THE SEPARATING FACTOR

The presence of the Lord always brings greater revelation of who He is, and with each encounter we are forever changed. Scanning the Bible we find that those who walked in a greater understanding of God’s ways, were those who pursued and experienced His presence.

Moses said, "If Your Presence does not go with us, do not bring us up from here" (Ex 33:15). Moses set the precedent that closeness with God outweighed the promises apart from his presence.

If Your Presence does not go with us, do not bring us up from here. For how then will it be known that Your people and I have found grace in Your sight, except You go with us? So we shall be separate, your people and I, from all the people who are upon the face of the earth. (Ex 33:15-16).

A powerful truth is brought out in his response; it is God’s presence that separates us from all the others on the face of the earth. It is not that we confess Christianity; attend Bible-believing churches; or are nice people who once prayed the sinner’s prayer with a friend, or in response to an alter call. It is His very presence that distinguishes us and makes us holy (separated to Him). His presence is what makes this evident to those who dwell on earth.

Why then have so many resigned themselves to an intellectual relationship with God? Why have we settled for Christianity void of the presence of Christ? How did we learn to be content without intimacy? Why have we taught Christianity in a way that does not build passion in people to draw near and abide in His presence? In answer, A.W.Tozer writes:

God wills that we should push on into His presence and live our whole life there. This is to be known to us in conscious experience. It is more than a doctrine to be held; it is a life to be enjoyed every moment of every day. (The Pursuit of God, p.34).

Many have settled for the intellectual knowledge of belonging, without ever pursuing the reality of interaction with Him in the moment. So deeply embedded is the concept of salvation that few go any further. They’ve said their prayers and will one day die and go to be with Him. Yet, the reality of Christ is missed, and the powerful revelation of God’s desire to walk with us is lost. It is not a one time or far away experience, but His very real desire for abiding communion.

Extracted from John Bevere’s book entitled "Drawing Near"

Hi Hi!

Just a moment in His Presence causes such refreshing..how can we live without Him? In all our busyness of life, work, studies & family, let us continue to pursue the Presence of God. It is here that we come to "Oneness" with Him, having His heart, His burden and His purpose birth within us. Our walk with Him should not be just head knowledge. It has to be the very life of Jesus flowing in and through us in that time spent with Him.

Love, Jo

P/S I love sunsets...isn't it amazing that we can see the beauty of His creation and know that He is always with us...that He created such, for us to enjoy and glorify Him. Someone was just sharing that he was on a long trip, travelling all over Australia and missed the Sunday services for 2 weeks. He longed to be in His presence. When he looked out of the window, he saw a rainbow and he saw another rainbow the next day, on a bright sunny day! It was God assuring him that He was with him all the time. I think that it is wonderful to know that His presence is always with us, we need to take time to dwell, to know and enjoy His very presence in our lives. No matter what circumstances we are facing, He is always near...