Bible Bits: In His Presence

God Makes Us Fit for His Presence As we journey through the Scriptures today examining the blessings of knowing God and living in His presence, we are reminded of how easily it is to forget what His presence does for each of us. We can easily become fixated on the fact that in His presence there are blessings galore. In doing so, we may forget what His presence truly does for each of us. Beyond experiencing the blessings of living in His presence, we need to realize the blessing of His presence. Because He chooses to be in our lives, to be associated with us, and to dwell in us in the form of the Holy Spirit, God had to wash our sins away so that we would be fit to be in His presence. Acts 3:19 says, “Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord.” This requires you to change your old way of thinking, to regret your sinful ways, and to turn to God, seeking His purpose for your life. When you repent and turn to God, your sins are wiped away, completely blotted out, which allows the presence of the Lord to restore and refresh you like water to a thirsty soul. But His presence doesn’t just restore and refresh you; God’s presence also lifts you up. “Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He shall lift you up” (James 4:10). When you come to God understanding who you are compared to who He is, He will create in you a new person (II Corinthians 5:17) that is likened unto Him and is made righteous by the blood of Jesus (II Corinthians 5:21). His presence in your life changes everything. But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; Which He shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; That being justified by His grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. (Titus 3:4-7) As children of God, we must know who God is and realize that we are very insignificant on our own. All our righteousness is as filthy rags (Isaiah 64:6), but, with God’s presence in our life, Jesus as our Savior, and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, we are made significant. “Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land” (Isaiah 1:18-19). Today, as you walk through the Scriptures, pay very close attention to who God is and the blessing that He brings just by His presence. God doesn’t have to give you anything but Himself to have given you more than you deserve. However, He chooses to give you life, friendship, joy, and a multitude of other blessings. But, most of all, He gave you His Son (John 3:16), who in turn gave you His life, that you may be worthy to stand in the presence of God and commune with God. We all came into this world unacceptable for the presence of God (Romans 3:20) “But God, who is rich in mercy, for His great love wherewith He loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)” (Ephesians 2:4-5). AMEN! Surrender your life to God, live in the presence of God, and allow Him to fill you to overflowing. Live humbly with the understanding of who God is and what He has done for you. Stay committed and walk in His purpose and calling for your life (I Corinthians 7:20). Remember you are loved. Jesus loves you.