Experiencing God's Presence #157

Experiencing God's Presence #157

When Solomon finished praying, fire flashed down from heaven and burned up the burnt offerings and sacrifices, and the glorious presence of the LORD filled the Temple.

2 Chronicles 7:1

God is drawn to those who are humble, hungry for Him, brokenhearted, single-minded, pure-hearted, and willing to believe what He says. As Scripture consistently points out, He is also drawn to sacrifice. When we dedicate something to Him, especially at a cost to ourselves, He shows up on that issue or in that place. His fire of acceptance falls on our sacrifice.

This principle is written into the human heart, which explains why even idolaters expect the power of their gods in response to their sacrifices. An offering is not only an act of gratitude or adoration; it’s often an invitation for a divine being to inhabit human devotion. True dedication cultivates a bond between the worshiper and the one being worshiped. And it very often prompts a response.

We don’t always see God’s responses to our offerings and sacrifices, but just because we don’t see doesn’t mean He is unresponsive. If an act of devotion is made in a true spirit of worship, He is drawn to it. His “fire” will fall on it in one way or another. He rewards those who draw near to Him by drawing near to them. No true devotion toward Him is ever ignored.

Understand the value of the sacrifices you make. They are important to God. They are tokens of your devotion, and He always responds to them—even when you don’t see the response. A heart turned toward Him is always rewarded with more of Him.

Lord, I offer You everything I have. I offer You myself. I lay myself on Your altar, and I trust that Your fire will fall on this sacrifice—that You will fill me with Your Presence in deeper and deeper measure.