presence of God – Be Still…

Psalm 84 – How Lovely It Is

Read Psalm 84

What a beautiful psalm of respect for God’s house. At first, I wasn’t sure if the psalmist was referring to the temple in Jerusalem, a tabernacle in the wilderness, our local church, or heaven where God reigns forever in his Kingdom. Where is God’s dwelling place? I don’t think God is contained in a physical location. What are your thoughts about where this lovely place might be?

Suffice it to say that the presence of the LORD is magnificent no matter where we are. As so many other Scripture passages assure us, God is with us and never abandons us. When we allow ourselves to acknowledge God’s supremacy over our lives, we can’t help but worship him with our gratitude and praise. We long for more time dwelling in God’s presence. Continue reading “Psalm 84 – How Lovely It Is”

2 Chronicles 7:1-10 – A Dedication to Remember

Read 2 Chronicles 7:1-10

In our last two readings, we’ve had a front row seat to witness Solomon’s praise and prayer. We can almost picture ourselves there amidst the festivities. This reading concludes the dedication of the newly constructed temple. For seven days, the people sacrificed and celebrated the Lord’s presence in the temple along with the Festival of Shelters.

What a high point in the history of God’s people. Clearly, all can recognize God’s hand at work among them. The fire shot down from heaven burning up all the sacrifices was quite spectacular. But witnessing the glorious presence of God filling the temple must have left the people speechless.

Zephaniah 3:14-20 – Promised Restoration

Read Zephaniah 3:14-20

God, our divine warrior, has promised restoration. “At last your troubles will be over, and you will never again fear disaster.” Like our last reading, the descriptions of what life looks like and the pictures painted by Zephaniah are beautiful and enticing!

Can you imagine what the people thought when they heard that God himself would be living among them? In the days of Moses, the people feared the presence of God. But this oracle would be fulfilled when Jesus was born, and again when Jesus promised the Holy Spirit would dwell within us. We have knowledge Zephaniah’s first audience did not. We should feel richly blessed to see Jesus in this promised restoration.

Exodus 3:13-15 💛 Who is God?

Read Exodus 3:13-15

A red heart with the word God inside it in white letters

Can you even imagine meeting God face to face? That’s what was happening to Moses in our reading today. Do you remember the story of the burning bush? Moses was in the presence of the almighty and great I AM! God introduced himself as “I AM WHO I AM.” The emphasis here cannot be denied. God also says, “This is my eternal name, my name to remember for all generations.” Yahweh is the great I AM!

God has given us a message here, revealing a little of his majesty! His name is eternal! That is, God has no beginning or no end. Hallelujah! Let’s not lose any of the magnitude of this message Moses received. It is profound.