Using the word 'passion' these days can be bring judgement quickly so let's get over it now. Passion felt in one's soul for God is that of which we speak. It is just like the 'peace' of which Jesus spoke:
"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." John 14:27
World peace will never be possible. Heart peace is the only peace that is real and that with Christ in the center of a single life.
Passion in our souls for the kingdom of God finds its origin only in the presence of God and walking in the Holy Spirit daily. Hear what Jesus said again:
Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me." Luke 9:23
Paul said:
"I die every day! I swear that it’s true! That’s something you take pride in, brothers and sisters, as I do in Jesus the Anointed, our Lord". 1 Corinthians 15:31
Proud? Yes, pride in emptying ourselves before God-proud in being completely humble under His hand-proud to take up our own cross-pride that turns into only humble love in the presence of God. This pride means we take pleasure in being where God wants us to be.
Years ago, I would sit and listen in youth camp as people would get up and tell their stories of how Jesus had changed their lives in the beginning when they first gave their hearts to Jesus or how God had brought them through a horrible situation. God showed me that the old stories are great but we need some new stories. So, I started to teach that if your story was dated-in fact if it was over five minutes old-you must do some work.
Yes, God has brought many of us through wilderness stories and if God leads you to share that, then share it. But what is new in your experience with God? We talk of times when our soul passion 'ran' high(past tense). What about now? What is new?
Lamentations 3:22-23
22 How enduring is God’s loyal love;
the Eternal has inexhaustible compassion(mercy).
23 Here they are, every morning, new!
Your faithfulness, God, is as broad as the day.
We must not, however, get caught up in searching for passion-or '3 steps to passion with God'. We are always centered up by this verse:
Matthew 6:33
33 Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and then all these things will be given to you too.
Back to home base-the throne of God-back on our knees before Him to pour out our hearts before Him and sit quietly where God speaks-as God speaks all else seems so small.
It is impossible with words to explain what that time should be like for you. That is one amazing thing about being with God. God made you as you are and so no other person will experience this time the way you will-but eventually, it becomes more than amazing.
The pictures that scripture paints for us(these are my words as I read):
Till morning smiles through my window and my tears teach me to dance....
By day it is God's love
By night He is my song
A prayer to the God of my life...
A heart before God experiencing Him feels God's passion and is filled with passion-not renewed passion, but new passion-new every morning. It cannot be manufactured by the world's pursuits.
Please don't miss the passion in God's heart. His love for you individually is no less than His love for all the great writers and teachers of fame-no less than all great folks who have ever lived. When you are in God's presence, you are the only one allowed-no one else can come with you. God and you alone.
Please don't let this frighten you. It can be and, at first, should be. But His perfect love melts that fear away as He floods you with his light and love.
Proverbs 9:10 ►The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.
1 John 4:18 Love will never invoke fear. Perfect love expels fear, particularly the fear of punishment. The one who fears punishment has not been completed through love.
Guilt brings fear of punishment. Confession before God brings freedom and forgiveness and purity-- from God's boundless love.
1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
Find that place-oh, please find that place before God--now...
...because He loves us...
Father in Heaven,
Strip away all my inhibitions and fear and pride-I humble myself before you. Have mercy on me. I am Yours.
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