Text: 2 Chronicles 15:8-9
Memory text:
“For thus says the High and Lofty One Who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: “I dwell in the high and holy place, With him who has a contrite and humble spirit, To revive the spirit of the humble, And to revive the heart of the contrite ones.”
Isaiah 57:15 NKJV
Climates are known to influence crop growth and crops that can grow in a particular environment. For example, there are crops that grow only in tropical regions, and there are also crops that can grow only in temperate regions. However, with the greenhouse technology, that limitation is removed. The greenhouse allows one to artificially create the required condition in an enclosed environment. The most influential climate factors are precipitation, temperature, and sunlight, and these can be controlled to meet a crop’s need within the enclosed space.
Likewise, by understanding when bees swarm and what they look for in a new shelter, one can increase the chances of attracting bees to settle in one’s bee box.
In the same way, the presence of God can be attracted and maintained by intentionally creating the atmosphere conducive for it. One only needs to understand what God looks for in a life. Let’s consider a few of them this morning.
A life that is holy will always attract His presence. The Spirit of God is holy, and He does not dwell in an unholy sanctuary. “Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? If anyone defiles the temple of God, God will destroy him. For the temple of God is holy, which temple you are.” (I Cor 3:16-17). Keep your life from every defilement of the spirit, the soul, and the body, and you will attract His presence.
Repentance is a non-negotiable factor for anyone who desires God’s presence. You cannot continue in sin and expect grace to continue. The first thing king Asa did was to remove the destable things (2 Chro 15:8). Likewise, God told Joshua that He won’t go with them unless they removed the accursed thing. “.. Neither will I be with you anymore unless you destroy the accursed from among you.” (Josh 7:12). Repentance requires that you take action. It goes beyond merely confessing your sins.
What about the factor of humility? This is the opposite of pride. Rather than being attracted to the proud, God resists him (Jam 4:6). God dwells with the humble, according to our memory text. Humility is in the heart, and it is seen in attitude. A humble person will recognize his helplessness without God and will earnestly seek Him.
Friends, it’s not up to God but to you. He has promised you His presence, but it’s your responsibility to create the conducive atmosphere..
Prayer points
1. Father, please help me to do all that I need to do to make my life conducive for Your dwelling, in Jesus’ name.
2. Father, I receive grace to walk in holiness, genuine repentance, and humility in Jesus’ name.
Today’s declarations
1. I intentionally create the atmosphere for God’s presence in my life.
2. Just like bees are not attracted to every box, God is not attracted to all vessels but that which is conducive for God’s presence.
Contact: pastor@thf.org.ng