The Presence

It's interesting that so many people who call themselves Christians live regularly - some most of the time, others all of the time - without the presence of God.  Their lives are filled with time for work, time for play, time for family, and time for friends but no time for the presence of God.  Even the one day a week that is set aside for the worship of God as a body, Sunday, is rarely different than the other 6 days of the week in that these so-called Christians have no time for the presence of God.  Then, for many of those who do take the time to go to church, they still do without the presence of God because their church is full of programs and orders of service but no presence of God.  It's no wonder then that the "church" is so powerless and ineffective for the Kingdom of God.

It's essential for me to spend time everyday in the presence of God.  The presence of God makes me a better woman, a better mom, a better wife, a better daughter, a better sister, a better aunt, a better friend, a better worker, a better leader, a better follower, and a better minister.  To me, it seems absurd to call yourself a Christian but never spend time in the presence of God nor desire to spend time in the presence of God.  Truly, the presence of God is the most satisfying place to be.  It has everything I need.

God created me for His presence.  He wants to spend time with me.  He desires my love and my worship.  He wants to see my face and hear my voice.

I believe God wants us to be REAL!  It's time to stop playing Christian.  It's time to stop playing church.  Everyday there are people around us dying and going to hell.  There are people hurting and desperate.  There are people bound by addictions and shame.  We have the escape route.  We have the healing balm.  We have the hope.  We have the keys to unlock the chains, and we have the beauty they need to wipe away the shame.  Yet, we aren't prepared to use it because we've watered it down.  We've so quenched the Holy Spirit in our lives that we are powerless.  We are of no use to those in need.

Jesus left an impression of His Power everywhere He went.  Today, He's trying to get His church to understand that His presence brings Power, but they'd rather go about "church as usual."

Do you really care about the Kingdom of God?  Do you really want to see signs and wonders?  Then you'd better get rid of your religion and traditions, and welcome the Power, the Holy Spirit!  If you'd rather not, then I'd suggest, you get out of the WAY!