I've been reading (at the recommendation a member of my squad), the Spiritual Survival Handbook for Cross-Cultural Workers. I have to say that I've really enjoyed it so far! Everything mentioned is just exactly how Jesus has called us as messengers of the Gospel to live. Especially those of us who are going to be or are involved in overseas missions. So needless to say, this is great stuff for the World Race! 🙂
One part really popped out at me yesterday and I just wanted to share it.
"Just remember: Inward before outward; secret before public. This is the example that Jesus set for us. The disciples often found Him spending time alone with His Abba on a mountain or in the wilderness. They watched Him depart for hours at a time or overnight, and then saw Him return refreshed and renewed in vision. If our Lord needed alone time with His Father, how much more so do we? Inner reconciliation is a prerequisite to being an ambassador of reconciliation. In order to have something to give people when you are with them, you must spend time alone in the river. You need to be “wet” with the Spirit when people brush up against you. They should be able to sense that you’ve been soaking in His Presence. Don’t towel off! Don’t make yourself “presentable.” Drip His Presence on the floor of the kitchen, on the carpet of your office, and on the streets of the city to which you’ve been called."
(Robert S. Miller. Spiritual Survival Handbook for Cross-Cultural Workers)
This is something that I know in my head, but honestly is not always sunk down in my heart. It is far too easy to move along through life, even in ministry, and not have that secret, completely alone time with our King. Then, when I do, it is the greatest thing in the world! Why do we so easily put it on the backburner, so to speak? This is a major problem. It is not about a ritualistic "quiet time", etc. It is about drawing near to our Savior!
Oh how I crave His presence, I love to be near to Him! We cannot expect to pour into other people when we do not ourselves take the time to be filled back up. Like a vessel that empties itself, how can it give of itself if there is nothing inside?
I love what the author wrote when he said that we need to "drip" His presence wherever we are. We are called to be unashamed, undignified for our King. WE are the light of the world, and the salt of the earth, we've been called for a greater purpose. We need to shout His name fromt he ROOFTOPS!
I want to be a dripper of His presence.
No, a splasher!
…Actually, a flood would be even better, haha 😉
