JULY 1, 2024
Topic: BEARING GOD’S PRESENCE – IMPACTING THROUGH
RIGHTEOUSNESS 1
Text: 1 John 4:8, Psalm 4:3
Memory Verse: “Matthew 5:16 – “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”
Have you ever attended a church service where the powerful presence of God was almost tangible, or heard someone say, “God’s presence was really strong in the service today”?
It is possible to feel God’s presence in church, but not be a carrier or bearer of his glorious presence. Being able to observe His presence is quite different from bearing (having) His presence. Loving others easily is indicative of God’s presence in one’s life. People will feel God’s love radiate from you. They will acknowledge that you are different from every other regular person. The scripture says that the Lord has set apart for Himself, he who is godly (righteous) and will hear him (the righteous) when he calls.
As children of the Most High God, we should be so saturated with the presence of the Lord that it shines through in all aspects of our lives. The bearer of God’s presence should respond to life situations differently from the world’s expectations. As the elect of God, our lives should reflect the character of God. Furthermore, as Christians, bearing God’s presence means that we are conscious of God’s activities in our lives, as his beloved children. Trusting in Him is a silent declaration of unshaken loyalty and confidence in his abilities, showing that we know he is in control and guiding our steps at all times.
His presence with us helps us to know that should we fall into sin, we can come to God, our Father, in honest repentance and receive forgiveness. The ability to genuinely repent and start again is possible, when we are bearers of his presence. Philemon 1:6, 1 John 1:9
How do we become bearers of his presence and not just observers? By simply being aware and receiving the Lord Jesus’ gift of Salvation claiming him as our Lord and Savior. Accepting the Lord Jesus as our Lord and Savior will initiate the presence of God in our lives and grant us the determination to live a life of obedience to his word in his righteousness.
PRAYER: Dear Father, align my being with your will. Let my mortal life be a good representation of your presence in my life. Help me to be a light that draws people closer to you in Jesus’ name, Amen.