Staying Focused on His Presence: A Call to Intentional Living

Pastor Jeremy Eastman emphasizes the importance of focusing on God's presence amidst life's distractions. He encourages intentionality in our actions and relationships, urging believers to seek a deeper connection with God through worship and prayer, drawing parallels with biblical figures like Moses and Joshua.

In today's fast-paced world, it is easy to become distracted by the hustle and bustle of life. Pastor Jeremy Eastman, in his message at Ignite Church WV, emphasizes the importance of being focused on God's presence. This theme has been prevalent in recent messages, highlighting the need to press into worship and maintain a connection with the divine.

The Challenge of Distraction

As we navigate through our daily lives, many of us find ourselves caught up in the whirlwind of activities. Pastor Eastman shares his personal experience of losing track of time during the week, often realizing that days have flown by without accomplishing what he intended. This common struggle underscores the necessity of being intentional about where we direct our attention and energy.

The Importance of Intentionality

Being intentional means prioritizing what truly matters in our lives. Pastor Eastman encourages us to reflect on our motivations and the things that captivate our hearts. While the distractions of the world, such as the allure of holiday festivities, are not inherently bad, they can lead us away from focusing on God's presence if we are not careful.

Seeking God's Presence

The Biblical Foundation

The call to seek God's presence is rooted in scripture. In 1 Chronicles 16:11, we are reminded to seek the Lord and His strength, seeking His presence continually. This pursuit requires a commitment to prioritize our relationship with God above all else.

The Example of Moses and Joshua

Pastor Eastman draws parallels between our lives and the experiences of biblical figures like Moses and Joshua. Moses had a unique relationship with God, speaking to Him face to face. He would set up the tent of meeting outside the camp, a place where he could encounter God without distractions. Joshua, on the other hand, lingered in the tent, demonstrating a hunger for God's presence that we should aspire to emulate.

The Need for Focus

Overcoming Information Overload

In our modern age, we are bombarded with information from various sources, making it challenging to focus on what truly matters. Pastor Eastman likens this to watching television, where multiple streams of information compete for our attention. To combat this, we must intentionally seek God's presence, tuning out the noise of the world.

The Role of Worship

Worship plays a crucial role in maintaining our focus on God. When we gather to worship, we create an atmosphere where God's presence can dwell among us. Pastor Eastman challenges us to consider whether our worship would change if we knew Jesus was physically present with us. Our praise should reflect our awareness of His presence and our desire to connect with Him.

Hosting God's Presence

The Call to Abide

As believers, we are called to host God's presence in our lives. This means creating space for Him to dwell within us and among us. Pastor Eastman emphasizes that we are temples of the Living God, and our relationship with Him should be intimate and personal.

The Promise of Provision

When we focus on God's presence, we can trust that He will provide for us. Just as He guided the Israelites through the wilderness with a pillar of cloud by day and fire by night, He will lead us and meet our needs if we remain aligned with Him.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Pastor Jeremy Eastman urges us to stay focused on God's presence amidst the distractions of life. By being intentional in our actions, seeking a deeper relationship with God, and prioritizing worship, we can cultivate an environment where His presence thrives. Let us strive to be like Joshua, lingering in God's presence and allowing it to transform our lives. As we do so, we will find clarity, purpose, and the provision we need to fulfill our calling.