Jim Carrey's comedy Bruce Almighty caused significant problems for Dawn Jenkins, and she wasn't even in it. The character of God left his phone number on Carrey's pager. But instead of the usual 555 prefix used by most television shows and films, God's number was a common exchange--Dawn's cell phone number. She got around 20 calls per hour, with callers asking for God before hanging up.

The only way God can answer your call is when you make it about the present. He's already forgiven every sin you've confessed to him from your past; he will guide every step you'll trust to his will. So live in this moment, and you'll find God there. How?

I have been much helped by Thomas Kelly's classic A Testament of Devotion. This Quaker missionary was a scholar in philosophy of religion, but even more a student of the soul. He suggests these principles, which I endorse to you.

First, invite Christ to dwell in your soul. Make him your Savior and Lord. When you do, your body becomes the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19) and Jesus himself comes to live in your heart.

As a result, "Deep within us all there is an amazing inner sanctuary of the soul, a holy place, a Divine Center, a speaking Voice, to which we may continually return. Eternity is at our hearts, pressing upon our time-worn lives, warming us with intimations of an astounding destiny, calling us home unto Itself" (p. 9).

It is this Christ within you who has called you to his worship this morning, and to read this essay. You are reading these words by his initiative and invitation. He wants for you to know the peace that passes understanding which will guard your heart and mind in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7). So make him your Lord, and you will find his peace.

Next, learn to practice his presence through each day: "There is a way of ordering our mental life on more than one level at once. On one level we may be thinking, discussing, seeing, calculating, meeting all the demands of external affairs. But deep within, behind the scenes, at a profounder level, we may also be in prayer and adoration, song and worship and a gentle receptiveness to divine breathings…It is at this deep level that the real business of life is determined" (p. 12-13).

Let's continue to seek this peace tomorrow.

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