Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today- January 4, 2012
“I’m asking God for one thing, only one thing: To live with him in his house my whole life long. I’ll contemplate his beauty; I’ll study at his feet.” Psalm 27:4, The Message
There are rival voices in the mind of a Christian that compete for the ear of God. It may a voice of concern over a wayward son or daughter. Another voice cries out for healing of a diseased body. A sincere voice asks to know God’s will and direction for living. All of these voices vie for the Lord’s attention and are close to His heart. But there is one request that collates all of these needs—to enter into the presence of Jesus in prayer.
We need the personalized presence of Christ like a hiker reaching a mountain summit needs oxygen. It is in this place of praise that we see the beauty of His holiness and we study at His feet. The doors to His house of worship are always open to our hungry heart and inquisitive mind. We enter into His courts because He is the One Thing we need. As we live with our Lord we emulate His ways. His warm hospitality is like heaven on earth.
“He replied, “Whether he is a sinner or not, I don’t know. One thing I do know. I was blind but now I see!” John 9:25
What is the one thing that drives your life? If nothing else gets accomplished in a day, what captures your affection and attention? These answers define your priorities. What you focus on is what you become. For example, if it’s money, then status and stuff become your goal. However, if heaven’s agenda is your daily “to do” list, then you will say no to those things unnecessary to God’s goals, and yes to furthering His plan.
Consider a monthly audit of your calendar and checkbook with a trusted friend or two. Ask them to hold you accountable in how you spend your time and money. Look for alignment around Almighty God’s agenda for your life. Does your giving support your church and ministries that serve people in Jesus name? Is your time a trusted resource for relationships that need your counsel? Ask the Lord for one thing: to live close with Him.
“Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:13-14
How do I need to rearrange my schedule, so that I can slow down and enjoy Christ’s company?
Related Readings: Psalm 62:11; Mark 10:21; Galatians 3:2; 1 Peter 3:8
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We need the presence of Christ like a hiker reaching a mountain summit needs oxygen. #prayer
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