Pursuing the Presence of God 8-25-09

Good morning, Lord Jesus. Lead me in the way that leads to life -- abundant life in You today. ... "It was told King David, 'The Lord has blessed the household of Obed-edom and all that belongs to him, because of the ark of God.' So David went and brought up the ark of God from the house of Obed-edom to the city of David with rejoicing; and when those who bore the ark of the Lord had gone six paces, he sacrificed and ox and a fatling. David danced before the Lord with all his might; David was girded with a line ephod. So David and all the house of Israel brought up the ark of the Lord with shouting, and with the sound of the trumpet" (2 Samuel 6:12-15). The ark of God speaks of the presence of God in our midst. It's Your presence that brings Your blessing. It's Your presence that makes us want to sacrifice whatever it takes to have it. It's Your presence that stirs our spirits to dancing and shouting and rejoicing. And while we hunger and thirst for Your presence personally, it's not to be horded or hidden with one person or household, but to be shared with all and honored by all. "Glory in His holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice. Seek the Lord and His strength; seek His presence continually" (Psalm 105:3-4). The world around us and sometimes even those closest to us won't always understand our passionate pursuit of Your presence (2 Samuel 6:20-23). Sometimes our esteem in their eyes is part of our sacrifice as well. But "there is need of only one thing" -- "the better part" of seeking Your presence above all else (Luke 10:42). "One thing I asked of the Lord, that will I seek after: to live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to inquire in His temple" (Psalm 27:4). Your presence is worth whatever sacrifice, misunderstanding, judgment, or ridicule I may ever endure. "You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of Your presence and the pleasures of living with You forever" (Psalm 16:11, NLT). In Jesus' name I pray, Amen. Be encouraged today! In the Love of Jesus, Tommy Hays Friends, please come join us for A Day Apart for Healing, Oct. 3rd near Nashville, TN I'll be leading with Jonathan Dow of Aldersgate Renewal Ministries at their ministry base in Goodlettsville, TN. In an atmosphere of deep worship and God's healing love, we'll address areas of rejection, shame, fear, rebellion, trauma and freedom from spiritual oppression, while also addressing potential hindrances to healing. A brochure is attached. http://www.aldersgaterenewal.org/events/arc/day_Apart_09_Healing.html Please spread to the word to anyone who may be interested and come if you can! Order my books, Free to Be Like Jesus and Morning by Morning and our other Messiah Ministries Resources or Contribute to Our Ministry on-line at:www.shop.messiah-ministries.org Subscribe by email to me at Messiah Ministries --MessiahMin@aol.com -- "Preparing the Way of the Lord ... Ministering the Healing Love of God" www.messiah-ministries.org 2800 Tates Creek Rd; Lexington, KY 40502 Devotional Archives at: www.morningbymorning.blogspot.com