More on Lingering

Several people have commented that this concept of lingering in the presence of God is something that the Lord has placed on their hearts for 2014.

Read this prayer of Brother Lawrence - read it prayerfully and carefully. Here is his greatest secret to being able to continue in the presence of the Lord - lingering there no matter tasks he had to do each day. Brother Lawrence made his heart a true sanctuary of God's presence and called for the continual, intentional, conscious presence of God to abide throughout the day. Here is Brother Lawrence's prayer:

"O my God, since thou art with me, and i must now, in obedience to thy commands, apply my mind to these outward things, i beseech thee to grant me the grace to continue in thy presence; and to this end do thou prosper me with thy assistance, receive all my works, and possess all my affections."

As a friend, Ed Nelson said, "I feel that entering into a "Lingering Lifestyle" is so crucial in this season of increased intimacy. Also, Holy Spirit wants to be involved in deciding how long we Linger in His presence. Our agenda's are just that.. ours. He wants to give us so much more."

May we become passionate about cultivating a "lingering lifestyle" this year!" This means that we invite Him in to every area of our day - from the moments we set aside to be with Him to the time we have with others - may we find Him there in our thoughts, words and actions, and may we become the fragrance of Christ in the world!

There is not in the world a kind of life more sweet and delightful,

than that of a continual conversation with God;

those only can comprehend it

who practice and experience it.

- Brother Lawrence - 

More thoughts on lingering: HERE and HERE

Message on Worship

I am asking you to listen to this awesome message on worship...

This message is the story of a powerful encounter where Jeremiah Johnson was taking to the throneroom of Heaven and given a message for the body of Christ. This word challenges the church with this question: "Why are church services so boring and predictable?" Get ready for an incredible encounter through this message.

You can find the message here: "Let My People Go"

The whole thing takes a couple of hours...so if you don't have much time - make sure you listen to the message and let it affect your heart. I am looking for a complete reformation of worship in these days - where we base our services on the presence of God rather than on music, songs, preaching, programs or any other thing!

Ps. 15 - 11 Things That Give You Access To God's Presence

I have been meditating on Psalm 15 this morning – Here we find such an interesting perspective on the people who are invited into God’s presence. I’m not sure that we would prioritize some of these qualities in quite the same way,  nor would we list them as attributes that need to be found in those who worship and long to be found in the presence of God! Sure – they are all important, but not necessarily things that spring to mind initially.

Also note that the psalmist begins the psalm with 2 questions and answers with 4 verses – each has 3 components. I know that the verse markings were not originally included in the Bible – but it is always interesting to me to see the symmetry of the poetry:

Psalm 15 (NLT)

1 Who may worship in your sanctuary, Lord?

Who may enter your presence on your holy hill?

2 Those who lead blameless lives

and do what is right,

speaking the truth from sincere hearts.

3 Those who refuse to gossip

or harm their neighbors

or speak evil of their friends.

4 Those who despise flagrant sinners,

and honor the faithful followers of the Lord,

and keep their promises even when it hurts.

5 Those who lend money without charging interest,

and who cannot be bribed to lie about the innocent.


Such people will stand firm forever.

So…here is the list of 11 qualities that need to be found in worshipers:

• Holiness on the inside

• Holiness in our actions

• Always speak the truth

• Don’t gossip

• Don’t hurt your neighbors

• Don’t speak evil of your friends

• Hate sin and those who are blatant sinners

• Honor those who follow God

• Keep your word even if it costs you something

• Be generous and lend without charging interest

• Never take a bribe – especially to lie against the innocent

If you do these 11 things you will never be moved from God’s presence!

If you look at this list again, it really does make sense - these things center around the way we govern our hearts, mouths, attitudes and finances. All these things are important to form the heart of worshipers.

A Psalm of Praise

Here is a psalm of praise as we prepare our hearts for the new year:

Father...

Your  thoughts are our most profound contemplation

Your throne is our most treasured destination

Your presence is our most precious dwelling

Your robes are our most exquisite fragrance

Your hand is our most secure hiding place

Your voice is our most delightful sound

Your glory is our most desired purpose

Your Name is our most favorite word

Your Word is our most beloved book

Your face is our most lovely sight

We bow down and worship You

Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh

Matt. 2:11

And when they were come into the house,

they saw the young child with Mary his mother,

and fell down, and worshipped him:

and when they had opened their treasures,

they presented unto him gifts;

gold, and frankincense and myrrh.

Because he is our Emmanuel - the God who has come to be with us -

Bring Him Gold - this represents your character - victories that you have won with Christ in the core of who you are - He is in you...the hope of glory. Bring yourself to Him as an offering of gold this Christmas

Gold will cause you to look like Him

Bring Him Frankincense - this represents your worship - all of your heart poured out in devotion. Bring yourself to Him as an offering of frankincense this Christmas

Frankincense will cause you to sound like Him

Bring Him Myrrh - this represents your suffering...those things that have broken your heart this year...the fragrance of myrrh comes not just because we have suffered, but because we choose the Lord in the midst of suffering, and overcome despite our suffering. Bring yourself to Him as an offering of myrrh this Christmas

Myrrh will cause you to smell like Him