Tag Archives: God’s presence

October 20
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“For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands.”  (2 Timothy 1:6, NIV)

The Holy Spirit is not, as it is sometimes described, a gift from God; it is the gift of God.  As finite beings, we lack the capacity to have 100 percent of an infinite God; but we should aspire (and perspire) toward the place where God is 100 percent within us.  In other words, His will is our will — and we desire no other.

What corners and niches in our living are bereft of God’s holy presence?

If God’s Spirit is only an ember within us, then it is easy to see why our so-called “business” life; and our so-called “social” life; and our so-called “political” life are beyond the mere influence — let alone, the control — of the Spirit of God.

As Paul reminded his protege, Timothy, an ember easily becomes a flame when it is “encouraged.”  Through prayer and practice, fan into flame (work-out) the gift that God has “worked-in.”  – Luther 

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September 7
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“Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere; I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked.”  (Psalm 84:10, NIV)

Today’s scripture reflects the ambition of every faithful follower of Jesus: Preferring a single day in God’s presence to years elsewhere; preferring the most humble of stations in God’s service to any position of privilege or ease in the places where God’s will is despised.

These choices are not abstract, nor are they theoretical.  Each day, we have the opportunity to enter the courts of God through bible reading, prayer, meditation on God’s word, acts of charity, worship, and reflection; but do we?  Do we, instead, choose “elsewhere”?  – Luther

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June 17
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“‘Don’t be afraid,’ the prophet answered.  ‘Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.'”  (2 Kings 5:16, NIV)
 
There is a saying: “God plus one is a majority.”   That saying is a lie.  The truth is this: God, alone, is a majority!   
 
There are times when we feel alone — if not abandoned.  Today’s scripture reminds us that we are not only not alone; but that we need never fear or fret, because on God’s side there are always more of “us” than there are of “them.”  – Luther
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