Today’s Bible Verse
So you must remain in life-union with me, for I remain in life-union with you. For as a branch severed from the vine will not bear fruit, so your life will be fruitless unless you live your life intimately joined to mine.
John 15:4 (TPT)
Get a Welcome Mat
It is impossible to be fruitful unless we are planted. The book of Psalms says that only those who are planted in the House of God will flourish. His House represents His presence. However, we live in a society that drifts towards the “Airbnb” mentality; the “it feels like home without the long-term commitment” mindset. This is the complete opposite from what God desires. God wants us to remain in constant, unbroken fellowship with the Holy Spirit. He does not want a casual, once a week visit, a dating approach or to remember Him only when we are going through a challenging time.
God desires that we are intimately joined to His presence. But we must lay out the welcome mat, and create an atmosphere where God feels wanted, desired and longed after. We can create an environment where the Holy Spirit feels welcome and appreciated. I really love how Psalm 27:4 reads in the AMPC translation: “One thing have I asked of the Lord, that will I seek, inquire for, and [insistently] require: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord [in His presence] all the days of my life, to behold and gaze upon the beauty [the sweet attractiveness and the delightful loveliness] of the Lord and to meditate, consider, and inquire in His temple.”
His presence is not meant to be a life preserver to keep us sane in the middle of the pandemic, but a place in where we remain and flourish, bringing forth lasting fruit. A place to be planted forever. (Pastor Lilly Montano, Word of Life Santa Barbara)
Seize the Moment
Can we be really HOTAH (Honest, Open, Transparent, Accountable & Humble) with ourselves? What are those attitudes of the heart that are impeding God’s presence in our lives? Perhaps it may not necessarily be sin, but maybe there are adjustments that we can make to extend our welcome mat to the Holy Spirit.
Set Your Life
Today, meditate on God’s goodness and the beauty of His presence and keep this scripture before your eyes: “One thing have I asked of the Lord, that will I seek, inquire for, and [insistently] require: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord [in His presence] all the days of my life, to behold and gaze upon the beauty [the sweet attractiveness and the delightful loveliness] of the Lord and to meditate, consider, and inquire in His temple” (Psalm 27:4). Make a heart commitment to remain planted in His presence no matter what.
Today’s Declaration
Father, today, I cast aside those things in my life that are hindering Your presence. I choose to remain in Your house where I belong and experience the fullness of Your unconditional love. I am a living sacrifice; my heart, my mind, my body are completely surrendered to You. I am faithful and fruitful because of Your grace. Holy Spirit, You are welcome in my heart this day!
Today’s Bible Reading
- Old Testament: Joshua 10-12; Psalms 76
- New Testament: Mark 2:1-12; 1 Corinthians 4
