As I was preparing to publish “Today’s Good News – Gratefulness Is A Heart Condition,” God called an audible. As I pondered Thanksgiving and read “The Promises Code, 40 Bible Promises Every Believer Should Claim” by O. S. Hawkins, God whispered, “This is what I want today.” The promise is titled, “The Promise of His Abiding Presence.”

As I read and reflected a flood of memories filled my heart. His Presence is what I am truly thankful for. It was His whisper the morning I hit bottom. It was His Presence in restoring my family, my career, and my faith. It was His whisper as I rolled down the hall for cancer surgery, lost a dream job…and so much more. Recently He has given me the Joy of watching Him work through different Bible Study Fellowship groups, the devotionals of Today’s Good News and teaching a Sunday School Class. It’s the transformation when God’s Word comes alive to a person and they say, “I’ve never read the Bible this way before.” It’s when people share their hard & impossible times with Hope because of knowing His Presence.

• How does one get “His Presence”? First, there is nothing more personal than His Presence. Only you can invite Him into your life. He is a gentleman so He will never shout or force His Presence on you. He must be invited.
• Second, spend one-on-one time with Him. Time is His currency, not stuff or good deeds.
• Third, is Trust Him. This what I call “Lab” in God School. This is where I learn to trust Him by applying His Word to everyday life. This is where God’s Word becomes personal. Without obedience God’s Word is just another book on the shelf.

Promises of His Presence:

Genesis 15:1 “the Word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision: “Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward.”

Exodus 3:12 God answered (Moses), “I will be with you. And this is your sign that I am the one who has sent you.”

Joshua 1:9 “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

Psalm 16:11 You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.”

Psalm 52:9 “For what you have done I will always praise you in the presence of your faithful people. And I will hope in your name, for your name is good.”

Matthew 28:19-20 “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

It is the knowing & living in His Presence that gives me Hope…the Hope of fulfilling this Promise from Jude 1:24 “To Him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you before His glorious presence without fault and with great joy.”

Thank you, Father for Your Promise of Your “No-Matter-What” Presence in my life.