In GOD's Presence - Part Five

If we're not being exposed to the ideal conditions God has already established for us, then we can't expect the ideal results He's promised in His Word.

Functioning anywhere other than in God's presence positions us, as Kingdom citizens, to function beneath our potential. No matter how hard we may try, we can't ever beat God's system. God is eternal and He created the universe, particularly the earth, its inhabitants and the earth's resources. Before anything was created, God purposed His creation to ideally function in His presence. (This was established "in beginning", not in "the" beginning. Remember, God is "eternal"; so, definite articles can't be used to limit Him to the concept of "time").

What we must understand is that as long as we choose to function in a less than ideal atmosphere, we can never realize our full potential. If we're not being exposed to the ideal conditions God has already established for us, then we can't expect the ideal results He's promised in His Word. As I said before, we can't beat the system. No matter how successful we become when functioning in the less than ideal environment, it's just a fraction of the prosperity God desires to give us. We must be clear in our understanding that the atmosphere determines the quality of our product.

As I continue to grow and mature in the faith, it's become even more clear to me that I can't blame anyone else but myself for my life's shortcomings. If we'd all be completely honest with ourselves, we're our own worst enemies and we give the enemy way too much credit. We feel like we know what's best for us and repeatedly rebel against God's will for our lives. I know for a fact that each time I've rebelled (sinned), it's led to some degree of disappointment.

Furthermore, like in any other form of government, rebellion leads to a loss of privileges enjoyed by citizens in good standing. As long as a citizen ascribes to the accepted code of conduct, he/she has complete, unrestricted access to the rights and privileges citizenship affords. That means, as citizens of the Kingdom, when we seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness (His way of doing things), we're guaranteed that all these things (after which the Gentiles seek) will be added - that is, freely given - to us. In other words, when we die to our wills (present our bodies as living sacrifices, holy and acceptable unto God) and submit ourselves to daily living in the established atmosphere in which we've been designed to function (which is our reasonable service), then we're guaranteed the bare minimum privileges of the Kingdom (provision without worry by our sovereign ruler).

In God's presence we are assured the very best that this life has to offer. As citizens of God's Kingdom, we are a reflection of our King. We should, therefore, strive to stay in line with the Constitution of the Kingdom (the Bible), thereby positioning us to receive God's best for our spirits, souls and bodies.

Take some time to reflect on your civic responsibilities to God's Kingdom and determine where you're quite possibly falling short. Pray for increased sensitivity to these areas as well as better discernment of the enemy's tactics concerning them. It's my prayer that the Holy Spirit illuminates the dark places and exposes any areas of weakness that are a hindrance to our daily living in God's presence.

Until next time, be blessed beyond measure!