Be Present: On the Inside by Robert Dickerson

Encounter the Word:

There was a time not so long ago when you were on the outs with God. But then the Jews slammed the door on him and things opened up for you. Now they are on the outs. But with the door held wide open for you, they have a way back in. In one way or another, God makes sure that we all experience what it means to be outside so that he can personally open the door and welcome us back in.

Have you ever come on anything quite like this extravagant generosity of God, this deep, deep wisdom? It's way over our heads. We'll never figure it out.    Is there anyone around who can explain God?
   Anyone smart enough to tell him what to do?
   Anyone who has done him such a huge favor
      that God has to ask his advice?

Everything comes from him;
   Everything happens through him;
   Everything ends up in him.
   Always glory! Always praise!
      Yes. Yes. Yes.

--Romans 11:30-36 [Message]

Do you remember when you were on the outside without GOD in your life, always wondering aimlessly around, going through the daily motions, trying to keep up with the rest of society? It was rough right? Without a sense of direction and purpose, it was tough knowing how to live and who to trust.

But now that you've accepted GOD’s call, you can't look down on those that haven't because they are in the same place where you were. Without accepting GOD’s call you'd still be out there, but because you've accepted His will for your life, you have the opportunity to be used by GOD to reach out and touch the life of someone, showing them GOD’s endless love, showing them how to listen for GOD’s voice, His personal message to them. 

GOD: "Hit the pause button on life. . . breathe in. . . breathe out. . ."

Me: "Speak Lord, for your servant is listening."

Just as Paul never gave up on Israel, so to must we never give up on our family, friends, coworkers, and classmates. You have been called to be a beacon to others, to show them how to let GOD light their path, giving them direction and purpose. GOD is all-knowing and the wisest of the wise, so trust that He knows where your talents are needed. Trust that He'll prepare you and guide you to someone in need of His saving grace. Be a door holder, welcoming others into GOD’s presence.

For a day in your courts is better
    than a thousand elsewhere.
I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God
    than dwell in the tents of wickedness. –Psalm 84:10 [ESV]

Encounter Prayer:
This is all for you Lord. I give myself completely, without reservation or fine print over to you. Let me be a door holder. Use me so that my praises of You and the way I live my life for You will be a solid witness to someone that's just needlessly spinning in circles. Thank you for calling me in and thank you for the task You've laid out for me. May I always remain faithful to You, for You are my sole reason for living. You are my only reason to praise. You are my everything. Amen.

Encounter:

• As you reflect, who are the people who come to mind that are still “spinning in circles?”  Write their names down and keep them in your prayers in the coming days.
• What role will humility play as you serve as a door holder for GOD’s courts?
• What steps will you take today to make yourself available to others?  What will you need to say "no" to, in order to say “yes” to GOD’s plan for you today?

Devotional by Robert Dickerson of Younger Generation Church. Posted by A. Allan Martin by permission.