What Makes the Difference?

~http://bestfreechristian.com/gallery_01.htm

I have been doing a lot of thinking lately: reflections upon the past, the present and the future. A question has been mulling over and over in my mind. What brought about the godly men and women of the past that we so often read about? What was different then, compared to now? I definitely know there is something missing or we would be seeing more evidence of God within our church services and in people's lives.

As I was reading an article published in a Centennial book of God's Bible School and College, (Erickson, R. L. "A Day on the Mount of Blessings." God's clock keeps perfect time: God's Bible School's first 100 years, 1900-2000. Cincinnati: Revivalist Press, 2000. 75-78.) my heart was stirred and convicted. On a normal day back in the early 1900's, students rose early to pray, went to breakfast, and returned to their rooms to pray more. At times, more students would be praying than would be present for breakfast. When it was time for classes to convene, prayer and praise frequented the classrooms as students continued in the presence of God. Following classes, the students made their way to the dining hall shouting, testifying, and praising their Heavenly Father! The praises did not stop there, but continued as they ate and on through the day. What a sight it must have been! What glory must have been prevalent as students lifted their hearts toward God Almighty. I wish I had been there!

My mind turns to our present day. What has changed? How often do we see people so joyful and on fire for God that all they can do is praise and rejoice wherever they are? I surely have not seen it too often, if at all. I was smitten with conviction and shame as I read this account of a typical day at the Bible College. What is my "normal" day like? I need to spend more time in prayer. Our days are too taken up with trivial tasks that does not count for eternity. We are too materialistic, and lack the desire for blessings from above. I think it would be helpful if we all consider each of our days, and put forth more effort in spending time with God on a daily basis. We need to praise Him more, for He truly is worthy of our praise and focus. One day we will wish we had.

This brings me to my last thought. What about our future? If action is not taken now to bring more of God into our lives; what will the future hold for us, for our children, and our grandchildren? Will God be even thought of? Will people still desire Him and His way? This is a staggering and startling thought, for I want my children and grandchildren to know my Savior too. I don't want them to just know of Him, but I desire that they know Him personally.

God will only come if He is invited. We must put forth the effort to make Him welcome presently as He was welcomed in the past. Furthermore, we must exemplify Him before our children so they will experience who He is, with the purpose that God will not be forgotten in the future. We must place that desire within our children through our godly influence. May we each be found faithful with the insatiable desire of thirsting for more of Him. He gave His life for us; we owe everything to Him!