God’s Presence is Everywhere

God’s Presence is Everywhere! Devotional Reading and Podcast

“Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence?” Psalms 139:7

Last night, I watched a question-and-answer session by Pastor Mark Finley. One of the questions was, I know that we are living in the last days, but how close are we to the Second Coming of Jesus? Yes, I was anxious to hear the answer. Refer to Matthew chapter 24 and 2 Timothy chapter 3. Although no one, including Jesus, knows the exact time of His coming, With urgency, we need to live with an unwavering mind and commitment. We are much closer than we think!

Satan desires for us to think we have time to waste. And he accomplishes this diabolical task by using distractions to turn our minds away from God. Your distraction is not my distraction. Although he does not have the power to read our minds [he is still an angel and has supernatural power]. Through observation, our lifestyles give him all the information he needs to make us forget our commitment of consecration to God. Satan commands an army of fallen angels who bring spiritual warfare to the believer’s life. The temptations or threats to our physical safety are orchestrated by humanity’s greatest enemy.

Are you ready for Jesus to come? Take the time to self-evaluate. Reflect on your lifestyle, habits, programs, music, desires, conversations, and how you spend your time. Are the people in your social circle believers who can provide spiritual support? Do your long-term goals include eternal life? Does your mindset reflect that you live in the presence of God? Will they know you are a Christian by your love, peace, joy, gentleness, and patience?

The Righteous Have Safety from Abiding in the Presence of God–“For He shall give His angels charge over you, To keep you in all your ways.” (Psalm 91:11)

“A guardian angel is appointed to every follower of Christ. These heavenly watchers shield the righteous from the power of the wicked one.” EGW

Despite the enemy’s attacks, the righteous receive benefits as long as they remain faithful and obedient to God. The children’s song, Yes, Jesus loves me, should flood our minds with gratitude. We have a Heavenly Father who loves us. From studying Psalm 91, King David tells us that the righteous receive a covering of protection throughout their lifetime when they abide in the presence of God.

What does it mean to abide in God’s presence? We live faithful and obedient lives by doing God’s will. Remaining close means that we have a relationship with His Son, Jesus. We strive to live righteously, study the Bible, and pray several times a day. Our thoughts, words, and actions reveal the condition of our hearts. When we live in the presence of God, the world will not wonder if we serve God. Our characters will reflect the Fruit of the Spirit.

Does the Christian life sound hard? Yes? Our toughest journey in life is to stay on the Path of Righteousness. “For a righteous person falls seven times and rises again, But the wicked stumble in time of disaster” (Proverbs 24:16).

Despite our best efforts, we will fail. Because we were born with desperately wicked hearts, God knows we will succumb to temptation and sin. Even so, Jesus promises to never leave us. We fall but repent, pray for help, and with Divine help, we get back up. Although we will never reach perfection in our earthly lives, our best efforts are honored by God.

Only you and God know the true status of your heart. Not all sins are premeditated. We also sin by omission—a day without prayer, Bible study, and ignoring the promptings of the Holy Spirit. There are sins we commit because of Satan’s deceptive tactics. When presented with an opportunity or situation and you don’t know what to do, Stop and Pray! Do not let family or friends coerce you into sinning you will regret it later.

When we fail, we pray for forgiveness. Repentance is heartfelt sorrow, asking for forgiveness, and with faithful commitment, we vow not to repeat the transgression. Jesus gave His life for the redemption of our sins so we do not have to die the second and final death.

Do not make your life harder by lack of knowledge. Study the Bible. Many believers struggle because they do not understand their purpose. “He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” (Micah 6;8). We were created to worship God. Put God first!

Our lives and daily activities should be centered around God. We are the recipients of God’s love, grace, and mercies. Be comforted because Jesus cares. We have Divine help from our Spiritual Team 24/7. The Scriptures provide hope, and guidance, and proclaim God’s love for us.

In Isaiah 40, we receive strength, in Isaiah 43, we are never left alone to face fiery trials, in Matthew 6, our daily provisions are guaranteed, in Philippians 1, Jesus promises to finish the work of Sanctification in us if we stay faithful and obedient. And in Revelation chapters 21 and 22, we are given a glimpse of our forever home in the New Heaven and New Earth.

To keep God in the forefront, we should memorize God’s promises. Not only is our faith and trust in God strengthened, but when facing times of trials and sorrow through our tears we have courage and confidence that God will bring us through to a victorious outcome. Ecclesiastes chapter 3 explains there is a time for everything. We will mourn which is appropriate, yet, we are not to live a life of despair. “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds” (Psalm 147:3).

A personal relationship with Christ allows us to stay in God’s presence and gives us joy, peace, and happiness. Even when we face the vicissitudes of life, our faith remains steadfast because we have a Father who always keeps us covered. As the benefactors of His promises, our hearts should overflow with gratitude.

Praising God is not only done weekly at church services. Every day through prayer, studying the Bible, singing, listening to praise and worship music, and playing instruments, we give honor and glory to God. Miriam used a tambourine to praise the Lord. David played the harp and wrote a book of Psalms [songs] and tells us to make a joyful noise before the Lord. What happened when Paul and Silas sang when they were in jail? Study Acts 16:16-40. For the unmerited grace and mercies, we receive daily, our hearts should reflect joy and laughter every day.

Rejoice you pure in heart, Rejoice, give thanks, and sing! We do not have time to be stoic, fearful, worried, or discouraged. We serve a Loving, Omniscient, Omnipresent, Omnipotent Father whose presence is everywhere. Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, Amen!

Prayer: Thank You, God, for the love and benefits that we receive every day. And thank You for your never-ending presence, the angel’s protection against spiritual warfare, and Your promises. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.