What's Happening at Shiloh

My wife and I love the summer Olympics. Every four years, we celebrate like it’s a national holiday because we get to witness the best athletes in the world compete at the highest level for the highest honor—a gold medal. We particularly love watching the track athletes. Their running looks effortless, and their relentlessness is inspiring. If you pay attention during the longer distance races, there is one phrase you’ll hear repeatedly: “They are getting in position.” What are they getting in position to do? To make a move for first place. Winning the race depends on their positioning.

The principle is simple: Proper positioning sets us up for success.

I believe this is also 100% true in our relationship with Jesus. We must be properly positioned if we want to walk with Him faithfully. 

Spiritual Emphasis Week is this week. We want to take a few days to consider the possibility of God changing our lives for His glory. So, how do we position ourselves for success this week?

A desire for power is wired into us, isn't it? We want power, control, and victory. At our worst, we'll do whatever it takes to win and control things in our lives. At our best, we're experiencing power the way God created us to experience power: by experiencing His power.

What is the one thing you'll do whatever it takes to get? 

For me, it’s an afternoon cup of coffee. Around 12:30 every day, the coffee alarm in my brain starts to go off, and I begin thinking of every scenario that will ensure I can consume a cup of coffee before 6th period starts. Coffee is the one thing I don’t want to go without.

Am I addicted? No, of course not. I can stop anytime I want! 

In Psalm 27, we’re introduced to the idea of another one thing. God and His Presence. But not only do we see a compelling vision of God, we're also encouraged to chase after that one thing with all we've got.

“One thing have I asked of the Lord, that will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to inquire in his temple.”

—Psalm 27:4 ESV