Psalm 136:1
Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good.
His love endures forever.
So what does endures mean
1. suffer (something painful or difficult) patiently. “It seemed impossible that anyone could endure such pain”
2. remain in existence; lasting .
This is what our God is and continues to be and do for us. Nothing phases Him or surprises Him. He is always available and reliable. But do you really know Him ?
There is a difference in doing for Him and being with Him. So many of us can so easily get tied up in the doing even to the point we forget about the being. If we do this our doing becomes meaningless and has no long enduring effect.
God introduced Himself to Moses as “ I am” ( Exodus 3:14) and remember Jesus introduce himself as ”I am”. In fact the term I Am relating to God appears over 300 times in the Bible, first in the book of Genesis (15:1) and last in Revelation (22:16). He is often been referred to as “the great ‘I am’”.
This shows us how much the Lord values being presence or simply being and the relationship that is found in this place. Jesus shows the importance of being in Matthew (7:22-23)
Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’
I believe what Jesus was saying and His lesson for us today is. You were so busy doing, you forgot all about the being and the being is where “I am”. what a great time to address this in this time of isolation.
Maybe say this prayer ! Father show me area’s in my life that I am doing with out you. They may be effective, but if they are with out you I want no part in them from this day forward. Teach me how to live in the presence, to be one with You. That from this day forward we will together be an incredible force to change this world amen
Craig & Winnie Patten
Itinerate Pastor / Apostolic Leaders
Encounter Ministries
