Gentle Steps...

what is still lacking in the condition where when we worship God we felt none of His presence hovering over us? we just feel ourselves singing upbeat or nice songs. some songs are beautiful, some songs are wonderful, but to come to think of it.. but why? God's presence was not there?

In God's word (1 Peter:15-16)
But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: "Be holy, because I am holy."

God is Holy. but DARE WE say we are holy? Living in this sinful world, so full of immorality, so full of temptations. We need God's grace & mercy each new day. Because in a blink of an eye we can so easily fall into sins' deceitfulness. But we are called to BE HOLY as God is Holy!

Because the number one reason why God's presence is not in the midst is that there is the presence of SIN. God being Holy in nature cannot tolerate the presence of sin... as Darkness and Light cannot mix... so does Holiness and Sin..

we need to come into repentance daily before God asking for forgiveness of ALL of our wrong doing, all the things we've done that displeases God. Believing that Jesus blood will wash us clean. Then only can we offer our sacrifice of praise before God!

As it is written in (Matthew 5:23-24)
Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift.

I feel this verse is really appropriate to us even this era.. as we offer our worship unto God, that we check ourselves (ask the Holy Spirit to search our hearts) whether do we still hold grudges? have we dishonoured our parents? have we forgive that someone? have we ask for forgiveness? if not it would be a stumbling block in your effort of worshipping God..

First, make right your heart with people around you. (by asking forgiveness, and forgive those who have wronged you)
Second, make right your heart with God. (by repenting to God of all the wrong things you've done)
Then are we able to come to God, asking God to purify us once again... to be able to worship Him in spirit and in truth!

As we are called to be holy as God is holy... here are a few things we can do as written in 1 Peter 1:13-25, 2:1-3
1. Prepare our minds for action
2. be self-controlled
3. set our hope fully on the grace to be given to us when Jesus Christ is revealed
4. As obedient children, do not conform to evil desires you had when you live in ignorance
5. live your lives as strangers here in reverent fear
6. now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have a sincere love for your brothers, love one another deeply, from your heart
7. rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind
8. like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation

Another scripture that speak volumes is written in the book of
Ecclesiastes 7:16 "Do not be overrighteous, neither be overwise - why destroy yourself?"
In Ecclesiastes 7:18 "It is good to grasp the one and not let go of the other. The man who fears God will avoid all extremes"

take time to ponder. For God's word are truth and living. Sharper then any two edged sword, that can pierce right through the heart.

i have learn and still learning as God directs me in special ways, to always walk humbly before the Lord, learning His ways, following Him. If you have an insight from God, praise Him for it! If God has used you as His vessel, praise Him for it! Giving all glory to Him, for He alone deserves it. Never once steal His glory, or He will break you (your pride).

we need His mercy each new day. As written in Phillipians 2:12-13
Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed - not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence - continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.

i believe there is a reason why i have this strong urge to blog about this. I pray that as you read through this that God will speak to you and hear your heart's cry.

May God bless you.

love ya lots!
-joyce-