IN HIS PRESENCE

When was the last time you felt the presence of God? Was it while you were alone in nature? In a worship service? While you were praying? When you were witnessing to someone? When alone studying His word? Was it when you were broken, absolutely dependent on God? What was happening the last time God interrupted the moment and made Himself, His presence known to you? What emotion came over you? Tears of joy, gladness, peace, mighty assurance, needed confidence, a sense of safety, a shudder of goose bumps, or sweet comfort? We never know when or how God will just show up, but indeed He does to those who love Him! God delights in letting us know He is here with us, but do we maintain the required position of surrender to allow Him this pleasure? God makes Himself known to us in unique and powerful ways...to encourage us, to energize us, to equip us to do that which we are unable to do without God, our Father, Son, Holy Spirit, the Holy ALL in ONE. "Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshipped him; but some doubted (In the presence of Judas the fool who doubted, do you feel like the black sheep amidst the mockers? Remember Peter denied Jesus when he was not in the presence of Jesus, but IN HIS PRESENCE, Peter's faith enabled him to walk on water)"Faith is being sure of what you hope for, and certain of what you do not see" Hebrews 11:1 --- "Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I will be with you always, to the very end of the age." Matthew 28:16---Now without airplanes, the internet, cell phones, trains, cars some might think HOW will we, the eleven disciples teach all nations to obey what Jesus commanded? Each disciple had witnessed miracles, and had FELT the powerful presence of Jesus --- "some doubted" Jesus knew their hearts, their doubts about HOW TO REACH all of mankind about the birth and brutal death of their Creator, their King, our Savior. "So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid but filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples. Suddenly Jesus met them. "Greetings" he said. They came to him clasped his feet and worshipped him. Then Jesus said to them, "Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me." Matthew 28:8 --- Jesus made His Presence known to His disciples then, and today our Father, our Jesus, our Holy Spirit makes His presence known to us. God desires that we recognize His presence today. Jesus taught us by His word and by His example. His greatest command was that we love ourselves as we are loved, and to love one another. How do you describe God's presence? Is it in the kindness shown to you in that secret place within? Is it in that moment when you are able to forgive and let go? Some folks say "I believe God is everywhere, and in everything. In the trees, in the ocean, stars, mountains, in the animals etc". God's word does not claim to be in everything. God the almighty Creator of heaven and earth is omni-present, which means everywhere is in the sight of God, or in His presence. God is in the body, heart, mind, in a very personal way, of those who believe in Jesus. He waits for us to turn to Him, to invite Him, to call on Him, to trust Him, to get to know Him. The magnificient mountains, the depth of the seas, the height of the stars are all exhibitions of God's power, His creation of beauty for His beloved to live in. God never intended to be unknown, NOT be found, NOT heard, NOT felt in the great out yonder somewhere. God desires to be in a personal, intimate relationship with us. God makes it most definetly clear in His word where He is NOT present. God does not abide in those who do not claim Jesus as the Lord. "The Lord is FAR from the wicked but He hears the prayer of the righteous. A cheerful look brings joy to the heart, and good news gives health to the bones. He who listens to a life-giving rebuke will be at home among the wise" Proverbs 15:29-31 --- In the life, in the midst, in the heart of a believer of Christ, God is present, as He promised
"I will be with you always, even till the end of the age." The wicked, the wayward, those who do not believe in God, those have no concept or desire to know God, those who deny He exists, those who deny the Truth, that Jesus is Lord, as God's inspired word says --- The Lord is FAR from those that choose to NOT believe. "All a man's ways seem innocent to him, but motives are weighed by the Lord. Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed. The Lord works out everything for His own ends --- even the wicked for a day of disaster. The Lord detests all the proud of heart." Proverbs 16:2-6 --- Those who know God, are delighted to obey God, enjoy tremendous contentment in God, show great boldness for God, have supernatural energy to do His will, and have Spirit filled conversations about God. Consider Paul's escape from Damascus, his time being shipwrecked, alone at Sea, in prison --- all the while He was filled with peace not fear as he praised God. Paul carried the word of God to far off places perhaps singing. "You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory. Whom have I in heaven but you? And being with you, I desire nothing on earth...But as for me, it is good to be near God. I have made the Sovereign Lord my refuge; I will tell of all your deeds."
Psalm 73:25-28 --- Blessed are we who meditate day and night on His law! King Solomon wrote a majority of the Psalms and the book of wisdom, Proverbs. Halleluiah and AMEN!