God’s Presence in Watchfulness

Every military family knows how it feels to wait for the return of their active-duty loved one. They don’t know the exact day or hour when their family member will return, so they stay prepared, eager, and watchful. The family’s anticipation for their loved one’s homecoming mirrors our watchfulness…

God’s Yearning Presence

When a bird is born, the fledgling is small and vulnerable. It doesn’t yet have the fully grown feathers to protect its body. So to keep her babies safe and warm, the mother places her own wings over them. Her presence provides protection, comfort, and assurance of love. Often in Scripture, we see …

Eternity in His Presence

Have you ever tried to put together a new piece of furniture without reading the instruction manual? At first it might seem self-explanatory, but there’s nothing more troubling than to be left with several leftover pieces. Clearly, you needed more information. In Matthew 22:23–33, Jesus confronts …

Living in the Presence of a Just God

Passion Week chronicles the last eight days of Jesus’ earthly life from His arrival in Jerusalem to His death on the cross. The last quarter of the book of Matthew focuses on this important period of our Savior’s life. Jesus had been making His way to Jerusalem, and in Matthew 21 He had finally arr…

Living Like the Servant King

Imagine a corporate boss, who despite his high status, regularly takes the time to listen and to personally assist his employees no matter their role or status within the company. Certainly, that would be the type of boss any of us would want to work for! Humble leadership is a rare quality. We ha…

The Embrace of His Presence

Children’s ministry is an important part of every church. Why? Because what children learn at a young age shapes them for the rest of their lives. Many believers will tell you that they came to saving faith as a child, often under the guidance of loving Sunday School teacher who explained the gospe…

God’s Presence in Restoration

A symphonic band is comprised of musicians playing many types of instruments. There is the woodwind section with clarinets and saxophones. A brass section features trumpets and trombones. Joining them are stringed instruments—violin and cello. Each produces a unique sound. But when the musicians pl…

Transfigured by His Presence

I will never forget standing at the edge of the Grand Canyon at sunrise. The air was chilly and darkness lingered. Then, the first light appeared, and suddenly, the sun burst forward with radiance, the landscape transformed with breathtaking beauty! A few choice disciples were privileged to experi…

God’s Presence in Discipleship

Mountain climbers, when tackling a difficult steep ascent, must leave behind unnecessary weight and fix their eyes on the right route to reach the summit. It is the same for modern-day disciples who are seeking to follow all that our Lord has commanded us to do. Matthew 16 is a pivotal chapter, as…

His Presence in Our Hearts

Sometimes we act like following Jesus requires building an impressive religious resume. We make sure our calendar is packed with plenty of to-do items for Jesus. How many church committees have we served on? How many times have we read through the Bible? Do we have perfect attendance at church serv…