GOD-TRACKING IS NEVER LOSING HOPE IN GOD’S GOOD PLANS

GodTracker 698The e-devotional helping to keep you on-track with God’s plans for your life
GodTracker is published by Sure Reality Media at surereality.net

“Dear God-tracker, God has an ambition to bless you and fill your life with good things. His plans for you are wonderful!”

Romans 8:28And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose

This e-devotional is founded on the fact that God knows the plans he has for us. In Jeremiah chapter 29 we read that famous verse that says God’s plans are for welfare and not for evil; to give us a future and a hope. In Romans 8 we’re told that, for those who are called according to God’s plans, all things work together for the good. And in Hebrews 11 it says, “Whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.” We seek God by faith and faith solidifies that hope spoken of by Jeremiah. I believe it is safe to say that, as a loving Father, God desires what is good for his children.

When Jeremiah prophesied about God’s plans for welfare and hope, he was speaking to his people who had been taken captive by the Babylonians. At the time, I could well imagine, Jeremiah’s flock thinking, “A future and a hope? We’ve been dragged away from our homeland, and he prophesies prosperity?” But God’s plan was to test his people and bring them to a place of complete surrender and dependence on him. God’s plan was always to bless his people, but their hearts had grown cold and complacent. One generation later, after Babylonian exile, God fulfilled his promise and brought his beloved back to the Promised Land.

Dear God-tracker, God has an ambition to bless you and fill your life with good things. His plans for you are wonderful! He wants to meet your needs, grant you the desires of your heart and prosper you. Yes, prosper you! However, as you read this thought, you may say, “I don’t feel very prosperous today. My hope has waned, and my future seems bleak.” But your Lord says, “I know the plans I have for you. Plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” Weeping endures for a night, but joy comes in the morning. After the difficulty will come the deliverance. (I have discovered that those God calls, he tests.) He is your source and your resource. He will restore the years the locusts have devoured. What you have sowed in tears you will reap with joy. So, continue to acknowledge the Lord in all your ways and keep your eyes on Jesus. God knows the plans he has for you!

God-tracking is never losing hope in God’s good plans

READ ALL ABOUT ITJeremiah 29:11Hebrews 11:1,6Psalm 37:4Psalm 1:1-31 Peter 5:10-11Psalm 30:4-6Joel 2:23-26Psalm 126

DON’T GIVE UP, LOOK UP & PRAY

By faith, I put my confidence for things hoped for, squarely in your sovereign benevolence

“Dear Father, thank you for your promise to give me a future filled with hope and abundance. I admit to any sin and wrongdoing in my life – apathy, indifference, immorality, bad habits, idolatry – and seek your forgiveness, O Lord. I realise that these trials have been sent to test and prove me for the great plans you have for my future. I totally surrender myself to you in spirit, soul and flesh, and seek first your kingdom and your righteousness. By faith, I put my confidence for things hoped for, squarely in your sovereign benevolence. Thank you for the good things that you have planned for my life. Amen.”

If you desire more prayer, please email me - dudley@godtracker.co.uk

SUBSCRIBE to the FREE weekly e-devotional GodTracker at…  http://eepurl.com/dxTLAf

----------------------------
What is GodTracker? GodTracker is a weekly e-mail devotional based on the premise that God has a plan for our lives. His Word calls us to seek his plan by acknowledging him in all our ways and by tracking his purposes, in faith.
Listen to podcasts by Dudley Anderson at…
https://www.surereality.net/listen/

---------------------------------------------------------------

GodTracker is proudly produced by Sure Reality Media.SRM produces Christian radio programmes that reach millions with the message of God’s love.Partner with us and help us reach many people with the reality of Christ.https://www.surereality.net/become-a-ministry-partner/

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GOD-TRACKING IS FINDING YOUR OWN FAITH

GodTracker 697The e-devotional helping to keep you on-track with God’s plans for your life
GodTracker is published by Sure Reality Media at surereality.net

“Many people grow up in a Christian environment but never truly discover God’s personal plans for their lives.”

Proverbs 22:6Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.

Luke was living it up. It was his third weekend away from home. Three Mondays previous he’d said goodbye to his mom and dad and climbed aboard a train headed for a far-away city where he would attend university. Luke had been brought up in a Christian home. He’d attended Sunday School almost every Sunday for the past two decades. Yes, he did believe there was a God; he’d been taught much about his love and mercy. Luke knew all the Bible stories – Adam and Eve, Noah and the ark, David and Goliath and Jesus and the cross – but he’d never really made them his own. Far from home and out from under the oversight of mom and dad, Luke was now free to be himself. Or was he?

Many people grow up in a Christian environment but never truly discover God’s personal plans for their lives. As parents, we teach our children the ways of God and expose them to God’s plan for salvation, believing that they have accepted Jesus as Lord and saviour. The truth is, no one can have a walk with God based on someone else’s faith. Each one of us is personally accountable to God. Each one of us needs to personally discover God’s love. I cannot get into heaven on my dad’s faith.

Years later, well after Luke had left university, he finally found that his life was empty without a real relationship with God though Jesus. It was during a crisis in his life, when he had nowhere else to turn, that he called on the name of the God of his father. It was then that Luke found his own faith. It was at a time when he could no longer rely on his father’s prayers that he personally prayed to the God of his father. Luke found his own faith. It was then that he found that God was exceedingly gracious and forgiving. It was at a time of need that Luke discovered, God knows the plans he has for him; personal plans of hope for an abundant future.

God-tracking is finding your own faith

READ ALL ABOUT IT2 Corinthians 12:9Romans 10:8-131 John 1:9Jeremiah 29:11

DON’T GIVE UP, LOOK UP & PRAY

I realise that I cannot base my walk with God on my father’s faith; I need a personal encounter with the Lord Almighty

“Dear God, I realise now that you are real and that your love for me is not some theoretical Bible principle. I realise now that, without a real and personal walk with you, I am lost! My parents taught me about you and showed me your love, but I never really accepted it as my own. I realise that I cannot base my walk with God on my father’s faith; I need a personal encounter with the living God. So, dear Lord, I admit to my sins and rebellion and ask your forgiveness. I have sinned against you, alone. I believe Jesus died and rose again and I now confess him as my own personal Lord and saviour. Come into my life, Jesus as I choose to give my life to you! Thank you for the plans you have for me. Help me to be a real God-tracker. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.”

IF YOU PRAYED THAT PRAYER, E-MAIL ME - dudley@godtracker.co.uk

SUBSCRIBE to the FREE weekly e-devotional GodTracker at…  http://eepurl.com/dxTLAf

----------------------------
What is GodTracker?GodTracker is a weekly e-mail devotional based on the premise that God has a plan for our lives. His Word calls us to seek his plan by acknowledging him in all our ways and by tracking his purposes, in faith.
Listen to podcasts by Dudley Anderson at…
https://www.surereality.net/listen/

---------------------------------------------------------------
GodTracker is proudly produced by Sure Reality Media.

Partner with us and help us reach many people with the reality of Christhttps://www.surereality.net/become-a-ministry-partner/---------------------------------------------------------------

GOD-TRACKING IS PATIENTLY WAITING FOR THE FRUIT OF GOD’S PERFECT WILL

GodTracker 696
The e-devotional helping to keep you on-track with God’s plans for your life
GodTracker is published by Sure Reality Media at surereality.net

“Don’t despair when God seems to take his time to work out his perfect will for your life. Whatever your age, continue to progress through the good and the acceptable to God’s perfect.”

Hebrews 6:12
…imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.

David was a young shepherd boy. All his brothers were much older and physically bigger than he was. If you’ll pardon the pun, David may have been the black sheep of the family. He was shoved out into the fields to look after his father, Jesse’s sheep at a very tender age. When the prophet Samuel was prompted by God to anoint a new king for Israel he visited Jesse and interviewed all his sons for the job. But God reminded Samuel that he does not look at outward appearances, but at the heart. God prevented Samuel from anointing any of Jesse’s strapping sons as king.

“Are all your sons here?” Samuel asked Jesse.

“There remains yet the youngest but, he is keeping the sheep,” answered Jesse. The boy was promptly called for. God said to Samuel, “Anoint him, for this is the one.”

David was perhaps 15 when he was anointed king of Israel. Unfortunately, Saul was still on the throne and would not abdicate. David waited 15 years before he was made king, at the death of Saul. It was another several years before his kingdom grew and he reached the prime of his reign. Yet, all along, David kept his heart right before God and waited patiently in faith for God’s perfect will to develop.

In Romans 12 we are called to renew our minds that we may test the will of God; his good and acceptable and perfect will. In Mark 4 Jesus tells a parable. Likening the kingdom of God to a man who sows seed, he said, “The earth produces by itself, first the blade, then the ear, then the full grain in the ear.” By these references we notice there are stages in the development of God’s will: first good then acceptable and then perfect, like a seed of grain producing the blade then the ear then the crop.

The Lord is doing a great work in your life, dear God-tracker. Continue to seek his will – his perfect will. In the process, he may take you through various stages in the development of the crop your life will produce. This process may take years, but God’s timing is not our timing; his thoughts are not our thoughts. But God’s thoughts will always produce his perfect will for our lives, for God’s word always produces God’s purposes.

So, continue to seek his face and acknowledge him in all your ways. Don’t despair when God seems to take his time to work out his perfect will for your life. Whatever your age, continue to progress through the good and the acceptable to attain God’s perfect. Like king David, have faith and patience and you will soon inherit the promises of God.

God-tracking is patiently waiting for the fruit of God’s perfect will.

READ ALL ABOUT IT
1 Samuel 16:1-13
Romans 12:2
Mark 4:26-29
Isaiah 55:8-11

DON’T GIVE UP, LOOK UP & PRAY

Your kingdom come and your will be done on earth as it is done in heaven

“Dear Father, today I want to pray as Jesus taught me to pray: your kingdom come and your will be done on earth as it is done in heaven. Help me to be patient, dear Lord, while I wait in faith for your perfect will to work out in my life. Help me to be productive and faithful through the good and the acceptable, as I seek the perfect. And when the perfect comes, Lord, help me to walk in faith and serve faithfully and produce a good crop, until the next season of my life. Your kingdom come and your will be done on earth as it is done in heaven. Amen.”

If you desire more prayer, please email me at dudley@godtracker.co.uk

SUBSCRIBE to the FREE weekly e-devotional GodTracker at…  http://eepurl.com/dxTLAf

----------------------------
What is GodTracker?
GodTracker is a weekly e-mail devotional based on the premise that God has a plan for our lives. His Word calls us to seek his plan by acknowledging him in all our ways and by tracking his purposes, in faith.

Listen to podcasts by Dudley Anderson at…
https://www.surereality.net/listen/

---------------------------------------------------------------
GodTracker is produced by Sure Reality Media.Partner with us and help us reach many people with the reality of Christhttps://www.surereality.net/become-a-ministry-partner/---------------------------------------------------------------

GOD-TRACKING IS KEEPING YOUR LAMP FILLED WITH THE OIL OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

GodTracker 695The e-devotional helping to keep you on-track with God’s plans for your life
GodTracker is published by Sure Reality Media at surereality.net

“His anointing will break that yoke of depression and burnout, if you will only keep your lamp filled with the Holy Spirit.”

Isaiah 40:31but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.

Imagine an old hurricane oil lamp. It’s comprised of a small tank to contain the oil and a glass cylinder, encompassing a cotton wick. The wick is placed in the holder and extends down into the oil. The wick then soaks up the oil, which is the fuel that burns, producing the light the lamp provides. If the oil runs out, the wick begins to burn. Provided there is oil in the tank, the wick will not burn out.

One of the greatest threats we face in the 21^st century Westernised world involves burnout. Burnout is a psychological term referring to long-term exhaustion and reduced interest in work. It is defined as a state of extreme physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion, characterized by a decrease in motivation and performance. Burnout has been assumed to result from continual occupational stress. However, there is growing evidence that burnout is caused by many factors. A recent study showed that about 90% of burned out workers meet diagnostic criteria for depression. Thus, burnout is related to depression.

There is an old song we used to sing back in the mid-1970s: Give me oil in my lamp, keep me burning, burning, burning. That lovely old chorus was talking about charging our lives with the Holy Spirit to keep us burning. In the Old Testament, fragrant oils were used to anoint men for service. When Samuel anointed David to be king of Israel, we read that the Spirit of the Lord rushed upon David from that day forward. Therefore, the anointing of oil has become synonymous with the anointing of the Holy Spirit.

If you’re feeling depressed today and burned out due to emotional or physical stress, may I encourage you to seek the anointing of the Holy Spirit. You do not need to be in church ministry to enjoy the anointing; the Spirit can anoint you for service in every-day life and work. The scriptures tell us that it is the anointing that will break the yoke of bondage. The Holy Spirit is your Counsellor and your Comforter. He is also called your Helper. Holy Spirit is God – God with you. His anointing will break that yoke of depression and burnout, if you will only keep your lamp filled with the Holy Spirit.
So, if you wait on the Lord and seek the anointing of the Holy Spirit on all you do, you will run and not be weary; walk and not faint. Keep your lamp filled with holy oil, that your wick will not burn out.

God-tracking is keeping your lamp filled with the oil of the Holy Spirit

READ ALL ABOUT IT1 Samuel 16:13Isaiah 10:27 (KJV)John 14:15-17,26Isaiah 40:28-31

DON’T GIVE UP, LOOK UP & PRAY

I rest in you, Lord, and wait on you to renew my strength

“Dear Lord, I feel so weary. Work has taken its toll on me over the past few months and years. I feel completely unmotivated and defeated. However, I realise that it’s not by power or might that I will get my zeal back; it’s only by your Holy Spirit. So, dear Holy Spirit, I ask you to fill me up again. I pray for a baptism in your power and presence. I seek the oil of joy and ask for your anointing on my work, my rest and my relationships. I choose to put my faith in your plans and purposes and acknowledge you in all my ways. I rest in you, Lord, and wait on you, Lord, to renew my strength. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.”

If you desire more prayer, please email me at dudley@godtracker.co.uk
SUBSCRIBE to the FREE weekly e-devotional GodTracker at…  http://eepurl.com/dxTLAf

----------------------------
What is GodTracker? GodTracker is a weekly e-mail devotional based on the premise that God has a plan for our lives. His Word calls us to seek his plan by acknowledging him in all our ways and by tracking his purposes, in faith.

Listen to podcasts by Dudley Anderson at…
https://www.surereality.net/listen/

---------------------------------------------------------------
GodTracker is produced by Sure Reality Media.

PARTNER with us and help us reach many people with the reality of Christ

https://www.surereality.net/become-a-ministry-partner/---------------------------------------------------------------

GOD-TRACKING IS KNOWING WHO YOU ARE, IN CHRIST

GodTracker 694
The e-devotional helping to keep you on-track with God’s plans for your life
GodTracker is published by Sure Reality Media at surereality.net

  

John 15:7

If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.

“If you are in Christ then choose to remain there by allowing his word to take up residence in you. Get into the word of God and get the word of God into you.”

Jesus gave us an incredible analogy of how we are connected to him. He said that he is like a grapevine and we are like its branches, while Father God is the vine keeper. By this he was implying that he is like the main stem of the plant while we are the branches that grow from the stem. In other words, Christ is the source of sustenance and nutrition in order that we will bear good fruit. Jesus also went on to say that any branch that does not bear fruit will be pruned away from the vine by the vine keeper. He added, if we remain in him (attached to the vine) and his words remain in us (as our sustenance and nutrition) then we will bear much fruit. Therefore, as Christians, we need to know our place, in the vine – our place in Christ.

The scriptures are packed with thoughts about being in Christ. For instance: we are justified by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ; we are dead to sin and alive to God in Christ; nothing in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ; if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; God will supply our every according to his riches in glory in Christ and God has raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ.

Are you in Christ? Have you admitted to the fact that sin has separated you from the true Vine and that, by confession and repentance, God is able to forgive you and cleanse you so that you can be grafted into that Vine? Do you confess Jesus as your personal Lord and believe that he died and rose again? If you have done this then you are found in Christ! If you are found in Christ then allow the Holy Spirit to prune away the dead fruitless wood so that you may bear new magnificent fruit, to his glory. If you believe you are found in Christ, then choose to remain there by allowing his word to take up residence in you. Get into the word of God and get the word of God into you.

If you are in Christ and his word abides in you, then you can expect great things from your great God.

God-tracking is knowing who you are, in Christ

READ ALL ABOUT IT

John 15:1-11

Romans 3:24

Romans 6:11

Romans 8:39

2 Corinthians 5:17

Philippians 4:19

Ephesians 2:6

DON’T GIVE UP, LOOK UP & PRAY

So, I thank you for the myriad blessings and promises of being in Christ, for all of your promises are yes and amen, in him

“Dear Lord God and Father – O great Vine Keeper – thank you for this analogy of Jesus as the vine and me as one of its branches. I sincerely believe that Jesus died and rose again, and I confess him to be my personal Lord and Saviour. Therefore, I believe that, by your grace, I am found in Christ, like a branch found in the stem of its vine. I open my heart and mind to your word. Quicken that word to me by the infilling of the Holy Spirit. Dear Father, prune away all my dead wood, that I may bear new fresh fruit, to your glory. I thank you for the myriad blessings and promises I enjoy by being in Christ. For all of your promises are yes and amen, in him. Amen.”

If you desire more prayer, please email me at dudley@godtracker.co.uk

SUBSCRIBE to the FREE weekly e-devotional GodTracker at…  http://eepurl.com/dxTLAf

----------------------------

What is GodTracker?
GodTracker is a weekly e-mail devotional based on the premise that God has a plan for our lives. His Word calls us to seek his plan by acknowledging him in all our ways and by tracking his purposes, in faith.

Listen to podcasts by Dudley Anderson at…
https://www.surereality.net/listen/

---------------------------------------------------------------
GodTracker is produced by Sure Reality Media.

SRM is reaching millions of people via radio on shortwave, FM, Medium Wave and the Internet. We need your prayers and support to maintain this impact and to reach more people with the sure reality of the gospel of Christ.

PLEASE SUPPORT GodTracker AND SRM…

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A TRUE PLACE OF WORSHIP

                                                              

“The true place of worship, therefore, is a pure and contrite heart totally surrendered to the Lord God Almighty. It is here that the real experience of the presence of God is found.”

By Dudley Anderson, SRM

King David sat cross-legged in the desert dust at the entrance to the holy place of the tabernacle of the Lord. Having commanded his men to remain out of ear-shot while he made his way to the tent of meeting, he’d dismissed the priest on duty, that he may be alone. The fragrance of myrrh,

sweet-smelling cinnamon, aromatic cane, cassia and olive oil drenched his senses, as the curtain to holy place moved in a gentle breeze. “That I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord,” whispered the king.

King David longed for the continual awareness of the presence of God. In his time, the only place available to worship God, was the tabernacle. Yet, he wrote, “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer,” (Psalm 19:14). David was called a man after God’s own heart. I dare say, the king knew well that the heart was the true place of worship of Yahweh.

When we think of the term, a place of worship, myriad images may come to mind: cathedrals, chapels, mosques, synagogues. The online encyclopedia, Wikipedia defines a place of worship as “a house of worship or an establishment or other location where a group of people (a congregation) comes to perform acts of religious faith, honour, or devotion.” William Temple said, “Worship is quickening the conscience by the holiness of God, feeding the mind with the truth of God, purging the imagination by the beauty of God, opening the heart to the love of God, and devoting the will to the purpose of God.”

So then, what is the true Christian place of worship? How or where do we enter it to worship our Lord God Almighty? I would like to point out that the true place of worship is no structure made with human hands.

Origins of the Christian Gathering

Christians gather to worship the Lord in many places, from cathedrals to coffee shops; from house churches to churches-without-walls. Which then, is the true biblical place of worship? Let’s begin answering this question by exploring the origin of places of Christian worship.

The Temple, Synagogues & Homes

Christian worship has its roots in Jewish worship. All the early Christians worshiped Yahweh according to Jewish customs. These customs involved temple worship and synagogue gatherings.

At the time of the formation of the first Christian church in Jerusalem, the temple still existed in Zion. The temple of the first century was a far cry from the original temple, as built by King Solomon. Solomon's Temple was plundered by the Babylonians in 589 BC and modestly restored by Ezra 70 years later. However, it was Herod the Great who refurbished the temple and turned it into the very ornate and elaborate structure we read of in the New Testament, where Jesus and his disciples gathered to worship God.

Primarily, Jewish worship involved adherence to the Law of Moses, which involved following a religious calendar of feasts and offerings. Sacrifices could only be performed at the Temple in Jerusalem. Outside of Jerusalem, Jews would assemble in synagogues to pray, read and study the Torah. However, the synagogue was not necessarily seen as a place of worship. Rabbinical teaching holds that communal Jewish worship can be carried out wherever ten Jews (or a minyan) gather for prayer.

Worship at the temple in Jerusalem was ritualistic. Use of musical instruments was only permitted in the temple. Only the priest could perform religious rites in the temple. The early Christians in Jerusalem met in the temple to worship God. However, as we read in Acts 2:46, they also met in each other’s homes.

On the Sabbath, the early believers would gather at the Temple or in the synagogue to worship God, but on Sunday, the first day of the week, they would gather in each other's homes to break bread (Acts 20:7). It is very likely they were in someone’s home on the Day of Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit was poured out on all flesh. And it was on one of these days, in someone’s home, that Paul raised Eutychus from the dead.

So, which is it then? Was the true place of worship for the early Christians the temple, a synagogue or a home?

Church Buildings

The Jewish Temple was destroyed by the Romans in AD 70. This must have resulted in more and more of the early Christians gathering in synagogues and homes to worship God. Eventually, as more Gentiles became Christians, fewer people worshiped in synagogues and more began to assemble in homes, mostly on Sundays. Gradually, Christian communities built bespoke buildings in which they gathered to worship God. These buildings eventually took on the collective name of the people who gathered there to worship – church buildings.

Churches today take on various shapes and forms, from cathedrals to chapels, from extravagant campuses to humble homes. Christians from all walks meet avidly in churches to worship God. However, do any of church buildings truly represent the true place of worship?

The Heart

Biblically, we have seen that Jews worshiped at the temple in Jerusalem and synagogues outside of Jerusalem. However, in Bible times there were other God-fearing people who also worshiped Yahweh, but they did not worship at the temple. These people were the Samaritans. Apart from some theological differences, the Samaritans followed the Torah and worshiped God as the Jews did. The main difference, however, was that the Samaritans believed the true place of worship was not the Jerusalem temple but a mountain in Samaria where Jacob’s well was located.

One day, while travelling from Galilee up to Jerusalem, Jesus and his disciples stopped for lunch at Jacob’s well, near the city of Samaria. Jesus sent his men into town to buy lunch while he waited at the well. A Samaritan woman came by to draw water from the well. “Give me a drink,” asked Jesus.

A conversation ensued between Jesus and the woman. Eventually, referring to her religious traditions she said to Jesus, “Sir, I perceive that you are a prophet. Our fathers worshipped on this mountain, but you say that in Jerusalem is the place where people ought to worship.” In response Jesus answered, “Woman, believe me, the hour is coming when neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem will you worship the Father. The hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshippers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him. God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth,” (John 4:18-24).

Clearly, Jesus points out that the true place for worship was not a temple or mountain. The true ritual of worship was not in animal sacrifices or the traditions of man. The true ritual of worship is not found in elaborate musical ensembles or exuberant praise and worship sessions. The true ritual of worship is a heartfelt sincere and spiritual expression of the adoration of God, to his glory. The true place of worship, therefore, is a pure and contrite heart totally surrendered to the Lord God Almighty. David said, “Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name!” (Psalm 103:1). It is here that a real and continual awareness of the presence of God is found.

Come Together in That Place

The orthodox Jews believe that wherever 10 or more men are gathered together, they can worship in prayer. But Jesus said, “For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.” Two or three can gather anywhere, anytime to pray. Consequently, a true place of worship is not a house of worship or an establishment or other location where a group of people (a congregation) comes to perform acts of religious faith, honour, or devotion. A true place of worship is found where two or more humble hearts join together in a true spiritual expression of sincere adoration of God Almighty and in the fellowship of his Holy Spirit.

God is Spirit and he has created you and me as spirit beings. To connect with God in worship, we need to disconnect with the flesh and open our hearts to the living, breathing Holy Spirit. Heart worship can only be done in truth, otherwise it is not from the heart but from the flesh. And worship is not music, and music is not worship. Worship is prayer, and prayer is worship. As R. T. Kendall said, “Prayer can no more be divorced from worship than life can be divorced from breathing.” Christian worship leader and songwriter, Martin Smith is quoted as saying, “The essence of worship is trying to arrange your whole life that pleases God.” True worship is a life totally surrendered to God. Worship is not an action, it is a lifestyle.

So, whether you meet with other believers in a cathedral or a coffee shop, always remember that the true place of worship is right there where your heart is.

GOD-TRACKING IS BEING A FAITHFUL AND A CHEERFUL GIVER

GodTracker 693
The e-devotional helping to keep you on-track with God’s plans for your life
GodTracker is published by Sure Reality Media at surereality.net

Philippians 4:19

And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

“God has promised to meet all our needs according to his riches in Christ Jesus. If you know Jesus as Lord, then you are in Christ Jesus. If you are in Christ Jesus, you are found in the same place as the riches of God!”

Tracking God’s will requires faithfulness in every aspect of life, not withstanding, giving. Historically, the Church has been accused of money-grabbing. This is a shame. Indeed, there were times in Church history where the institution of the Church (protestant and catholic) has demanded money from its adherents. That too, is a shame. However, God’s word makes it plain that giving is fundamental to Christian living. Afterall, God gave Jesus and Jesus gave his life. Therefore, as God-trackers, I believe we need to be faithful in our giving toward the furtherance of God’s kingdom. Jesus promised, “Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.” And he who promised is faithful.

By the grace of God, since receiving our first pay cheques, Karen and I have tithed. At times it was tough… very tough! I remember when I was studying for the ministry and had no regular income. I was 30 at the time with 2 small children to care for. Between us, Karen and I had 9 part-time jobs. Our income was low, but we believed it was still necessary to tithe. God was faithful to his promise to meet all our needs.

One Sunday evening, back in South Africa during my days at Bible school, I was at church leading worship while Karen and the kids were at home. My son Ryan, about 5 at the time, loved performing gymnastic feats. That evening he ran into his bedroom and somersaulted onto his bed. His feet promptly crashed through a large window. Thankfully, the curtains were closed so he did not hurt himself. “Ryan, what have you done!” came the cry from his mom. “It’ll take 200 rand to fix that window!” A few minutes later Karen heard Ryan and his sister, Kerryn praying, “Dear Lord, sorry Ry broke the window. Please give mom R200 to fix it.”

After church, while I was packing away my guitar, someone handed me an envelope. “Thanks,” I muttered and promptly popped it into my pocket. When I arrived home and Karen told me what had happened, I remembered envelope in my pocket. Opening it I found ten R20 notes. He who promised was faithful.

God has called us to be cheerful givers. God has promised that if we sow bountifully we will also reap bountifully. You see, God has promised to meet all our needs according to his riches in Christ Jesus. If you know Jesus as Lord, then you are in Christ Jesus. If you are in Christ Jesus, you are found in the same place as the riches of God! So, be faithful in your giving as you seek to track his will for your life.

God-tracking is being a faithful and a cheerful giver.

READ ALL ABOUT IT

Luke 6:38

Hebrews 10:23

2 Corinthians 9:6-9

DON’T GIVE UP, LOOK UP & PRAY

I commit my life and calling to you. Help me to track your will, every day.

“O Lord, thank you so much for your faithful blessings and provision in my life. Thank you that you meet all my needs according to your abundance in Jesus. Thank you that, as you help me to be faithful in my giving, you are faithful in pouring out your blessings into my lap, pressed down, shaken together and running over. Today I choose to be faithful and cheerful in my giving as I trust you to be faithful to your promises to meet my needs. Amen.”

If you desire more prayer, please email me at dudley@godtracker.co.uk

SUBSCRIBE to the FREE weekly e-devotional GodTracker at…  http://eepurl.com/dxTLAf

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What is GodTracker?
GodTracker is a weekly e-mail devotional based on the premise that God has a plan for our lives. His Word calls us to seek his plan by acknowledging him in all our ways and by tracking his purposes, in faith.

Listen to podcasts by Dudley Anderson at…
https://www.surereality.net/listen/

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