Has His Presence Been Captured!

1 Samuel 4:21-22 21And she named the child Ichabod, saying, The glory is departed from Israel: because the ark of God was taken, and because of her father in law and her husband. 22And she said, the glory is departed from Israel: for the ark of God is taken. (KJV)

This was a sad day for the nation of Israel. The ark represented the presence of God in their midst. It was the focal point of His being with them in authority, government, power and glory. Unfortunately because of the sins of the priest of that time the ark had been captured from the Israelites and given into the hands of their enemies. The glory of God had departed because the sacrifice of the Lord had been held in contempt. The best was kept for themselves and not for the Lord God Almighty himself. Sin was practiced in the sight of God and in His temple and grieved the heart of God. Could it be that this is happening today in some of our churches in America?

The churches in most areas of our nation placate the unbeliever to make them feel welcome and accepted into their congregations. Meetings are structured to look more like the world so as to attract the world because to most God is no longer attractive. The only problem with being a seeker sensitive church is that it nullifies the power and true message of change. In essence it becomes nothing more than what the world already has; a powerless and spiritually dead life void of the true life of Christ and all He stands for and died for. The glory of God and His presence is a rare thing to find. It is one thing to compromise our methods to win souls but it is another to compromise the message to get large crowds. Paul teaches that we should become all things to all men in order that we might win some to Christ 1 Corinthians 9:22-23 22When I am with those whose consciences bother them easily, I don’t act as though I know it all and don’t say they are foolish; the result is that they are willing to let me help them. Yes, whatever a person is like, I try to find common ground with him so that he will let me tell him about Christ and let Christ save him. 23I do this to get the Gospel to them and also for the blessing I myself receive when I see them come to Christ.(TLB) Paul was willing to change the way he presented himself in order to have an opportunity to share the gospel with someone. We should try every way possible to be creative in presenting the gospel to the world but as we can also see through the letters Paul wrote he never compromised the word of God. He preached and taught the whole counsel of Gods word and when he ministered he did so with a demonstration of Gods power. He introduced them to the God of Heaven.

1 Corinthians 2:4 And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: 5That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.

1Thesselonians 1:5 For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake.

The bible warns us that in the last days many will turn from sound doctrine.
2 Timothy 3:13-16 13But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived. 14But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; 15And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 16All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works. (KJV)
The power and presence of God and the full counsel of His word is life changing, convicting and transforming. His presence will stir up greater hunger and a desire to live for Him and Him alone. We all have struggles in our lives and sin that we deal with. No one is perfect except Jesus Himself. He died to make us the righteousness of God. But, is there an atmosphere of His presence created that causes a relentless desire for change towards righteousness in God. Do we produce trees that are both good and bad? Streams that is both dirty and clean? Is money the true treasure of the church? It seems to be the most popular and preached message that can be heard. Jesus said that where ever your treasure is your heart will be also (Luke 12:34). God wants His people blessed in every area of their life and that includes finances so that the kingdom of God may be blessed and further the work he has called us all to. I Corinthians 9:11 11Yes, God will give you much so that you can give away much, and when we take your gifts to those who need them they will break out into thanksgiving and praise to God for your help. 12So two good things happen as a result of your gifts—those in need are helped, and they overflow with thanks to God. 13Those you help will be glad not only because of your generous gifts to themselves and to others, but they will praise God for this proof that your deeds are as good as your doctrine. 4And they will pray for you with deep fervor and feeling because of the wonderful grace of God shown through you.(TLB) It seems though, the teaching of finances has become strictly for our own luxuries and comforts. That it has become trinkets for trophies. Money, takes precedence over souls. Programs are more important than His presence. And, we can pick and choose which part of the bible we wish to live by.

When you stand in the Holiness of God do you think of sinful acts and long to get back to them or do you run to Him and cry for forgiveness and mercy? His presence creates an atmosphere of change! The Holy Spirit knows just what is needed in our lives more so than we could ever know yet He is not welcome or invited to most meetings (Romans 8:26). What have we become? Where is the lamp of the Lord? Where is the Spirit that searches the heart of man and brings true repentance in the gatherings under His name? It is not that we are no longer His we have just lost our way and let the world creep in and dictate what we have become. The beautiful thing about our Lord and Savior is that all we have to do is look to Him and ask Him to come into our lives in His fullness and forgive us for the distraction we have allowed into our lives. And then, times of refreshing come from the Lord! (Acts 3:19)

Proverbs 20: 27 A lamp from the LORD is the breath of man; it searches through all his inmost being.

Lamentations 3:40-41 40 Let us search and examine our ways that we may return to the LORD! 41 Let us reach out our hearts toward God in heaven!

Psalms 19:12-14 12Who can understand his errors? Cleanse thou me from secret faults. 13Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression. 14Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.

Psalms 139:23-24 23Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: 24And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

Psalms 51: 17The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.

Prayer -
God, search us! Know us! Show us those things that you find displeasing to you. Help us put away the obstacles of offense that keep us from your awesome presence. Help us commit to a deeper walk with you. Revisit us with POWER! Come to us God and let us taste your goodness and experience times of refreshing from you Lord. In Jesus Name, Amen!