“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” -Matthew 28:19-20

In his opening message to St. Paul’s, Pastor Eric challenged us to consider what God truly desires from us when it comes to the right posture of knowing God. That right posture is “life with God.” That more than anything, God desires to dwell within us and around us. That this God moved heaven and hell so that it could be you and Him – together forever.

I’ve been thinking a lot about what Pastor Eric shared. And how difficult it is to remind myself and remain aware of Christ’s presence with me 24/7. I’ve tried, as Pastor Eric taught us, to play “the game with minutes.” This was a simple yet profound concept where once in every minute of every day we call to mind the reality that Jesus is here.

Jesus said, “Behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

It’s been fascinating, perhaps better to say terrifying, of how much I really don’t call to mind the presence of God in my life. As I get into the hustle of the day, suddenly my mind wanders off to the plains of worry, stress, business, and task lists that need accomplishing. My minute doesn’t start with Christ’s presence; it starts with whatever I’m supposed to manufacture.

I was recently talking to a friend who is having deep, amazing experiences with this. He described to me how the more he has become aware of Christ’s presence in and around him, the more he’s come to know an anchoring, inner peace. How the tugs and pulls of sin have loosened their grip over him and serious repentance has taken place. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t envious – I craved what he was describing! He told me how there was no silver bullet to what he had come to experience – unlike many other facets of our lives, this can’t be manufactured. But when God’s presence makes itself known, when we continue to open our eyes both physically and spiritually to the idea that God truly is with us, always, to the end of the age – we can’t see things the same way.

One thing I know for sure is this: we can’t think about God enough. The more I’ve tried the more I’m aware of this deficiency in my life. I also know that on God’s end, He can’t think about us any less. He’s always there – when we’re aware and when we’re not. When we want Him there and when we don’t.

How is your “game with minutes” going lately? Are you practicing the presence of God? He’s always there…are you seeing and remembering Him in what you say and do? This is the stuff that can be life changing. It only starts with one second out of every sixty. Who knows, your practice might fuel a craving in another and God can light a fire in our families like never before.

Enjoying the Journey,

Pastor Doug