“I don’t just want a sip; I want to drink.” Not fleeting moments of peace or happiness, but to embody God’s presence continually. How? By obeying His words, partaking in communion, repenting, asking to be filled, and lingering in His presence. When you’ve done these, you’re ready to truly drink of the Spirit—responding to God’s presence in everything.
The greatest calling isn’t a platform we stand on. Preaching, pastoring, leading, or receiving admiration isn’t God’s highest purpose for me. Titles, ministries, charitable works, even parenting or leaving a legacy—while noble—are not our highest calling. No achievement, no accolade, no earthly role brings us closer to God than prayer. In prayer, we stand closest to God’s throne, in spirit and truth, experiencing His presence like nothing else
When the Light is lit, it stems from the same Spirit. This single candle in our Holy Place mirrors the priests’ work, revealing God’s knowledge within us. God desires to be known, fostering an environment for worship. When filled with the Holy Spirit’s oil, each lamp transforms prayer, parenting, work, and every aspect of life. Unlit lamps affect Christian demeanor and choices, needing daily attention to stay on fire. Pure oil from crushed olives fuels these lamps, aligning us with God’s will. Choosing love, joy, peace, patience, goodness, kindness, faithfulness refuels us spiritually. Even in darkness, the Spirit’s light trims and aligns us through Jesus’ discipline and conviction.
There’s a profound depth within each of us, a yearning for more than what the world offers. It’s the fire in your heart that rejects sin and embraces living for God, seeking fulfillment beyond mere existence. This fire not only drives you towards a life aligned with His will but also draws you closer to His presence, where intimacy and communion flourish. It’s in this sacred space that conviction ignites into transformative power, enabling you to shine brightly with His truth and love.
The momentous event that just unfolded was extraordinary. The heavens opened precisely as the intricate sequence was fulfilled, a sequence that even the priest, walking in reverence, could not execute alone. It required another, someone knowledgeable and willing to undertake the sacrificial act of entering the code and combination. Now, the vault of heaven stands open once more, a plan set in motion by God over the ages, culminating in the birth of Jesus. The purpose? To inspire belief. To make you exclaim, “Wow, I believe Jesus is the Messiah, crucified for my sins, the Lamb of God.” God didn’t merely predict this; He intricately designed it step by step, unveiling the veil. Yet, beyond the spectacle lies deeper meaning: the end of the old ways of approaching God, the temple and tabernacle dismantled. Scholars, rabbis, and prophets alike find it improbable: God descending in flesh, dying on a cross meant for the condemned.
Sometimes, we overlook the potential in what seems barren—a stump, thought to be lifeless, can stir at the mere hint of water. Similarly, you may wonder how to revive your own spirit, longing to feel alive again. The answer lies in rooting yourself deeply, despite the depths you’ve plummeted. Like that resilient stump, you can still reach for life-giving sustenance. Embrace prayer, generosity, fellowship, service, and love, and watch as the dormant parts of yourself begin to stir with newfound vitality.
It’s not about our own strength, methods, or ideas; it’s about His omnipotent influence within us. To Him belongs all the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout every age, extending into eternity. Understand this: God sees you in your brokenness, in your efforts to navigate life. He recognizes your attempts to move forward. Yet, He beckons, ‘If you align with my will, if you surrender to my way, if you proceed in my strength, then I will utilize even your challenges for extraordinary purposes.’
I aim to worship with full devotion to Him, regardless of circumstances. Amidst trials, I choose to prioritize worship—attending, serving, praising—because Jesus outweighs any challenge. Even if tired or facing adversity, worship remains paramount. Worship is a spiritual resolve, a decision made from the depths of the spirit. It declares that nothing shall outweigh the adoration directed towards God, reflecting a desire to live in a manner that magnifies His glory above all else. It’s profoundly spiritual, precisely what God seeks—those who worship Him in spirit and truth.
Today’s message resonates with the simplicity and power of pouring out what we have for the glory of the Lord. Whether it’s faith, joy, love, or willingness, our small offerings become magnified in God’s hands. As Romans 12:3 reminds us, each of us possesses a measure of faith, prompting the question: How will we pour it out? By surrendering to God’s will, we invite His abundance into our lives. Whether it’s taking the first step in faith or reaffirming our commitment to follow Jesus, the act of pouring out our hearts brings transformation.
