There is a distinct and real difference between “praying” and “seeking God”. The theme Bible verse of a TRUE SPIRITUAL AWAKENING is found in 2 Chronicles 7:14. Here, it points out the progression from “humble”, to “pray”, to “seek God’s face”, to “turn from our wicked WAYS”. I have given a great deal of thought to the DISTINCTIONS spelled out in this verse. And herein lies a KEY to a lacking in our prayer habits. We have become good at praying. We have developed sort of a Vending Machine approach to God. Put your coins in the slot (or Offering Plate or Bag) and select what you want. Don’t misunderstand the intent of what I’m saying. The Bible makes it very clear that we are encouraged to make our requests known unto God.

The serious PROBLEM however, is that precious few of us are actively pursuing GOD HIMSELF! We go after what we want and need FROM GOD, and clearly spell out what we expect or hope that God will do. But when you read 2 Chronicles 7:14, you see that the glaring need of today is that we would take time to desire God for GOD’S SAKE. To desire God for Himself! None of us appreciate being ignored. Seek God just because we want to get to KNOW Him, and become CLOSE to Him. It is all good, and fine, and very intellectual, to dwell on all the qualities, attributes, and names of God. But what about GOD HIMSELF? How about trying to make FRIENDS with Him (He already knows everything about you anyway). Who would have thought.

RELATIONSHIP is what is truly needed between us and the Good Lord! God fully our calculated and formulated approach to Him as time was running down. In the same chapter that Jesus offered us “The Lord’s Prayer” ( Luke 11:2), He also warned us that “Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in your name? and in your name have cast out devils? and in your name done many wonderful works? Then will I profess unto them, I NEVER KNEW you!” And isn’t that also the key point that Jesus makes in Revelation 2, when He tells the church at Ephesus that they have “LEFT their FIRST LOVE”?

RELATIONSHIP! That is the often-missing ingredient in our lives and in our churches today! There is a great deal of emphasis on PRAYER today. That is excellent, and is very needed. But let us go BEYOND request-oriented prayer, and begin to seriously and personally SEEK GOD FOR HIMSELF! Personally, in our lives! It is time to SEEK THE LORD . . . not just ask Him for “things”! Become a serious SEEKER! Think of that.

Rebuilding a Blog

Some serious transition has been taking place on this blog called “Spiritfire” this week. If you have read one of my earlier blogs in February and March, I like the content, but not the appearance. So with the help of WordPress staff, we have been working on changing the appearance, before I published this latest publication. Thank you for your patience. I am a better writer than a designer. Hang on!