Presence Devotion #16

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Presence brings Purpose

Jonathan Baker – Elder

Scripture
Ephesians 3:20

God can do anything, you know – far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit deeply and gently within us. (MSG)

Insight

As I have been spending time it’s God, particularly focused on this current series, I feel God has laid this simple phrase into my heart and no doubt on others hearts too. I sense for those living in God’s purposes, this is an encouragement to stay close to God, to keep hearing from Him and desiring a greater outpouring of His love, so you can stay in His purpose.

For those wondering “what is God’s purpose for me?”, the encouragement, I believe, is to trust in God and be ‘present’ with Him. This means learning to listen to God – allow Him to speak to you – a fresh or new ‘word’ – to be overwhelmed with His love for you, and be ready to be obedient.

One of my greatest obstacles is removing my human pride and replacing it with obedience to God’s voice, cultivated in time spent with Him on a daily basis. For me, to walk with God, is just that. His presence is ‘all I need, it’s all I want.’ Until I can humbly sit in that place, resting in the promises of God, finding His purpose for me – the thing that only I can bring to this world and offer to those around me – proves difficult. In fact, striving for Gods purpose in my own strength is fraught with only one destiny – disappointment. Spending time with divine God, who knows me, created me and has offered me everything I need through Jesus will lead to one outcome – the most amazing and fulfilled Christian life!

So, no matter at what point in your life, the question I have on my heart – ‘what is God saying to me about my purpose’, as I spend time with Him?

Reflective Scriptures

Ephesians 3:20

God can do anything, you know – far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit deeply and gently within us. (NLT)

James 4:7-8

So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come close to God, and God will come close to you… (NLT)

Deuteronomy 30:19-20

Today I have given you the choice between life and death, between blessings and curses. Now I call on heaven and earth to witness the choice you make. Oh, that you would choose life, so that you and your descendants might live. You can make this choice by loving the LORD your God, obeying Him and committing yourself firmly to Him. This is the key to your life… (NLT)

Romans 8:26-28

And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example we don’t know what god wants us to pray for. Bent there Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words. And the Father who knows all hearts knows what the Spirit is saying, for the Spirit pleads for us believers in harmony with God’s own will. And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. (NLT)

Prayer

God, thank you for being present with me. Thank you for giving me everything I need, by your Spirit, to listen to your voice and live a purposeful life. Thank you for the courage to step out in faith and access all you have purposed for me in this life.