Greetings in the name of THE Risen Saviour, Jesus Christ! Here we are on the last week of September – time sure moves quickly! I trust that you enjoyed your weekend and Monday…and that you are excited about the week that lies before you! We are in the midst of a Jewish festival called – Sukkot, the Feast of Tabernacles. During this time Jewish people are remembering God’s presence dwelling with them as they travelled through the wilderness en route to the Promised Land. God’s presence is often defined as ” His Glory”…a manifestation by an overwhelming power or light or an awareness of love surrounding a person or family or congregation. We often, although not often enough, pray for God’s glory…and I think that we aren’t sure what to expect and as a result don’t experience it. So, today I will be praying for you, asking Father to make himself known to you in ways that you can understand and respond to.
I just finished reading a mystery story and came upon the ‘acknowledgements’ page…which I don’t often pay attention to…and noted the words of the author: “Writers are selfish people.” He gave a good explanation of what he meant and I had to agree, noting that in this instance “selfish” was a positive trait. In fact, I believe there is a certain kind of selfishness that we must nurture as a Christian – a selfishness for the presence of God – His Glory! This ‘selfishness’ is best experienced in a daily quiet time – ‘alone time’ with God. One man said: “Without You (God), not one step over the threshold. With You (God) – anywhere.”
I am aware that many, if not all of you, subscribe to the discipline of a daily quiet time, so I won’t belabour the point. However, let me give you these words from a friend: In a regular time with God we exchange our impotence for His power, our unrest for His rest, our grief for His joy…quiet times produce a quiet heart, which becomes a quiet confidence and a quiet power. It is then that the soul becomes its best. It is then that you tune in to God’s wavelength.” Selwyn Hughes, ‘Everyday With Jesus’.It is a ‘selfishness’ for God that will allow us, prepare us to be ‘unselfish’ with the people in our lives and their needs.
Today, let me encourage you to accept the fact that God wants to “tabernacle” with you, He wants you to experience His presence as you spend time with Him, as you read his Word, as you interact with family-friends-whoever He sends your way, and as you represent Him to the world. Something to ponder…be blessed!