Day 234

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In God's Presence!

Weekly Devotional

August 21— Psalm 84: Stay in God's Presence

Reflection

Ezekiel serves God in Babylonia, proclaiming his message to his fellow Jews in exile just before the final downfall of Judah. God first gives him a most unusual vision of his greatness and glory, fortifying him for the task ahead. Then Ezekiel foresees the destruction of his nation for its rebellion.

What kept Ezekiel going in the face of sinful opposition? He walked closely with his almighty God, drawing strength, comfort, and guidance. You may not be a prophet, but you can walk more closely with your God too. Focus your heart and mind today on Psalm 84 to encourage you to do just that.

In God's Presence!

Have you discovered in your own life yet the excitement of practicing the presence of God?

For the Old Testament believer, the presence or "sanctuary" of God was located in a building: the temple. No one was permitted into the presence of God except the high priest, and then only once during the entire year. And yet it was a constant source of encouragement and hope to know that God was in their midst. His presence beautified the sanctuary, created a thirst for God and provided vitality for living (84:1-2). In his presence were found contentment, strength, protection, and provision.

What about today? Where is the presence of God abiding? How can we enjoy his presence moment by moment? "Haven't you yet learned that your body is the home (sanctuary) of the Holy Spirit God gave you, and that he lives within you? Your own body does not belong to you. For God has bought you with a great price. So use every part of your body to give glory back to God, because he owns it" (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). You don't have to go "visit" God today. If you are a child of his, then his Spirit has taken up residence in your life. And enjoying his presence becomes a daily adventure of allowing God to be God in your life.

Try an experiment. Put your watch on upside-down, and every time you glance at it today, let it remind you that God is with you and you can enjoy his presence right now!

Prayer

Dear Father God, we want to forever be in your presence enjoying the Holy Spirit to guide us in all our decision making and in our thoughts. We are never alone because we have you dwelling in us. We thank you that we can know that if we give our all to you, we will get all from you. Help us to draw even closer to you gaining strength and stamina for our walk of life. Only in you can we find contentment, protection, light, and mercy, and we praise you for that fact. Lord, make us an instrument in our hurting, hateful world just as Ezekiel was in his. Help us to stand firm for you, who want so much to see men and women come to you in faith. In Jesus' precious name we pray. Amen!


God is with Us!



© Odessa Mathis about my Father's business! 2020

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