Practicing His Presence

I had to write a paper about how the book "Practicing His Presence" impacted me. I wanted to post a couple excerpts here as an update on what is going on inside of me. It's a bit lengthy so feel free to just read the quotes from the book that I pasted because those are pretty good without me saying anything at all :)

"My prayers are nothing other than a sense of the presence of God. My soul is simply insensible, at the time, to anything but divine love. When the appointed time of prayer has passed, I find no difference because I still continue with God, praising and blessing Him with all my might, so that I might pass my life in continual joy."

• This short little phrase from Frank gave me a practical picture of how to seek first the Kingdom of God. There will always be seemingly mundane or normal aspects of life that we must do. Cleaning, cooking, driving, working, whatever it may be, we can do them while still seeking first the Kingdom of God.  The attitude of our hearts during our times set apart with God should be no different than when we are outwardly doing ‘earthly’ tasks. We can continually seek, gaze, and worship no matter what the outward circumstance. This is living with eternity in view and our minds set on the things of Heaven. We are spiritual beings, we don’t set that aspect of us aside when we do things that don’t require, so to speak, our Spirit. If we engage our Spirit in communion with God in those moments, I believe intimacy and growth abound. I’m so excited to see God’s grace develop this more and more in my life.

“It is not the fashion to tell your inmost thoughts, but there are many wrong fashions, and concealment of the best in us is wrong. I disapprove of the usual practice of talking ‘small talk’ whenever we meet, and holding a veil over our souls. If we are so impoverished that we have nothing to reveal but small talk, then we need to struggle for more richness of soul.”

• This truth convicted me on many levels. There are so many times when I don’t like to reveal to people what is truly on my heart and mind because I feel like they don’t want to actually hear it when they ask. In reality, if what is happening in me is of God and brings life and truth, I shouldn’t hide it! Yes, there may be times when you have to rearrange how you explain it depending on the listener, but God makes us messengers and we have a command to tell people about Him. Our brothers and sisters in Christ can be encouraged or challenged by our testimonies. I don’t want to be selfish with what God is showing me, or fear being thought to be a fool, or just plain apathetic about the commands of God. He’s worthy of the adoration of every person. Also, this made me desire to discover more of God’s character and will day in and day out. If a day goes by where I haven’t encountered Him in some way, be it ever so small, it was a day wasted. If I’m truly choosing to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord I will never lack “richness of soul.”

“If our religious premises are correct at all then this oneness with God is the most normal condition one can have. It is what made Christ, Christ.” – “As for me, I never lived, I was half dead, I was a rotting tree, until I reached the place where I wholly, with utter honesty, resolved and then re-resolved that I would find God’s will and I would do that will though every fibre in me said no, and I would win the battle in my thoughts.” – “I know why God left this aching void – for Himself to fill.”

• This book doesn’t depict a nice way to live life or a new take on Christianity, it is the practical application of what God’s heart is longing for from each of us! That is so intensely controversial even in my own heart/mind. He wants to draw us away from all of the other voices and things that numb us and cause us to be deaf to His calls. He wants us to desire Him more than anything we can find on this earth. I've heard the verse about loving God with all of my heart, soul, mind and strength since a very young age, but it’s rare to see people believing that God really meant it when He said it. God doesn’t use half hearted language in the Word. It’s all or nothing. You’re either completely consumed or you’re not. I don’t believe there is ever ‘stagnant’ times in our walk with God. We’re either moving toward Him or away from Him. We’re either sowing seeds of righteousness or sowing seeds of our sinful nature. To follow Him means to die! The cross He asks us to take up isn’t some symbol to wear around your neck, it means a death sentence daily! This is when we truly live. This is when we can have the fragrance of life and exude the juicy fruits of the Spirit. I’m committed to resolve and then re-resolve, day in and day out, to find out the will of God and walk in it for the rest of my life.

“And if you should forget Him for minutes or even days, do not groan or repent, but begin anew with a smile. Every minute can be a fresh beginning.” -- “All thought employs silent words and is really conversation with your inner self. Instead of talking to yourself, form the habit of talking to Christ.”

• This practical help has been so life giving to me. Until that wonderful day when practicing His presence becomes much more natural, I’m going to make many mistakes. It’s so freeing to remember God’s character in those moments. He is so gracious and extremely pumped about every attempt I make to be nearer to Him. He empowers, not condemns. I'm a thinker. I’m sure that everyone thinks a lot, but I believe I might think more than most. The concept of just conversing with God in those moments is so simple but yet intensely profound. He’s the only one listening anyway! While pondering I’m trusting His wisdom instead of my own.