Banished

I have never been banished or blacklisted from the presence of someone or some country that I know of. I’m sure there are people who simply would rather not hang around me for some reason. I’m not intentionally being a jerk or snobbish. I can be a bit “anti-social” at times and would rather be left alone. I don’t really want to be alone, I just want the person or persons that I choose to hang out with.

My family and I just returned from a 9-day vacation where I really did get some rest and relaxation away from the normal hustle and bustle of my work life. It was a much-needed rest. I am excited to be back among my friends, co-workers and church family. I do like some routine in my life, especially in the morning. Each day this week, I camped out in the same chapter and the theme was devastation as Israel was taken captive by Babylon and the temple and the entire city was destroyed. As I began getting back on track this morning with routine, I read the same passage of scripture and this short phrase jumped into my lap. Check this out….

 ² But Zedekiah did what was evil in the Lord’s sight, just as Jehoiakim had done. ³ These things happened because of the Lord’s anger against the people of Jerusalem and Judah, until he finally banished them from his presenceand sent them into exile. (Jeremiah 52:2 NLT)

I began this year with a key word for my personal journey. I wanted to notice the PRESENCE of the Lord everywhere. I wanted to be in His Presence. I wanted Him to be present in my life. I don’t believe I can escape from His Presence, but this little phrase reminded me that He could banish me or blacklist me from His Presence. I probably deserve banishment, but I’m so thankful that Jesus brought grace when He came to earth. The Lord not only restored His banished people, He restores my soul daily. His Presence in my life changes everything.  I enjoyed some amazing lake sunsets this past week feeling the Presence of God. I enjoyed some beautiful time by the campfire as the day began at sun rise. I want to breathe in the presence of God each day that I’m alive. I want to make my life count for Him. I want it to be obvious that I’m walking in the Presence of God. I don’t ever want to think about what it would be like to be banished or blacklisted from His Presence. – that would literally be hell.

Pressing On!

Dwayne