Ms. Susan is so enthusiastic that it is a joy just to be in her presence, and she has a gift for encouragement. This ministry is perfect for her. It made me realize that so many people aren't finding the ministry that is right for them.
How many people aren't joyful about what they do in the church?
How many people don't actually do anything for the church?
Part one of this blog is "Find something to be involved with in your local church. Be a living, breathing, moving part of the body of Christ. - And enjoy it!"
However, the reason I sat down to write was because of a book I recommended to Ms. Susan. It is one I read back in college, then again just a year or so ago, but it continues to make me desire more on a regular basis.
I shared the book with her last night, and I wanted to do the same with you this morning.
Practicing His Presence
Fairly self explanatory title, is it not? It is about striving to be in the presence of God every moment of every day. When we have Jesus as our savior, and the Holy Spirit living in us, then God is a direct part of our lives every moment. We don't have to search for Him. He is there.
But do we take the time to recognize Him?
The writings are the personal journals and letters of two men, 300 years apart, who made a commitment to seek God every minute.
Brother Lawrence, was a barefoot living, monk type "lay brother" who lived in the mid 17th century.
Frank Laubach was a missionary in the Philippines in the 1930's when he began his quest to spend every moment seeking the presence of the One who was seeking him.
They both made it a goal to focus their energy on seeking His communion in every part, every moment of their lives. Brother Lawrence was a cook in the ministry hospital - he had to live, and still took time to seek God.
Frank Laubach was a missionary in a foreign country. He had duties to attend to and a ministry to lead - he had to live, and still took time to seek God.
Seeking God every moment...
It seems obvious to seek His kinship when you have your devotion time in the morning. When you say prayers with your children before bed, and perhaps even when you pray over the food at the table - although if your children are anything like mine, prayer at the dinner table tends to be more of an argument about who's turn it is rather then a true time of communion or thanksgiving.
But to seek His presence continually? We have things to do. Can we brush our teeth and think about God? He provided Arm and Hammer didn't He?
Can we think about God and vacuum the floor? Praise Him for the little feet that tracked in the dirt, and the fact that we don't have to drag the rug outside and beat it with a beater like they did 100 years ago.
When the little ones are being absolute boogers and are going to need discipline, invite Him to be involved. Maybe we will be surprised at how much easier it is to handle it when we are not the ones in charge.
Ask Him to be a part of quotidian moments, like laundry or washing the dishes. Thank Him for automatic washing machines or the beautiful trees you can see out the window as you scrub the dirty pots and pans. Try going over memory verses that have meant a lot to you recently as you fold the clean t-shirts.
When you are driving down the road, avoiding crazy drivers, try to seek His guidance and peace rather then fume.
If you are overwhelmed with paperwork for school, work or some random project, He will guide your hand if you simply ask. Time spent with Him is never wasted.
As I said before, I have read this book in the past, and both times it reminded me that I need to spend more time simply loving my Savior.
Life is busy. But I am pretty sure God is 'busy" too. It doesn't stop Him from taking time for me. So why in the world should I let that excuse me from taking time for Him?
"Seek first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you." Matt 6:33
"These things" are mentioned in the verses before, and are all the things we normally worry about: food, clothing, shelter.
It clearly states we aren't suppose to waste time being worried about things. We are to spend our time seeking Him, and His kingdom.
Just like Brother Lawrence and Frank Laubach, we have lots to do. Children to raise, houses to clean, phones to answer, deadlines to meet and bills to pay. We have to live - let's still take time to seek God.
Practicing His Presence.
1 comment:
Well said, my friend. Well said.
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