"Jesus, all I need is You
Come in and flood this whole room
I’ve seen all that man can do
And Jesus, all I want is You"
I was in the lobby of Mason Hall at Jacksonville State University during Spring semester 2017. It was about 1:00am (when all the good songs are written) and I was working tirelessly on school assignments for multiple classes. I needed a break so I decided to play piano in one of the practice rooms. Practice rooms are one of the best places on campus, I must admit. I spend much needed practice and worship/prayer times in those rooms.
The first song I played that night was a song I released on my first album, "Just to Dwell." I began thinking of the powerful ways that God shows His tangible presence in my life. And then it hit me—what do I need to do once I am done dwelling in His presence? What is the next step to going deeper? The answer is to remain and stay a little while longer. There is no "next level." There is only He and He alone—and that is all I need. See, it is in the seeking that we find Him, and when we find Him, we must stay in that place. There is no other destination.
After about 45 minutes of praising, writing, and singing, this song was complete. I sang this in the practice room for another few hours until my voice was gone and my eyes could barely stay open.
I am thankful for the gift of songs and music in my life. I encourage you to sing your own song, pray your own prayer, and let God use you in your area of life. Just remain in Him and He in you (John 15:4).
Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation.
The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.
-Matthew 26:41
The main reason I tend to fall into temptation is when I am not watching and praying. The scripture is so clear and true. When we do not reflect and observe our surroundings, we are subject to sin against God. Jesus mentioned, “watch and pray” multiple times. Not only was it mentioned before the crucifixion, but it is also found in Luke.
Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you suddenly like a trap…
Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man.
-Luke 21:34,36
The word “watch” has a few different means and this one means, “to have the alertness of a guard at night.” A night watchman must be even more alert than a daytime guard. More threatening dangers occur in the night, and you cannot always see what is coming your way. Therefore, you are forced to use other senses to detect danger. There may be no indications of an enemy attack until it happens. This is what Jesus wants us to understand when he says “watch.” I believe we have a good understanding of prayer, so I will not write any on that. I think so many Christians focus on the “prayer” part of that verse without remembering to “watch.” Sometimes sin can sneak up on us if we do not watch and anticipate, with the help of Holy Spirit’s guidance.
"I can’t live without You by my side, day and night
All creation sings Your praises
Jesus, Jesus."
We must stay alert and not grow weary in doing good. I have learned these truths of remaining in Him and then remaining even longer. I pray I learn this to be even truer for me in the days to come.
“Now that You’re here
Won’t You stay a little longer?
Now that You’re here
I will stay a little longer”
Will you stay a little longer in His presence today? It is worth it 100% of the time.
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