Seeking God

Last night at church the following question was posed:

" Do I seek God/give to God expecting that He then would owe me?"
"What is the spirit of my heart when I give or do something? What should it be?"

These questions are profound. They are things that I can never ask myself enough. These types of questions make sure I am always keeping myself in check.

Last night we looked over the scripture of 1 Samuel 4. We went through the whole chapter and afterwards there were some amazing discussions that came about.

We specifically looked at verse 4 ("So the people sent men to Shiloh, and they brought back the ark of the covenant of the Lord Almighty, who is enthroned between the cherubim. An Eli's two sons, Hophni and Phinehas, were there with the ark of the covenant of God.") and discussed how we, as Christians, should want to make a difference. We should want to make an impact!!!

We also discussed 2 Corinthians 4 and the glory of God (the presence of God). We need to make ourselves available to God!!! Let him use us in the way that He wants to use us.

We were also challenged with this question:

"How do I know when glory (presence of God) has departed my life?"

We know when:

~we lose more battles than we win
~we make decisions without consulting God
~we "use" the things of God (I did this for God, now he He owes me__________)
~wicked men do the things of the Lord (worshipping idols, half-hearted worship)
~the enemy no longer respects God
~lost people don't see the difference in MY life (I need to live above reproach)
~proven leaders begin to tremble and give up
~we stop looking for the glory ("I'm doing alright, I don't need anyone else")

Last night's message really triggered some good thoughts in my head, so I just thought I'd share the gist of the message with you all. Hope you all enjoy and are as moved to thought as I was!!!!