[Lord, You have been our dwelling place in all
generations…from everlasting to everlasting Psalm 90:1-2
During this season of
reflection and renewal, join me, and let's explore God’s Presence, our dwelling
place. Are you dwelling in the presence of God? ~ Donna Howell Oswalt]
All
His glory and beauty come from within, and there He delights to dwell.
His
visits are frequent, His conversations sweet, His comforts refreshing:
His
peace passing all understanding.
Thomas Kempis
“The LORD replied,
‘My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.’” Exodus
33:14
From the beginning in the garden, God desires an intimate
relationship and divine fellowship with His people. At 75 years of age, Abraham
leaves Haran in obedience to God’s call to a Promised Land. His response in
faith to God would be blessed many times over; witnesses testify, “God is with you in all that you do.”
Joseph, sold into slavery by his own brothers, is imprisoned in Egypt, but
Scripture recounts, “the Lord is with him in prison,” protecting
and providing. Joseph becomes a ruler in Egypt, saves the people from famine,
including his own brothers. Moses leads the Israelites from captivity in Egypt
across the Red Sea, a miracle of God. Throughout the next 40 years, God
repeatedly demonstrates His promise to Moses and to His people, “My presence will go with you.” Despite
the separation of God and mankind by sin, He still longs to be in relationship
with us.
Because of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, we
can boldly enter the Most Holy Place. Let
us go right into the presence of God with sincere hearts fully trusting Him.
[Hebrews 10:22] Through Christ’s
sacrifice, the intimate relationship between God and us is restored. How do we
know our dwelling place is truly in God’s Presence? A genuine response to God must
exceed our personal desires. Stepping out with faithful obedience to Christ’s
example to love and encourage others will reveal our heart’s true resting
place. Faithful Father, God of Power and
Promise, find me willing to embrace Your goodness. In divine fellowship with
You and other believers, let my words demonstrate love, joy, peace, patience,
kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. When I stand
surrounded by those who are cold and lonely, hungry and thirsty, open my heart
to live by the Spirit. Count me alive in Christ, my dwelling place His
Presence. ~dho
All rights
reserved ~ used with permission of the author
Copyright 2014
by Donna Oswalt/Co-Founder of Mangrove Ministries/Christian blogger and author
For more information
about this ministry visit ~
“May you be
blessed by the Lord Who loves you best!”
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