Seeking Jesus from the Edges – Receiving what is Poured Out –

Seeking Jesus from the Edges – Morning Devotions
Pastor Calvin Cook – May 7,2024
“Receiving what is Poured Out”

Scripture focus – Romans 10:5-12 Moses said a person could become acceptable to God by obeying the Law. He did this when he wrote, “If you want to live, you must do all the Law commands.” 6 But people whose faith makes them acceptable to God will never ask, “Who will go up to heaven to bring Christ down?” 7 Neither will they ask, “Who will go down into the world of the dead to raise him to life?” 8 All who are acceptable because of their faith simply say, “The message is as near as your mouth or your heart.” And this is the same message we preach about faith. 9 So you will be saved, if you honestly say, “Jesus is Lord,” and if you believe with all your heart that God raised him from death. 10 God will accept you and save you, if you truly believe this and tell it to others.11 The Scriptures say no one who has faith will be disappointed, 12 no matter if that person is a Jew or a Gentile. There is only one Lord, and he is generous to everyone who asks for his help.

Sometimes in writing we have the content of what we want to write before we have a title. This morning’s thoughts are different, I had the title before the content. I have been keenly aware in many situations of the need for God’s presence and feeling the presence of God. At the same time, I have prayed and heard the prayers for the Holy Spirit to be poured out. In my recent history I have become aware that the presence of God is all around us and that the Holy Spirit has been poured out we have only just realized it or accepted it as we desire.

Notice the words of Romans 10:8 All who are acceptable because of their faith simply say “The message is as near as your mouth or your heart, and this is the message we preach about faith.” But….. do we realize that? Have we accepted and proclaimed the wonder working power of God’s presence that is already here.

There are many in this age and time in history that are doubting the existence and or the presence of God. This is exasperated by us who claim Christ not living into the best life possible by accepting, acknowledging, and proclaiming the presence of God. Are we proclaiming God as a 911 call in times of emergency or are we willing to be holy changed as we witness the presence of God. Have we accepted the fullness of God or just the little pieces and parts we want or need to get through the ordinary when in fact God desires us to live an extraordinary life.

Both Hebrews 12:29 and Deuteronomy 12:29 portray God as a “all consuming fire”. Not just a few sparks here and there, not just a campfire when we want to sit around and sing Kumbaya, not just a bon fire when we want to burn out the depleted and worn out, but an all-consuming fire that surrounds us and overtakes us and as fire does to precious metal refines us.

Here is the part we don’t like or want to think about – this kind of relationship depends on us and how we accept the presence of God, receive salvation through Jesus, are filled with Holy Spirit, and move into a life of discipleship and apostleship. You must be, I have to be, we all have to be ready to receive, the choice is yours, choose wisely with eternity in mind. Receive what is being poured out for you.