Do you long to be in the presence of God, to know and trust that He is near? To discover fullness in the places we define as empty? If you answered yes, join us in September as we look at what God’s word ensures His children in Matthew 28:20, “I am with you always”.
Well into my Christain walk I noticed that the more time I spent getting to know God, the more aware I was of His presence. Unlike in my earlier walk with Him, this no longer scared me, in fact, I wanted desperately to be more aware of Him and all that He offers his children. Becoming more aware of God has helped me discover my purpose. “In the morning when I rise, give me Jesus” is the sentiment of a hymn and the desire of my heart. I long to be in the presence of God. One day in heaven, yes, but also daily. There is so much goodness to be found in His presence. Strength, hope, acceptance, forgiveness, courage, rest, grace, peace, and on and on.
“His purpose was for the nations to seek after God and perhaps feel their way toward him and find him—though he is not far from any one of us. For in him we live and move and have our being.” Acts 17:27-28
In His presence there is God and God will leave you in awe and wonder.
Our newest study, In God’s Presence, was birthed from this desire to draw near to God, to be more aware of His presence, and all that is found in Him. Not just for myself and the writers of this study, but for every heart that will take time to read, pray, and seek the fullness found in our Creator, the one who is near and far.
“He is both near and far. This God, who must stay separate from us because of our sin and His holiness, choses to draw near to us through Christ who broke the barrier of separation.” Dawn Wilson
Perhaps you, like I, trust all the Word says, but still, wonder why there are times when the Lord feels distant from us. Even in times that we may feel far removed from God, He is not absent. The scriptures teach us that even in our sinful state, He made a way to be near. He sent His Son, Jesus, as a ransom for all. His desire is always relationship and never separation. Sharon Jaynes reminds us, “Just because we cannot see Jesus or sense His presence, that doesn’t mean He is absent.”
The Psalmist proclaims, “My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God” (Psalm 42:2).
In response to this verse A.W. Tozer offers this thought, “Created in the image of God, as we are, our souls long for the presence of God. He is always present but we don’t recognize His presence. Only He can satisfy that deep heart-longing and He does as we come to Him.”
Plan to join us this September:
- Discover God’s character and learn to trust what God’s word ensures His children in Matthew 28:20, “I am with you always”.
- Hear the hearts of over 20 women as they share what they have experienced personally in His presence.
- Study the scriptures, verse by verse, for evidence of what God offers His children freely.
- Pray together asking God to help us see and experience Him in new ways, thanking Him for making a way into His presence.
Each weekday we will begin with a scripture reading, devotional, and thought questions to guide us. The study is free and will be located here on our blog and on our Facebook Page. No messy sign-ups, no books to buy. Just grab your bible and a notebook and meet us each morning beginning September 3rd. Our posts come up by 6:30 am EST.
Praying for you to be blessed,
Jodie
