Most difficult thing isn’t what you think

“I would like to buy three dollars worth of God, please. Not enough to explode my soul or disturb my sleep, but just enough to equal a cup of warm milk, or a snooze in the sunshine … I want ecstasy, not transformation. I want the warmth of the womb, not a new birth. I want a pound of the eternal in a paper sack. I would like to buy three pounds of God, please” – Wilbur Reese

Non secular dehydration

I as soon as shared with our congregation that one of the crucial tough challenges related to pastoring will not be sermon preparation or taxing counseling appointments however witnessing the tragic outcomes of religious dehydration — individuals dying spiritually with dwelling water only a step away.

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Sadly, we turn out to be too busy and too self-absorbed to drink of the dwelling water that Christ spoke of. The justifications are broad, however the resolution is slim: “Whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst” (John 4:14).

Do you actually wish to know God?

Only a few are actually hungry and thirsty for God. Though most of us quote, “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness for they shall be filled,” many have by no means actually skilled it. 

Paul mentioned that He desires to know Christ within the energy of His resurrection and within the fellowship of His struggling (Philippians 3:10). King David cried out, “One thing I have asked from the Lord, that I shall seek: That I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life” (Psalm 27:4).

Hungering and thirsting for God is an all-consuming ardour that drives each facet of life. 

Refreshing sense of satisfaction 

One summer season, I took a motorbike trip out into the desert with little water. As I circled and headed again to my truck, I noticed I used to be out of water. Every mile introduced a brand new degree of thirst and desperation. 

My ideas had been consumed with water; nothing else mattered. The surroundings and quiet that I loved minutes earlier had misplaced its attraction.

Hope surged once I noticed my truck within the distance. Inside minutes, I dropped my bike, sprung the truck door open, and devoured the remaining water. Dehydration and exhaustion rapidly gave approach to a refreshing sense of satisfaction. The intense thirst that I used to be feeling was now happy.

Those that actually thirst are happy 

That have jogged my memory of the thirst God usually describes in His phrase — those that actually thirst (search Him) with all of their coronary heart shall be happy. This isn’t partial obedience, it is full give up; it isn’t attempting to squeeze God in, it is about permitting Him to totally saturate each facet of our lives.

Mockingly, we are able to have the letter of the legislation, however not the center of Christ. We will break down the Bible, however our hearts stay as exhausting as stone. We rule our houses with a rod of iron however know nothing about compassion, gentleness, and humility. We regularly come to church to evaluate others fairly than to really search God.

Do not change conviction with compromise 

There are additionally those that have changed conviction with compromise. As I’ve said earlier than, in case you say, “I’m just not convicted,” it might be time for self-evaluation. In case you are offended by a name to holiness, it would point out that you should search repentance.

Holiness is a mark of conviction and a surrendered life. Holiness will not be an choice like a alternative in a buffet line. Holiness is a attribute of somebody who’s genuinely stuffed with the Spirit of God. With out holiness, nobody will see the Lord (Hebrews 12:14).

The lukewarm church disdains the warmth of conviction; thus, it stays lukewarm. Lukewarm is aware of nothing of holiness, give up, and the Spirit-filled life. It could have a type of godliness, but it surely denies God by its life-style (see 2 Timothy 3:5). 

Charles Spurgeon rightly famous, “There will be three effects of nearness to Jesus — humility, happiness, and holiness.”

Why many don’t genuinely search God

First, it might be that some will not be genuinely saved. They could have “religion” however not a real “relationship” with the dwelling God.

Second, many don’t wish to search Him. The excuse is usually, “I just don’t feel like seeking Him.” However we should first self-discipline ourselves earlier than need comes. 

We should first empty ourselves with a purpose to be stuffed. We should first obey earlier than receiving the blessing. We should first break earlier than restoration begins. We should first pray earlier than there’s transformation. We should reward Him earlier than there’s peace. And we should first search Him if we’re to really discover Him.

Hearth doesn’t fall on an empty altar

The fireplace of God, the manifest presence of God, doesn’t fall on an empty altar; there should be a sacrifice on the altar. Paul wrote, “Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God” (Romans 12:1). 

Real religion is mirrored in honest humility, selfless love, true repentance, and a surrendered life. 

Does your life mirror these traits? Are you actually in search of God? It’s not too late.

“You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart” (Jeremiah 29:13). For extra, watch the sermon, Find out how to Discover the Secret Place.