He who sent me is with me. He has not left me alone, for I always do the things that are pleasing to him. – John 8:29
Have you ever felt God’s presence so strongly that it is as if He was standing next to you? Or have you been able to tell God is moving by the expressions of fellow worshippers? God is omnipresent, everywhere at once. However, His glory shows up at special times such as at the dedication of the temple when the priests could not even stand due to a cloud of God’s glory (1 Kings 8:10-11). The New Jerusalem will have no need for the sun or moon because of God’s glory (Revelation 21:23).
People no longer have to be distanced from God. Ephesians 2:13 says, “But now in Christ Jesus you who were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.” Believers are actually the temple of the Holy Spirit: “Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you?” (1 Corinthians 3:16).
In today’s verse, Jesus expressed confidence in the Father’s presence, because He did what pleased Him. Believers please God through living by faith. “And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him” (Hebrews 11:6). James 4:8 says, “Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.”
As you draw near to Him in prayer, thank Him for His presence. When you worship and praise Him, alone or with other church members, listen for His quiet voice. Pray that God’s glory will be so evident in His church that unbelieving governmental leaders and citizens of the United States will take notice and turn to Him.
Today’s Verse: John 8:29
And he who sent me is with me. He has not left me alone, for I always do the things that are pleasing to him.”
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: Hebrews 11:1-7
11 Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. 2 For by it the people of old received their commendation. 3 By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible.
4 By faith Abel offered to God a more acceptable sacrifice than Cain, through which he was commended as righteous, God commending him by accepting his gifts. And through his faith, though he died, he still speaks. 5 By faith Enoch was taken up so that he should not see death, and he was not found, because God had taken him. Now before he was taken he was commended as having pleased God. 6 And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him. 7 By faith Noah, being warned by God concerning events as yet unseen, in reverent fear constructed an ark for the saving of his household. By this he condemned the world and became an heir of the righteousness that comes by faith.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
