- 20/20 Vision
- Day One - Psalm 27
- Day Two - Psalm 16
- Day Three - Psalm 40
- Day Four - Psalm 73
- Day Five - Psalm 34
- Day Six - Psalm 25
- Day Seven - Psalm 29
- Day Eight - Psalm 23
- Day Nine - Psalm 103
- Day Ten - Psalm 42
- Day Eleven - Psalm 31
- Day Twelve - Psalm 91
- Day Thirteen - Psalm 8
- Day Fourteen - Psalm 51
- Day Fifteen - Psalm 139
- Day Sixteen - Psalm 77
- Day Seventeen - Psalm 139
- Day Eighteen - Psalm 147
- Day Nineteen - Psalm 37
- Day Twenty - Psalm 100
Good morning and welcome to day one of 2020 Vision. Congratulations on making a great decision to embark on a new life lived in the presence of God.
For your convenience, we have added a soundtrack to the background as you meditate on the word of God. You’re welcome to keep this playing in the background that will end after 20 minutes followed by closing prayer.
Introduction
We have purposed to seek our Father’s face, so how does He feel about this? Let’s see what the word of God has to say, but first, let’s go to the Lord in a word of prayer: “Heavenly Father, I have come in both obedience, and desire, to seek your face. Too often I struggle with the guilt and shame of past mistakes. I struggle to believe that you, or anyone else who really knew me, could love me, let alone, want to spend time with me. Holy Spirit, give a revelation of the finished work of the cross as I learn to receive your love and acceptance; and help me to show that love to others. I ask this in the name and authority of your son Jesus Christ. Amen.“
Devotional
I’m reading from the amplified version today in the book of Psalms, chapter 27, starting in verse seven: “hear, O Lord, when I cry aloud; be gracious and compassionate to me and answer me. When you said, “seek my face [in prayer, require my presence as your greatest need],” my heart said to you, “your face, O Lord, I will seek [on the authority of your word].” Do not hide your face from me, do not turn your servant away in anger; you have been my help; do not abandon me nor leave me, O God of my salvation! Although my father and mother have abandoned me, yet the Lord will take me up [adopt me as his child].” So we see that not only does God desire to spend time us, but He goes so far as to command us to seek His face. He does so, not as an overbearing father orders his children about at his whim and pleasure, but instead, He knows that only in his presence are we going to walk in the full revelation of who we are through the finished work of the cross. Only in His presence can we escape the effects of this sin-damaged world. You and I are found perfect in the eyes of God. The wrath of God has been satisfied, and you have been made the righteousness of God through Jesus Christ.1 We are therefore free to seek His face without fear of rejection or the condemnation and shame of our past mistakes. As you’re reading Psalms 27 this morning, take it slowly, one verse at a time, as though you were enjoying a gourmet meal. Let the Holy Spirit illuminate the passages. Use your sanctified imagination to place yourself in this conversation with God. Furthermore, imagine God speaking these words directly to you. In your mind’s eye, see the love in his eyes and the smile on his face. Picture His delight that you have come to seek his face, his arms reaching out to you in love and acceptance. Allow the presence of God to melt away the mountains that would stand in your way today.
Conclusion
Don’t be discouraged if it takes you a while to get used to being still and sensing God’s presence. Stillness is one thing we as Americans don’t do very well, we live very busy and noisy lives in comparison to our ancestors. In conclusion, I can assure you, that as you keep pressing, keep seeking, you will find Him, it’s His promise to you.2 ____________________________
