts good character.’” – 1 Corinthians 15:33

It is so easy allow the world, its values, its definition of what is right to dominate our thoughts and actions and leave God standing at the window looking in.  We should not isolate ourselves from the world – that is counter to God’s intent for us to be living testimonies of His grace, mercy and love. But we must insulate ourselves from the effects of living in a world that is running pell-mell to its destruction and eternal separation from the Creator God. We can see Him, but have you ever tried to relate with – to talk to someone who is outside looking through a window. And like Brother Lawrence said –we must recall our minds to God, else our spirits will wander and we will be drug down to the things of the earth.  It is common to mankind. It is the pit that so many well intentioned Christians fall into and eventually adapt their lives to. If we are going to practice the presence of God, we must be on our guard lest we find ourselves in the same pit.

Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” – Proverbs 4:23

Believe it – walk in it. Let your light shine and give God the glory.

By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His Glory Alone

No comments: