Pastor's Pen March 26, 2010
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Attracting the Presence of God
I have heard women bemoan the fact they seem to attract the wrong kind of men. There is truth to what they are saying. There are predatory men. Like sharks in the water they can smell the blood of a wounded and vulnerable woman. I have had the joy of telling these women that when they find healing in the grace of Christ and learn the strength and freedom He brings they will no longer attract predators.
The same is true in the spirit realm. Satan certainly is a predator, roaming around as a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour! He is a master at “smelling the blood” of wounded and vulnerable people. He will come and make himself at home in the lives of believers who open the door to him. “Be angry, and do not sin, do not let the sun go down on your wrath, nor give place to the devil,” warns Paul in Ephesians 4:26-27.
The Lord is also attracted to certain people. The Bible says, “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.” (James 4:8) He “inhabits the praises of His people.” (Psalm 22:4) Our sin grieves His Spirit. The way we live our lives attracts either the presence of the Lord or the presence of the enemy. We choose who we open the door to.
"May Christ through your faith [actually] dwell (settle down, abide, make His
permanent home) in your hearts!" Ephesians 3:17 AMP
If we make our heart a place where Jesus feels comfortable He will settle down and live there. Yes, the heart of every believer is His home but how does He feel about the living conditions! When He is pleased with the home we have made for Him to dwell in He settles down and dwells there and we know the joy and peace of intimacy with Him.
Let us ask ourselves, “Am I attracting God’s presence?” God knows we can never be perfect but He is attracted to those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, who demonstrate humility and brokenness when they sin and who offer genuine worship and praise even in the face of trials and difficulties. Conversely He is repelled by pride, fear and unbelief.
We will surely add to this short list as we open our hearts to Christ and ask Him what He thinks. He wants to settle down and feel comfortable in our hearts. He is eager to teach us what He desires of us that we might provide such a home for Him.
Pastor Dan
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