Over the past few weeks I have endeavored to find the mind of God for myself personally, for the church that I Pastor (Oak Park Church), and for my city. My goal is to set a vision for 2007.As I contemplated the coming year and what the focus needed to be, a simple but powerful question crept into my mind. Where does the answer for my life, the church and my city lie? Where does true treasure lie? Then the equally powerful answer reverberated through my being..."In His Presence."
His presence, of course, that is where everything becomes clearer, where the power flows, and where His direction can be found. Nothing but truth can stand in His presence. The seemly important things evaporate in His presence. The frivolous things vanish in His glory. The right things stand at attention. The light of His presence illuminates the correct path.
The old song says, "turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full into to His wonderful face and things of this world will grow strangely dim, in the light of His glory and grace."
In His presence there is...
1. Peace
2. Hope
3. Forgiveness
4. Reconciliation
5. Fullness of Joy
6. Pleasures for evermore
7. Clear vision
David knew where to find this precious treasure and never forgot where it was found. During every struggle of David's life he ran, crawled, even pleaded his way into the presence of God.
When the enemy spoiled their camp and their families, David fell into God's presence and found strength, courage and direction.
When David committed adultery and the Prophet Nathan stuck his finger in his face and said "thou art the man," what did David do? Did he plead for his throne, his palace or his possessions? No, David said, "take not thy Holy Spirit from me!"
When David looked around and saw the prosperity of the wicked and he almost fell...what did he do? He went to the house of God and their he saw their end and his reward. Everything was clearer in God's presence.
David knew where to find the treasure.
Therefore, in the year 2007 let us plan, schedule, advertise and organize like never before. However, let us also endeavor to spend more time in His presence. In His presence, He will sustain us, direct us, chasten us, and empower us...
That is where the treasure lies...
