Covenant Community Services
May 18, 2010
Getting Jesus to Show Up ...
Obedience and Blessing
Greetings!

I have been extremely busy for the last couple of months and I don't see things slowing soon. When seasons like this hit, I find it helpful to connect deeply with God through prayer and retreat. Unfortunately, these two "modes of operation" conflict and compete for my attention. The need for prayer and reflection is hampered by "busyness".
 
At some point in the struggle to manage the busy seasons of life and our need to connect deeply with God, we simply need to stop the train. There is no other way around the issue. Life, and the pressures of life, compete with God. We all know life is no competition for the grace, love, and mercy of God but it sure attempts to sway opinion. We need to slow the train down or stop it all together!
 
I desire a life that flows greatly from the Presence and nature of God. I want a life that truly follows Matthew 6:33, "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." To obtain this life, there is no better avenue than obedience. Obedience to God's Word and God's Spirit are the keys to unlocking a life lived in and through Jesus! 
"I will show myself ...If ..."
 
21Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me. He who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love him and show myself to him."
 
~ John 14:21 ~
Following Jesus leads to Jesus
 
The lesson gleaned from John 14:21 is to follow the commands of Jesus to hang out with Jesus! When you hear from God, via a message, His Word, or His Spirit, you need to obey. I guarantee you this is not going to be comfortable or popular. Both the body and the world are set against obedience to God. You have to fight for the right to hang with Jesus!
 
I don't want to come off as unspiritual or disrespectful in using the phrase "hanging out with Jesus" but that is my desire. I want to share time with Him and spend time in His presence where the Bible states there is "fullness of Joy"  (Psalm 16:11). I desire not just to be busy but busy for the Lord Jesus Christ and only those things He wants me busy about! To accomplish this goal I need Him to show up and lead my life.
 
The best way to get God to show up is to obey. Remember, you cannot obey enough to love but you can love enough to obey. My love for Jesus should draw me to obedience which draws Jesus to me! Thus, if you want Jesus to show up simply obey what He has laid before you. He is looking for your love. A love that is demonstrated in obedience provided through your faith in action.
 
Friend, there is no day like today to commit to obeying God more fully. Follow Him and obey what you are receiving from Heaven. God is not asking for nor seeking perfection but He is seeking obedience. 2 Chronicles 16:9 states it this way,
 
"For the eyes of the LORD range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him."
 
Give God something to look at! Be the person He stops on today as you comitt your heart to Him in obedience. He will show up and you will find the promise of His strength and the sustenance of His presence. He can't help Himself but be drawn to those that love Him and display that love through obedience.
For King and Kingdom,
 

Randy Martin
661-326-8304