What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing
Christ Jesus my Lord! Philippians 3:8
This past month, we talked about the importance of seeking God early... now, before we're older... and early as in early in the day! In celebrating holy days and feasts, the Jewish culture actually begin at sundown on the day before. Genesis 1:5 tells us that the evening and the morning were the first day. So, start your day right by seeking God as your head touches the pillow at night!
At night, three parts of our body need to be strengthened: our body, our soul and our spirit.
Think of your bed as an altar to the Lord. In the Bible, altars were God's special meeting places with man. Put away distractions before going to bed! - other people, email, noises, an interesting book, phone.
Remind yourself and tell God that your body belongs to Him and that you desire for it to be used to glorify Him. Make sure there are no hidden sins in your life that would grieve the Lord and quench the power of His Holy Spirit- “if I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me” Ps.66:18.
Yield every member of your body to God. Romans 6 tells us - But thanks be to God that, though you used to be slaves to sin, you wholeheartedly obeyed the form of teaching to which you were entrusted. You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness.
Offer sacrifices of praise to Jesus. It’s natural to dwell on our own thoughts as we go to bed - concerns, hurtful wounds, lustful desires, future plans - God wants us to take all of these thoughts and sacrifice them to Him! Replace them with thoughts about Him and His Word. David did this: Psalm 63:5-6 My soul will be satisfied as with the richest of foods; with singing lips my mouth will praise you. On my bed I remember you; I think of you through the watches of the night. When the people of God approached the altar at the Temple, they were to come with a grateful heart- Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise, Psalm 100:4a. The Temple is the place where God’s presence dwelled.
Share a rhema of Scripture with the Lord. A Rhema is a verse of Scripture that stands out with special meaning. Keep a journal of rhemas. Hebrews 4:12 says His word is living and powerful! It is the light we need to conquer the darkness of sin. A key passage of Scripture overcomes spiritual darkness and opens the way for intimate fellowship with God. He will reveal deeper understanding of His Word as we meditate on it. The people of God placed animals on their altars- we can bring the food of God’s Word to our altar-bed. Jesus will be right there to enjoy a meal with us! Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear My voice, and open the door [of your heart], I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with Me- Rev. 3:20. His Word is essential for life! Luke 4:4 “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.” Word - rhema - a precise scriptural command that God gives us to apply in our lives. Select a passage and memorize it. It’s letting His Word abide in us. If ye abide in me, and My words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you- John 15:7. Let them not depart from thine eyes: keep sound wisdom and discretion... When thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid; yea, thou shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall be sweet- Pr. 3:21, 24.
Give all your expectations to God. At the root of every bitter feeling, broken relationship, etc. there are personal expectations that were unfulfilled or violated. It is not wrong to have expectations. However, it is wrong to put them on people, events, or things rather than on God. David told his soul, “my soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from him” Psalm 62:5. As we place our expectations on the altar, we are then free to love others! We will not be expecting anything from them.
Other ideas in enjoying the presence of God:
Make it a habit of putting new thoughts in... use Hymns:
Great is Thy Faithfulness
Beneath the Cross of Jesus
To God be the Glory
Use Scripture cards - like a shot of vitamin D!
Praise God for His many names. Baptist minister Adrian Rogers would say to his congregation: “go home and lay your head upon your pillow, and pillow your soul on the Word of God, and go to sleep and sleep well, for He Who watches Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.” It’s not magical or a ritual to perform. It’s truly claiming by faith who God is to you - represented in His names. He’s the God of comfort, the God of peace, the God of all I need, etc.
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