The One Thing

The One Thing

     Do you have one thing? I mean the one thing, the spark that keeps you going in life?

Last Sunday Dan Danielson, former Covenant Army Chaplain, spoke at Living Hope Covenant Church. His message was titled The One Thing. What is the one passionate, love of our life, that one thing that makes life worth living?

     Dan brought in the story of King David. David loved God and being in His presence. It was his most loved thing. He’d rather spend one day in God’s courts than a thousand elsewhere. When repenting of sin he cried to God in Psalm 51:11(NIV)”Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me.”

     This brought to my mind a song from contemporary singers Shane and Shane. Their song is called Without You:

I can walk through the storm

I can walk by faith when my sight is gone

Just as long as you are there with me

And I can gain everything

But what do I have if I don’t have the King?

Oh, I need to know you are here with me

If your presence goes, I don’t wanna stay.

If your presence stays, I don’t wanna go.

I need you.

God’s is always there. But when you decide to stop and concentrate on Him you can experience being near to God, aware of Him. It’s not about the place it’s the presence of God that matters. You could be somewhere still enough to listen to His words, or loud enough to send Him shouts of praise. This is where we connect with the heart, mind, and spirit to a passionate God.

The church building isn’t a magical spot where God is kept. Don’t leave Him there after Sunday service. Spend quality time worshiping Him throughout your day, and be used by Him in mercy, justice, and love. Be in His presence.

Wait! Stop! Don’t use this as an excuse for not going to church. God’s word is very specific about wanting us to meet together. We NEED each other. Church is a place for encouragement, inspiration, learning, and accountability. If you want to grow stronger in faith, closer to God, and wiser in your decisions then fellowshiping with others is where you need to be.

Picture of Prayer

Picture of Prayer

     Living Hope Covenant Church is doing a program called 40 Days of Prayer. Pastor Greg Ralston preached on the subject.

     Have you ever tried to draw prayer? That’s what this week’s picture is. My picture is of what praying looks like to me. Notice the exact place where the prayer is taking place isn’t made known. I am often unaware of my surroundings when I am in deep prayer. Not a good time to be driving when doing this kind of God communication. Although, I’ve found that the most beautiful places, that would seem to give the most inspiration, can be a distraction when it’s time to get down to business.

When I pray thoughts, feelings, and requests can float in and out, back and forth. I’m not a linier thinker, and my prayers often reflect that. There can be a total wash of God’s presence, or no feeling at all. The times with no emotional response often turns out to be the most productive. Later in the day or week is when I notice the change in me that I needed, or the prayer answered. I think that is God showing me it’s not about my emotions. It’s about a real God, getting things done.

     Anyway, here is the website for the 40 days of Prayer, if you are interested in strengthening your prayer life.

www.40-days.org