EDITOR'S NOTE: This is the fifth of a five-part series "Why Leaders Should Practice the Presence of God." Each part of the series will focus on a quote from the Brother Lawrence classic, The Practice of the Presence of God. To view the other parts, click part 1, part 2, part 3 and part 4.
D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones asked a question in one of his sermons, "Is God in the midst of it?"
Is God in the middle of our meetings?
Is He in our thoughts as we contemplate a decision?
Is He in the front of our mind as we lead a training session?
We begin to answer these and other questions with our desire to invite him in. Many of us want to be included in important meetings. We like to be invited to lunches and social experiences. Even if we cannot attend, we appreciate the invitation.
Leaders frequently fail to invite the Holy Spirit to attend the next agenda item. We get busy and simply don't seek His presence.
We go to others to seek counsel but fail to consult the Lord in prayer and study.
Brother Lawrence offers this coaching:
"That the most excellent method he had found of going to GOD, was that of doing our common business without any view of pleasing men, [Gal. 1:.10; Eph. 6: 5, 6.] and (as far as we are capable) purely for the love of GOD."
When we are practicing the presence of God, we have little concern for pleasing men. Our heart becomes full of pleasing God.
We lead for the love of God.
We correct and train for the love of God.
We lead as servants for the love of God.
May the presence of the Lord be ever invited into the midst of our work day.
Lead us, Holy Spirit, that we may lead others into Your presence.
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Today's Scripture
"By this we know the love of God: that He laid down His life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers" (1 John 3:16).
Platform Tip No. 109
People with strong platforms are lifelong learners.
Messages are developed from impartation, learning, and experiences.
Our message grows more relevant to people in need as we learn.
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