^{John 1:38} Then Jesus turned, and saw them following, and says to them, What do you desire? They said to him, Rabbi, (which is interpreted, Master,) where do You live?

Hi Rose buddies! February is wrapping up and March is right around the corner. For some of you, this year has been filled with either surprises, setbacks, and/or success. In whatever state you may find yourself in thus far, I would like for this desire to be present. That desire is to always be where The Lord is dwelling. In my own life, I notice how I can be “elsewhere” in my relationship with God. It’s actually quite easy to start wandering, yes, even in our salvation, for many reasons. The idea that something out there is greater than what we have already been given. Being engulfed by the comfort of familiarity because God is asking for “too much.” I can’t possibly give “this” up to follow after Him. I’ve been around this person for years. I’ve been doing this for years. I’ve been this way for years. I’ve talked this way for years. I’ve eaten this way for years. Whatever your “comfort” may look like, is it truly more comfortable than where Jesus dwells?

Usually, comfort is looked upon as a good thing. Which is why it is very hard for us to break away from what we deem as comfort and what God may deem as sin, strongholds, poor habits, and bad decisions. This is why it is vital for us to want to be near to Jesus. The people described in the above verse were disciples of John The Baptist. They saw Jesus walking by and desired to follow Him and did not stop there! These men took it a step further and asked where does He live? How many of us make the decision to follow after Jesus, but left out to inquire where Jesus lives? It’s important to ask because Psalms 1:1 even points out places where people of God should not inhabit which means the presence of God is not available. See I am learning that being where God is, gives me access. There are things that God has ready for me once I am in the position to receive. Also, I would like to point out that those disciples were spiritually and mentally connected before they were physically with Jesus. What am I saying? Their heart posture advanced them into their access with Jesus. We have to go beyond thinking that church is the only place God dwells because it really begins in our heart and because of our heart wanting more we then choose to learn more in church and worship God corporately. Just had to let that be clear for those who think the church is it or for those who think the church is not necessary but that is a whole other topic.

For those who may be entering a tough year, I urge you to still seek where Jesus is because in the Presence of our Lord there is fullness of Joy:). This reminder is found in Psalm 16:11. Even for those who may be having a great kick start to the year, still, do not forsake always being connected to where Jesus dwells. Don’t let your joy be fixed on people, things, careers, degrees, etc…let it be fixed on Jesus. Because when those things fail you, that’s when we start questioning everything, even God because some way or another we forgot to follow where He is and decided to follow our own desire(s). Jesus may lead you to that coworker that is hard to love or that homeless person you pass every week. He is always out of our comfort zone. Live to dwell with Him personally so that He may lead you and His Light can shine publicly.

Be sure to mozy on over to the Tag You’re It and Prayer Tab:) Until next time, PEACE!