Are we sensing the presence of God as we
journey through this Lenten season? Are we seeking His presence more?
Does the
Presence of God dwell in your church? Do you sense His Presence during times of
corporate prayer?
The Presence is most likely to show up when we pray together.
When, we, the church body unite in prayer and worship, praising him, humbling
ourselves before him - His Presence comes.
"As the body of Christ, we desperately need the Presence of God. We are nothing without it. His Presence, unrivaled in any aspect of beauty, power, fame or majesty, is our provision and glory. It should be the thing that holds us up and sets us apart. One moment in the Presence can do more than a lifetime of church services without it."
Do we believe this? Do we then, seek His face? Is worship a
top priority? We won't sense His presence if our hearts are closed to Him or if
we're holding a grudge against someone. We must prepare for worship, let go of
unforgiveness, repent of our own sin or wrong doing - then we will be open to
His Spirit.
Scriptures on the Presence of God
"One thing I have asked of the Lord,
that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days
of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord and to inquire in his temple.
(Psalm 27:4)
"In thy presence there is fullness
of joy, in thy right hand are pleasures forever more. (Psalm 16:11)
In my book, Changing Churches, I write:
"Worship connects us with the Presence of God. True worship,
opening our hearts to God and praising Him, is fearful and astonishing. It
changes us. Worship is as vital to our faith as breathing is to our bodies. We
bow in adoration, devotion, respect, and awe. God is holy and eternal. We are
finite. We humble ourselves in this holy encounter. We meet God weekly in
corporate worship, as a church body. The fragrant aroma of His Presence in us
and in the church increases in proportion to our prayer and worship."
Time in His Presence changes us. Perhaps this is why we don't seek Him.
He changes us when we draw near to Him. Our flesh resists change. Change is
scary. But it is worth it. Knowing Him personally is worth everything.
Terkyl says:
"I love the local church. It is God's hope for transformation
of lives, the expression of His glory in the earth, and His chosen bride for
the Son. If someone today wants to sense and experience the real and manifested
Presence of God, he shouldn't have to go any further than the local church...."
Is your church seeking God's Presence? Are you?
Blessings, Dottie
