Steve Porter is one who knows all about soaking in the presence of the Lord and teaches many to do the same.
Just that alone makes me want to spend much more time with Him.
Enjoy this word and be refreshed in His presence! (To Subscribe to the Elijah List subscribe here.)
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"...[T]he times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord." (Acts 3:19, KJV)
Within the heart of every person is an unquenchable desire for the deep things of God. There is a void in the center of one's spirit that can only be filled with His touch. I believe that in this very hour, the Lord is giving His Bride a divine discontentment for apathy and lukewarmness. The things that once satisfied no longer satisfy, and even yesterday's encounters with Him have only made her hungrier for something fresh.
Longing for Refreshment
His beloved one clearly discerns the season she is living, and desires this "refreshment," which is necessary to carry out her holy end-time mandate from the Lord Himself. Perceiving the times and seasons has awakened in her a spiritual hunger she has never experienced before.
She yearns for fresh oil, a fresh touch, fresh wine, and a fresh anointing. She desires that fresh move of God in her life.
In the spirit, I see a thirsty Bride lifting her hands once again, asking for deep wells of refreshment. She feels dry and exhausted from the battles she has long endured. She fervently cries out, "I need You, Lord! I need You. Fill me afresh to overflowing!" She urgently yearns for Him whom her soul loves endlessly. Her thirst compels her to pursue Him. She is eager for His arrival. She watches earnestly at His gate. (Photo via Pixabay)
"Blessed is the man who listens to Me, watching daily at My gates, waiting at the posts of My doors. For whoever finds Me finds life, and obtains favor from the Lord." (Proverbs 8:34-35)
I see the Heavenly Bridegroom walking.
He is drawing near to His Bride.
With anticipation our Lord Jesus approaches the gate.
She is already there waiting and watching.
He opens the door and
Refreshment Himself walks through that door!
He pulls her to His side
And warms her there with His fervent love.
In that moment, she vows to be
A dedicated lover of the Lord,
Like Mary sitting enrapt at His feet
And hanging on every word He says.
His Bride vows anew to be to Him
What He became to her,
An everyday companion,
Lover,
Friend,
Follower...
For the precious Lord
Will ever be her Beloved!
Satisfying Our Barrenness with Himself
In this special place, His Bride is revived and He satisfies every bit of her inner barrenness with Himself. Each step He takes toward her brings the encouragement she so desperately needs. Her heart is filled to overflowing, and her joy is full in His manifest presence as she reaches out to take His loving hand.
"Now You've got my feet on the life path, all radiant from the shining of Your face. Ever since You took my hand, I'm on the right way." (Psalm 16:11, MSG)
Her face is now radiant after gazing upon His beautiful countenance with her own eyes. Hand in hand she walks with her Beloved, knowing that He is altogether lovely. That type of fresh encounter in her life brings about a satisfaction that only He can provide.
In this hour, a thirsty portion of the Church is indeed seeking God with all their hearts, minds, and souls. They feel dry and restless, but they don't stay in that place; they patiently wait on the Lord for refreshment. They push aside all activity and quietly wait at His gate with an attitude of worship and love. They hear His footsteps because their ears have been tuned to His comings and goings. Joyful and expectant, they watch the door, anxious for His arrival. When He appears, they are transformed and renewed.
Do you need a fresh encounter with God? Are you thirsty for more than you had yesterday? Do you feel like you have been trapped in a desert place, unable to touch His face? If so, I want you to turn toward His gate where streams flow in that desert place, and where He has set a table that you can be refreshed and renewed at. As you wait in His presence, you will see His arrival and feel the excitement that accompanies the touch of His very hand. (Photo via Unsplash)
Let me leave you with this poem.
Streams in the Desert
by Steve Porter
When my soul is parched and dry;
When out of touch, He seems so far away,
I groan – I plead for Him to pour afresh
His satisfying waters from on high.
Listening for His voice, I come away
And wait for Him "as deep calls unto deep,"
And there my thirsting soul is filled
With rivers flowing from His very heart.
Begotten of the Father,
Christ appears in barren wilderness,
With healing oils and mercy streaming
From His Father's house,
And crimson cloths to wipe away my tears.
Fellow pilgrim, in that desert place,
The Master has set a table there for you
And bids you come and dine, refreshing your soul.
Come feast on the riches of His sovereign grace.
Though you feel you have no advocate
And you're traveling on this road in solitude,
Unseen He walks beside you. His presence is sure,
For nothing from His love shall separate from you.
God's promises are true and rest assured,
That for the asking, they may be obtained.
Know this – He'll never leave you on your own.
His love is everlasting like His Word!
Times of refreshment are coming for those who seek a fresh touch from the sweet Master Jesus. Are you such an inquirer?
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Steve Porter
Refuge Ministries
Email: G524walk@yahoo.com
Website: www.findrefuge.tv
Steve and his wife Diane founded Refuge Ministries and a presence-driven publishing company, Deeper Life Press. Steve is a regular contributor to many prophetic publications, including the Elijah List, Spirit Fuel, and the Identity Network. His writings have been read worldwide by hundreds of thousands of people. Steve's books, maturity tracts, articles, and videos have touched countless lives around the world. The Porters reside near Rochester, NY.
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Who doesn't like spending time with the Lord and being in His presence? In fact, I believe God loves us spending time with Him even more!
