Living in His Presence

In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. When God created mankind He intended that our lives were to center around Him. Let's take a look at a few of the many examples. Before Adam and Eve sinned they lived in God's welcomed presence. God provided them with everything they needed. Because of their disobedience they had to leave the garden, this was a consequence for their disobedience. They eventually had two sons Cain and Abel. Cain killed his brother Abel because he was jealous that God was pleased with his offering. Joseph is another example. Joseph had the favor of God despite the ill will his brothers had toward him. They put him in a pit and later sold him as a slave. Joseph was favored again by Potiphar. Potiphar's wife proceeded to seduce Joseph. Joseph refused yet this incident resulted in him being incarcerated. Joseph again found favor from the head jailer. He was eventually freed and became second in command in the land. Joseph was obedient to God. God provided for Joseph. Moses another example. God spared Moses as a child through Miriam his sister and the pharaoh's daughter. She raised Moses in the palace as her own son. But later he had to flee after he murdered an Egyptian. He lived with the Midianites for forty years and found favor and a wife named Zipporah. God later called Moses at the age of eighty to lead the children of Israel out of Egypt. Moses took His instructions directly from God. Deborah another example was the only female judge out of twelve. Barak was reluctant to go up against Sisera who had 900 iron chariots. Deborah had the favor of God. Together she and Barak successfully conquered. Deborah trusted and obeyed the Lord. Jael, a woman, actually defeated Sisera by nailing a tent peg through His temple. The Book of Esther presents another example. Haman prepared gallows for Mordecai because he would not bow down to him. Esther and her people were to be murdered as well. The Lord would not allow the king to sleep one night. Instead he read the Chronicles and discovered that Mordecai had been responsible for saving his life. Esther risked her life to inform the king of Haman's plot against her people. Haman's plan backfired. He eventually swung in his own gallows. Esther was faithful and obedient, she stood for what was right. Esther lived in the presence of God. God has given us a wealth of examples to encourage us in His Word. He has provided us with story after story of the importance of obedience.

The Bible illustrates the benefits of worship and the importance of living a life daily in His presence. Living in His presence does not mean that life will always go smoothly. You must daily prepare for "spiritual warfare". Make sure you have personal devotional time each day, and then you will be able to praise Him even in the midst of a storm!

Moses lived in the presence of the Lord. The Lord allowed Moses to lead the children of Israel out of Egypt. He provided for them during their wilderness experience. In the Book of Numbers when the men of Israel slept with the Midianite women, a plague was brought upon them. God expressly told them not to follow man! God told them there would be a consequence if they obeyed man rather than follow His instructions. It was God who provided for them. He told them "BUT REMEMBER the LORD your GOD, for it is He who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms His COVENANT, which He swore to your forefathers, as it is today!" Praise God!

When Zimri and Cozbi slept together out of wedlock a spear was driven through both of them and they together died. Joshua and Caleb were two of the twelve spies that were sent out to survey the "Promised Land." Joshua and Caleb trusted God they obeyed God. They were not threatened by what they discovered. The other tens spies all died because of their unbelief. Because of their doubt and unbelief the children of Israel wandered in the wilderness for forty years. One year for each of the forty days the spies spied out the land. God's presence was with them on a daily basis. Yet they chose to disobey and "do their own thing". The book of Exodus exemplarily depicts and recalls the construction of the Tabernacle. In great detail it presents the multiplicity of tasks, discipline and consecration that went into the planning and actual execution of the Tabernacle. Moses and Aaron and their sons together led the people in consecrated worship. Each was given specific tasks. They were plentifully adorned with elaborate wardrobes and fine linen decorated with gemstones. The Tabernacle was arrayed in the finest of materials and table wares.

They went to a great extent to consecrate the Tabernacle and themselves for worship. Two of Aaron's disobedient sons were killed because they improperly lit the incense. Eli the priest raised Samuel the prophet. Yet his sons died because of their disobedience. You will never find an example where God encourages or supports wrong! God is aware of our motives. He knows what is in hearts. He even tells us "Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God." God's peace surpasses the understanding of man. Peace is a by product of living in the presence of the Lord. Make it a priority to worship and praise the Lord daily. "God inhabits the praises of His people."

Why all the biblical stuff? Today God still wants us to worship Him. Today He still wants us to live in His presence. He wants us to be obedient! His covenant is forever! He sent His only begotten Son to live as our example and conquer sin in the flesh for us! He died that sin would no longer reign in the lives, hearts and homes of His children. Yes in today's present time God still wants us to live in His presence. He does not want us to live controlled by sin. Nor must one faulter when being seduced by addiction and immorality. We have a Savior to save us from the shackles of sin. When we are tempted; He has provided a way for escape. We do not have to yield to temptation. The Bible clearly tells us that whenever we are tempted "IT IS NOT OF GOD!" Jesus died that we might have a right to the tree of life. Jesus died on the cross and arose with all power. He died that we might overcome the power of sin to reign in our lives. He has graciously provided us with the freedom to choose right or wrong. He has given us His Holy Spirit the Comforter to lead and guide us! He has provided a way back to Him! The Bible is His WORD. Jesus is the WORD made flesh. Jesus is "The Way the Truth and The Life" back to the Father!

There are absolutely no spiritual benefits when one attempts to justify wrong behavior. The Bible tells us that when you hold a lie as truth you are deceived! The carnal mind cannot accept the things of God. It is very important that each one us develop a personal intimate relationship with God. This is crucial because there is much deception and error about us! We must faithfully study, meditate and pray each day. Not certain how to pray? Jesus has provided us with a sample prayer "Give us this day our daily bread...." Prayer is simply honestly communicating with God. Thessalonians tells us to "Pray without ceasing." Now remember when you pray you must obey! When I read Exodus I think of the obedience, time and expense that went into building the tabernacle. It also lets me know that when you are obedient there is absolutely no need to worry. God is not a man. God does not lie! He has shown us time and time again that He will provide above and beyond whatever it is that we need. If necessary He can even drop food from the sky, water from a rock, provide us a way to escape, dry up a sea, or provide money from the mouth of a fish. You see the Bible is not a book of elaborate fairytales. It is Truth's History! In the beginning; God created the heavens and the earth. God is sovereign! There is absolutely no doubt in my mind that God will definitely take care of His children in any and all situations. But He expects us to be obedient to His will and His Way! Guess what? You will not even have to manipulate anyone or anything! Just remember Haman's gallows. He will give you the desires of your heart if what you want is in His WILL for you! But know there are still brothers like Joseph's and Abel's, women like Potiphar's wife. couples like Zimri and Cozbi, and of course those who plot to derail you like Haman! But Hallelujah anyhow! Keep your focus on God! God has said in His Word, "Ask and it shall be given. Seek and you shall find. Knock and the door will be opened to you." Oh by the way do not be deceived "if you sow to the flesh you will reap to the flesh." There are consequences for sin. If you sow to the Spirit you will reap of the Spirit" There are spiritual dividends for obedience! Then you can rest assured that, "HE CAN OPEN DOORS NO MAN CAN CLOSE!"

Start living in His presence. Pray today asking Him "Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done......." Commence to obey and follow Him and you will have peace living in His presence even in the midst of this sinful world! "On earth as it is in heaven......." He has shown us and promised He will, definitively "supply ALL of your needs according to His riches in Christ Jesus!" "I have never seen the righteous forsaken nor His seed begging bread!" Blessed Assurance Jesus is mine! Oh! What a fountain of Glory Divine!