. By the way, I love “The Organic God” and “The Sacred Echo”. I’m not going to pretend that my relationship with God isn’t a wrestle some days {most days maybe?}. 4. One can learn a lot about what’s going on in the world just by looking at the titles of the books on display. The more WORD we have in us the less we WORRY! and the many Being in creation draws my heart and mind to the creator. God is calling, but will we respond and—more importantly—will we go? Don't Settle for One-Way Communication. Intimacy with God is available to you. God had placed a desire in his heart to marry Rachel. I want to help those who are Þnding that their desires, not just their decisions, really matter . I want to leave this open much like what God wants us to do. Editor's Note: The following is a report on the practical applications of Alec Rowland’s upcoming book The Presence: Experiencing More of God (Tyndale House Publishers, 2014).. God … If I try to sit still, I’m easily distracted. What if we gave the Lord the [first] of our time? Staying focused on God requires abiding in Him. . Our job is to follow God’s will and live according to that plan. Don't Settle for Knowledge. Sinai. He is always ready to give you more, and will surely fill you to overflowing. Then read Romans 5:12-21. How to Love God More— ... "Father, I desire that they also, whom You have given Me, be with Me where I am, so that they may see My glory which You have given Me, for You loved Me before the foundation of the world" (John 17:24). Do we desire God simply for the things that we get out of Him, for the sheer claim that it's our ticket to heaven or because we are commanded to do so? When we desire God there is not much room for worry. Which isn’t nourishing me at all, only wetting my appetite. In a total random act Kent, a friend of mine, and a man of faith sent me a book that has impacted my life in the most un-expected way. To know what God has for us in eternity, that makes those desires seem fleeting. Nature is ablaze with reminders of God’s power, sovereignty, provision, goodness, tender care, and so much more. Here are four simple ways to grow in our desire for God more. Now, I’m not saying that he won’t literally give you the desire, but more often than not you will have to work for it. He can give you such a … It is a word that has a stronger meaning than we tend to give it in these days. To know what we have in our eternal relationship with God, that makes those desires seem worthless. Stay up to date with the latest Christian news! In Genesis, Sarah knew that God had promised a child to Abraham. Since God is essential is doesn’t seem logical that seeking him would make me feel uncomfortable, but it does. It is as accessible to you as Gods promises. I don’t have any longing, not even the faintest whim. That doesn’t mean we are puppets and cannot set goals. In Genesis 29:1-30, we read how Jacob ended up getting married. Your heart begins to break as you wrap up a night of intimate worship because all your heart wants is Him! Don't Settle for Knowledgeeval(ez_write_tag([[300,600],'christiantoday_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_1',156,'0','0'])); Knowing God is great, but it's not enough. And as a writer, it’s a place close to my heart :). The reason is Genesis 3. As you take that first bite and the flavor hits your taste buds, you crave more. His voice becomes beautiful. . Here are 7 ways to increase your spiritual hunger today: 1. But, Moses had the audacity to ask for more. Jesus uses kingdom language by suggesting we seek the kingdom. As the days are added … My happiest days are spent in my jammies laughing, being silly, and making new besties. Registered in England and Wales 5090917, Christian Today, International House, 24 Holborn Viaduct, London EC1A 2BN. I am uncomfortable because I feel like a failure. When God calls out saying, "Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?" We all know what its like to be sitting right next to a person with whom we feel distant and we can feel close to a person who is four thousand miles awa… God cannot be first and foremost in your life if you desire anything or anyone more than Him. eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'christiantoday_com-box-3','ezslot_3',113,'0','0'])); Here are questions that may seem simple at first, but will reveal to us a more profound truth about our spiritual condition: Why do we want God? Instead of being on a journey for what we desire, I believe we are all on a spiritual journey, a journey that should culminate with knowing God and being known by Him. I think the two best things you can do to develop a desire for the Word of God are to pray and to start reading the Bible! When I do this my day is blessed, even if it becomes challenging I have know that with GOD together we will get through this. There is always more of God to know and experience. I’m excited about the adventure that He is going to take us on! It doesn’t have to be fancy or formal, just a simple Good Morning GOD. Our desires determine who or what we worship. But silence comes more naturally. Pray that God would give others and you a spirit of wisdom and … Choosing to offer a thankful heart to Him makes me so much more aware of how ever present He is in my life (and others’ lives)everyday. {It can also be a downfall as I have a bookshelf full of books “to read”.}. Some try to suppress the knowledge of God; most try to add to it. God will remove your blindness, and you will see the warm, buttery bread. Post was not sent - check your email addresses! No matter how much you desire something else more than God, God can change your heart. Our desire for God comes mainly because we have tasted and seen that the Lord is indeed good (Psalm 34:8). I don’t want to close this note. Knowing God is great, but it's not enough. I find that while strolling through a bookstore I am at the most peaceful state of mind – not focused on my problems or stressful things – but looking outward toward the world. (Isaiah 6:8). Desire God’s presence; never be satisfied with past experience or knowledge. desire God more than anything. It's pure compliance. I never thought about this before–the bookstore as a place to nurture a desire for God. I have a theory that for some people silence comes easier; for other people, stillness comes easier. What motivates our longing for the One True Maker of all heaven and earth? Even fasting a single meal helps me center my thoughts and mind more on  my need for God. If we desire the desire, to desire God above all else, then He can change our heart to desire Him more than life itself. If we truly have a genuine desire for God—not just the things of God or the things that come by seeking His kingdom—we will want to grow in it more. Nov 1, 2014 - The title of this post makes it seem like I have this all figured out. Makes perfect sense. Basically, our first parents, Adam and Eve rebelled against God and all creation was cursed as a result, and also as a consequence, we inherited a sinful nature which hates God, hates His commandments and weirdly tries to impress God by scantily obeying His commands. As I contemplated getting to that place where we desire Him more than anything else, this is what I came up with: 1. Join the psalmist in doing this. We are given the privilege and the curse of free will. It also gives chance for the Holy Spirit to stir something in my heart that I need to learn about or read. When I enter into a time of silence with God and allow my mind to be drawn to who he is, my desire for God grows. I see a book, not knowing I need to read it, buy it, read it, and wow – it’s amazing how God works! I have read both books twice and have been through “The Organic God” study once. ! If we truly know what it is to desire God, we know that it's not just about getting to heaven or receiving blessings. As we humble ourselves before the Lord our desire to serve God will greatly increase as will our capacity to be able to give of ourselves in the service of all our brothers and sisters. SHALOM!! I have learned so much, and have enjoyed my quite time as I read a chapter a day. Sometimes I don’t want God. Worship becomes more intimate. I’m not going to pretend that I have it all together. Do you desire more of God’s presence? And I promised to meditate on what it means to want more of Him. Shawn wondered if I had a fever the first day I did that. Tell Him how much you love and want more of His presence. If you don’t even desire to have a desire to read the Scriptures, tell Him that too! But of course intimacy is not spatial but relational. Admit to God what’s in your heart. GOD BLESS YOU. I, like you, “find myself tempted to live a distracted life.” I thirst and hunger to know God, but eat and run. This can be triggered in at least two ways: first, learning about holy people in the past; and second, meeting holy people today. Something about spending time in God’s Word just makes me want to know more of the character, attributes, presence and power of God. Don't Settle for Experienceseval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'christiantoday_com-box-4','ezslot_2',117,'0','0'])); Experiencing God is great, but even desiring experiences can be a replacement for truly desiring God. . When it's just us talking to God and never us listening to Him speak, that's not desire. My husband, Leif, superpup Hershey, and I live in Utah. If you hate reading the Bible, tell Him so! The more I experience expressions of God the more I want to experience him. The promise in Psalm 37:4 is that God will place the desire in you, not literally give you the desire. Many of the prayers on the list are immeasurable (aka: praying for political leaders) or haven’t been answered in the way I’d hoped, but in others I see God’s power displayed. I feel that I don’t seek God enough. <3 Anissa. Lorna, Taking time to think about and thank Him for all that He has done for me (and others) only boosts my belief in how great, loving and caring He is! We're not just in a relationship to comply, but to grow in desire and familiarity. God is not some inanimate experience. There’s more & deep down we all know it, your soul cries out for something More. If there's anything just as bad as no communication, it's one-way communication. If you think you’ve got more control over your life than God does, you better think again. Through innovative books, studies, and teaching, I will help you elevate your faith, spark your joy, and love your precious life. With every prayer of thanks, I want to be closer to Him. And God answered Moses' simple request, "Show me your glory." The Bible says, “Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you” (James 4:8). I’ve been reflecting on spiritual disciplines, practices, and activities that nurture my desire for God and make my love for God come alive. I’m asking Him to uncover all the pollution that is in my heart. Psalm 31:21 says, “Blessed God! As James 2:19 says, "You believe that God is one; you do well. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. . It’s a paradox. I still keep a prayer list at the back of my Bible as a reminder of God’s faithfulness that I started years ago. His Word becomes more precious. we must respond like Isaiah who said, "Here I am! I take time out to thank Him, no matter what is happening in my life, or how I am feeling. Send me." He wanted to know God in a more intimate way. That’s when I pray, “God, I want to want you.” What’s amazing is that God soon answers this prayer with another glimpse of himself. When we Tithe to the Lord we joyfully give to GOD first. How to Develop a Desire for the Word of God. We like to journey because God imprinted us with a desire to find Him. I have called these first moments of my day, “Top of the Mornin’ To Ya”. Stories of God moving, healing, revealing, providing, strengthening, speaking, and showing himself spark my faith and make me want more and more. I’m a passionate writer, quirky speaker, and funny Bible teacher who wants to help you elevate your faith, spark your joy, and love your precious life. Just being thankful for green grass and a blue sky or a cool summer rain makes me sense how awesome He is! . The more we succumb to the chatter in our heads, the more separated we become from God which fuels an even greater inability to hear His voice. But, also, pray for deeper knowledge of God. The very first moment we awake from our slumber each morning, even before our feet hit the floor, before the demands of the day take over, What if we gave GOD the Top of the Morning? The word “desire” is written 111 times in the Bible. Pray. Recently God showed me the importance of quite time. “ Instead, desire first and foremost God’s kingdom and God’s righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; he is mine forever ( Psalm 73:25-26 NLT ). How has God been active in my life in the past few months? I’ve been reflecting on spiritual disciplines, practices, and activities that nurture my desire for God and make my love for God come alive.. Diane, Holiness is naturally attractive, since it is an invitation into … . And Gods invitation to you to enjoy intimate fellowship with him is that thing that is putting your faith to the test more than anything else (James 1:24). If we truly have a genuine desire for God—not just the things of God or the things that come by seeking His kingdom—we will want to grow in it more. An attraction to personal holiness is another sign of the desire for God. 2. However, her willingness to use Hagar to produce a child exposed that her desire had become excessive. Start Praising Him: A desire to know God More. I don’t. He wants us to be open to His guidance, His voice, His thoughts, and His peace. Something about spending time in God’s Word just makes me want to know more of the character, attributes, presence and power of God. 1. Spend time in Scripture. Communication goes two ways, and that's what we should strive for.eval(ez_write_tag([[300,600],'christiantoday_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_4',150,'0','0'])); God has called each of us to a glorious purpose, but what's more important is how we respond to it. When we focus too much on the miracles, the emotions, the lights and sounds, the pillars of fire and the cloud by night, we miss the point. I know your mornings are rushed, but if you create the discipline to spend the first minutes of your day reading the Word of God and talking to Him about the day ahead, you will have a greater focus on Him throughout the day.. He experienced the power and presence of God in the burning bush, the ten plagues, the Red Sea parting, and on Mt. Read the whole thing. I desire you more than anything on earth. Please click here to learn how. Just set a few minutes aside for the Lord each morning, so we can get to know Him better. If that is not God at work I don’t know what is. This video is unavailable. God has a plan for your life. . Our desire for God comes mainly because we have tasted and seen that the Lord is indeed good (Psalm 34:8). As Pastor John Piper boldly proclaims, "God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in him." By Xiaomo. It also boosts my trust in Him. Watch Queue Queue Love that–give thanks in all things. Ask God to Change Your Heart. It’s not too much to tell God you want more of Him, His presence, His Word, His anointing and His knowledge. Christian Hedonism says that God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in him. It’s been fifteen years since I wrote When I Don’t Desire God: How to Fight for Joy.I wrote it because hundreds of people who hear the message of Christian Hedonism with hope drift into discouragement because they don’t have the joy in God that they know they should. As Margaret Feinberg says in “The Organic God” ”God’s presence in my life is like the glacier in that He is constantly pressing down, re-landscaping and renovating the very core of who I am”. 3. I once heard about the Christ that everyone used to talk about, growing up in a “Christian Household” everything was about ‘God is good’ ‘O thank God’. . The Christian has a deep desire to know God better (Psalm 25:4). We were made to desire. Our desire for God speaks volumes not just on how we live today but also how we see our eternal destination. But it’s chockfull of ideas and images and reflections and people. Traditionally we think of tithing money, but what if we also tithed time? Required fields are marked *. Here are four simple ways to grow in our desire for God more. Thanks everyone for chiming in! (Jeremiah 24:7 NKJV) ‘Then I will give them a heart to know Me, that I am the LORD; and they shall be My people, and I will be their God, for they shall return to Me with their whole heart. 1. In John 3 we read about a man who clearly wanted to know God better and who became more studied than most in the things of God. His name was Nicodemus, and he was a Pharisee, a ruler of the Jews. It’s time to examine your life. Your email address will not be published. We were made to desire God above all else. Responding to God's call will cause us to desire and seek Him more and more. Look forward to hearing from more of you! This happens a lot. I would like to help those who are beginning to see that salvation is the awakening of a new taste for God, or it is nothing. By Rodney W. Francis. Don't settle for just knowledge. In my last blog I asked you what you want more of. We were created to be in a relationship with God. Your email address will not be published. That means I only watch one episode of Sports Center. When I take my eyes off of the things right in front of me . There is a connection between experiencing God’s goodness and hungering for Him. There is nothing more satisfying than more of God’s presence in your life. I actually turn off the TV in the morning and get into the word and into this reading. He has opened me up to new experiences and opportunities. “The Organic God” by Margaret Feinberg has served as a study guide. While we may desire a good end, the method we use to gain what we want exposes the nature of our desire. Faith in the Lord Jesus and love for all the saints is basic; so yes, pray for those qualities. . We can be aware of God's existence and power and still not walk by it. It also allows my mind to visualize what to pray for; whether it be the teenagers reading the paranormal books or the wife reading or attempting to read those books that will bring disaster to her marriage. I am looking forward to spending the day with You. He is a person we can desire even without the experience. Holy Yoga (specifically ‘child’s pose’ facedown in worship. If we truly have a genuine desire for God—not just the things of God or the things that come by seeking His kingdom—we will want to grow in it more. There is a peace in the storm when Christ is with you, and you can be blessed in a mess. Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email. Such answered prayer makes me want to pray all the more-and increases my appetite for God. Even the demons believe—and shudder!". He was not content to rest on the revelations of yesterday. Watch Queue Queue. ~ CULTIVATE A DESIRE. . As James 2:19 says, "You believe that God is one; you do well. To enjoy our website, you'll need to enable JavaScript in your web browser. If you don’t know where to start, try reading John 15:1-11 each morning for a week. 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We can know He is God but still not live out as if He is God. Aim to live out and practice your desire for God. MORE OF GOD! . Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window), Click to email this to a friend (Opens in new window). I told you I want more of Jesus and less of me. We and our partners share information on your use of this website to help improve your experience. As Christians, only by drawing closer to God and having real interaction with God can we maintain a normal relationship with God and obtain the work of the Holy Spirit. She had a right longing for a child. To hear how God is most glorified in us when we Tithe to the creator time to! And images and reflections and people intimate worship because all your heart begins to break as wrap! How we live today but also how we see our eternal destination has me. 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