June 2024 – Jemtree's Heart

I’ve realized, today, I’ve been walking through my day-to-day life oblivious to the enormity of a gift I’ve been given by God.

The access point.

I have missed so much context by just not knowing, or paying close attention to what I have learned, about the history of God-people interactions.

In the sermon today, God’s Spirit brought into focus for me how much more difficult it seems it was to pray during Old Testament times.

They had to go somewhere that He sanctioned for them to go. They had to build, in some way, a specific place, specified building– and in many cases it had to have specific materials, colors, dimensions, measurements and elements– carefully constructed to an exactness I certainly have never had the ability to craft.

There was a true fear and dedication.

People– generally rulers, prophets– people called specifically by God– often had to set aside time and leave everything behind, and go.

Only the purest in heart and life were allowed inside the inner sanctuary– or they died.

Altars were made as reminders of where God met them in need and relationship– a place they could go back to, to remember.

Fast-forward to New Testament.

Now– We are the Temple of God’s Holy Spirit.

My yucky, sinful flesh is the housing for God’s Holy Spirit.

I can pray whenever, however, in whatever clothing, room, or physical state I’m in, for however long, out loud or in my heart/spirit/head, around any other people or alone, for anything that comes to mind, with any words I choose.

The prayer ball is in my court.

The speaking-prayer stick is always in my hand to talk to God, for however long I choose.

I am the only obstacle in my way to pray.

I choose.

So– Why don’t I choose?

So many excuses.

So many “rational” reasons.

So many distractions…

1Thessalonians 5:16-18 “¹⁶Rejoice always, ¹⁷pray without ceasing, ¹⁸give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

This is God’s amazing, precious gift to us through Jesus–

Constant, open communication with– to and from— God Himself.

My heart should never be divided about this– but I find it is!

But– distractions the world has to offer are so fun, so time-filling, so interesting, so…

Empty.

God always fills.

God always provides.

God always hears.

I have unlimited, unrestricted access to God!

There is no chain of command.

There are no physical walls or barriers.

There are no language miscommunications or need for translation.