THEME FOR THE MONTH: RESTING IN HIS PRESENCE EX 33:14

STAYING IN HIS PRESENCE

 

Text: Ps 19:13, Heb 4:1-3

What an awesome God we serve! It is the last Sunday of the first half of the year 2021! Through every twist and turn, HE has been there for you and your family and will continue to “cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.” Ps 91:4 NIV. The Lord I believe has opened our eyes to several aspects of what it means to rest in his presence from all the wonderful and amazing vessels he has used in all our services so far this month on this theme.

This month’s theme has two important pillars – “Rest” and “His Presence”, between these pillars lies our choices which is the bridge that connects both. The bible warns of “Presumptuous Sins”, It is very important to reflect daily and to pray like David in Ps 19:13 so that we do not fall into a situation that prevents us from that REST.

Too often we get into a panic when we are faced with life’s issues and the urge to “try to figure it out” kicks in, we let our distraction cause us to lose traction in HIM. Instead, like Moses told the children of Israel at the red sea Ex 14:13 and God told Jehoshaphat 2Chro 20:17, it is the time to “Stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord”, he will come through for you in Jesus’ name. Amen. How can you stay in the presence of God when life comes at you at 110km/h?

1. Thanksgiving and Gratitude: Ps 100:4 A heart of thanksgiving and one of deep gratitude for who God is and out of that what He has done is always a good place to start. Dwelling on God’s faithfulness resets our internal dialogues to the truth and the power of what he has done for us and capable of doing. Lk 22:19, Deut 4:9, Is 51:12-13.
2. Come (out of hiding) Clean: Permit me to borrow from one of our Sunday school teachers the phrase “come plain and NOT Complain! Like Jesus, Lk 22:42-44, open your areas of pain but be willing to receive the will of God knowing that God’s power is perfected in our weakness. Unconfessed sins will prevent you from HIS presence. 2Cor 12:9, Ps 32:3-5.
3. The word, the word, and the word: No, it was not a typo that you are seeing the same expression thrice! Learn about the joy of being in God's presence. Hos 4:6, Ps 133:1-3. In Scripture, God speaks to us; in prayer we speak to him Josh 1:8. There are three aspects to “Meditating on the word”: Muse – think about, to ponder, to brood over Jer 15:16, Phil 4:8, Mine: to extract from a source, to draw THAT word for your situation Eccl 8:4, Ps 33:9, and Mouth: The more we speak about God’s character, give testimony he fills our mind and heart with the amazing goodness of God. Josh 1:8, Rom 10:8-9. 

I pray the Lord will draw you closer and keep you and yours in HIS Presence and give you REST on all sides. Have testimony-filled week.

 

Pastor Tayo Ojo