Forsaking All Presence Imposters

Over a year ago I bought a devotional series that I just started reading this past week (slowly, but reading none the less). I've tried to make the commitment again that I'm not going to buy more books are put more on the Kindle until I read what I already have. Since I'm home full-time with the baby right now it's a great time to use what I already have. It's also a great time to evaluate my spiritual walk without the distraction of my workaholicness.

A section in the book talks about belonging completely to God by forsaking all others. In the section about presence imposters it felt like the book was speaking to me.

A riveting quote:

I've come to learn that the things of God do not necessarily equate to God Himself. Service and Bible study do not always translate into intimate time spent with Him. In our humanness, we are perfectly capable of doing good works and studying our Bibles completely separate from the LORD. Sometimes we think we are experiencing God Himself, when what we've done is settled for an imposter.

When we have an intimate relationship with someone we develop that relationship in private yet with God we think we can develop our "intimate" relationship with him in public. It doesn't work that way. We need to, I need to, pursue His presence.

It's easy for me in ministry to meet with God to help further what is going on in ministry as a substitute for pursuing Him. I get so caught up in getting caught up that I sometimes neglect that precious time that I need with Him.

Doing the things of God in place of spending time with God Himself lead to burnout. So many that I know personally are already there. LORD, please protect me. I want intimate time with YOU!

Another quote:

We can get caught in a performance trap, feeling as though we must prove our love for God by doing great things for him. So we...implement great ministries and wonderful projects, all in an effort to spread the good news...While the world applauds achievement, God desires companionship. The world clamors, "Do more! Be all that you can be!" But our Father whispers, "Be still and know that I am God." He isn't looking as much for workers as he is looking for sons and daughters--a people to pour his life into...Frustrated and weary, we can nearly break under the pressure of service, for there is always something that needs to be done.