DAY 22
Marinated in His Glory
| READ 2 Corinthians 3:18 |
DEVOTIONAL
The Transforming Power of God's Presence "Psalms 24:3-4 AMP Who may ascend onto the mountain of the Lord? And who may stand in His holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who has not lifted up his soul to what is false, nor has sworn [oaths] deceitfully."
"Psalms 27:4 AMP One thing I have asked of the Lord, and that I will seek: That I may dwell in the house of the Lord [in His presence] all the days of my life, To gaze upon the beauty [the delightful loveliness and majestic grandeur] of the Lord and to meditate in His temple. [Ps 16:11; 18:6; 65:4; Luke 2:37]"
"2 Corinthians 3:18 AMP And we all, with unveiled face, continually seeing as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are progressively being transformed into His image from [one degree of] glory to [even more] glory, which comes from the Lord, [who is] the Spirit." "Isaiah 60:1 AMP Arise [from spiritual depression to a new life], shine [be radiant with the glory and brilliance of the Lord]; for your light has come, and the glory and brilliance of the Lord has risen upon you. [Zech 8:23]"
There is something that happens in the presence of God that cannot be explained by human reasoning. It cannot be manufactured by emotional excitement. It cannot be reproduced through religious activity. Neither can it be substituted by theological knowledge. It is the transforming work of the glory of God upon a yielded life. This is why I often say that it is in His presence that we are marinated in His glory. The word marinated is intentional.
When food is marinated, it is immersed long enough for every part of it to absorb the flavour of what surrounds it. The change is not superficial. It begins from within until every fibre has been affected. In the same way, the believer who consistently abides in God's presence begins to absorb the very nature of God. His thoughts become our thoughts. His desires become our desires. His compassion begins to flow through us. His peace governs our hearts. His holiness reshapes our character. His love becomes visible in our relationships.
His power begins to operate through yielded vessels. The secret place is not simply where we visit God. It is where God transforms us into the image of His Son. Many believers measure spiritual maturity by activity. How much they serve. How many meetings they attend. How many sermons they preach. How much Scripture they know. While these things have their place, none of them automatically produce Christlikeness. God's primary objective is not to make us busy. His primary objective is to make us like Jesus.
This transformation happens progressively as we remain before Him. The secret place is not merely a place of instruction. It is a place of impartation. God does not merely teach us about Himself. He shares Himself with us. The longer we remain before Him, the more His life begins to flow through ours. People begin to notice something different. Not because we are trying to appear spiritual. But because His presence leaves its mark upon those who dwell with Him. Moses descended from Mount Sinai carrying more than two tablets of stone.
He carried the evidence of having been with God. His face reflected the glory of the One in whose presence he had remained. The same principle still applies today. Although the manifestation may differ, genuine intimacy always leaves visible evidence. Those who have truly encountered God carry something that words alone cannot explain.
REFLECT
1. Where is the Holy Spirit inviting you to abide until God's glory shapes your character?
2. What competing voice, habit, fear, or desire needs to become quieter so that this truth can shape you?
PRAY
Father, immerse me in Your presence until Your glory shapes every part of my life. Saturate my heart with Your holiness, love, peace, compassion, and truth so that the change in me is more than outward. As I abide with You, form the likeness of Christ within me and let His nature become visible through me. In Jesus' name, Amen.
PRACTICE
Extend your quiet time today beyond your usual stopping point. Resist the urge to rush. Remain with God and ask Him to help you abide until God's glory shapes your character.
JOURNAL
What is God highlighting to me today?