Let’s go another step in discussing the presence of God. Yesterday one of the scriptures that we looked at showed us how in the Old Testament God’s presence was the “Bread of presence”. Thinking about how God brings blessing of provision in our lives, when we are in His presence.
This was really brought home to me the other day when I was out shopping with my daughter. She was admiring something, but decided that she should put it back and not make the purchase because her budget was tight that month, good choice on her part. As I watched her put it back I thought, I would be happy to bless her with that, she gives so much in our relationship, what a great way to tell her how much I appreciate her and cheer her on. Then it hit me, my boys weren’t with me, and because of that I didn’t have the same opportunity to bless them (after reading this I am predicting they start inviting me on shopping adventures:) The truth is that it is easier to bless the one you are with, wait for it….the one who is with you get’s the blessing, even better, when we are together I look for ways to bless you.
In spiritual terms what does this look like? Scripture tells us “For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him” 2 Chronicles 16:9. They flow much easier from the hand of God into our lives when we are in tune with Him and when our lives are disciplined in ways to BE present with Him.
When I choose to be with someone I am saying that they are valuable to me, that this relationship is a priority, that it has meaning. I speak of it, plan for it, make space for it. I want to encourage you today to lean into the presence of God, make time for it, draw near, even in the silence He speaks to you!
In Lamentations 3:21-24 it says, “Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the Lord ’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.”
Friends, He is my portion, He is my help, He is my fortress and I am reminded of all this and even more when I take the time to wait with Him.
Let’s start your work today by posting a scripture that speaks the language of who God is to you! I will post one myself to get the conversation rolling! I am so thankful that because of the Lord’s great love I have not been consumed, how about you?
Be sure to download today’s worksheet on the link here: handout 9_17_2013
Cheryl Jamison / For His Name's Sake 
The Lord is my strength and my defense;
he has become my salvation. Psalm 118:14
Your people will rebuild the ancient ruins and will raise up the age-old foundations; you will be called Repairer of Broken Walls, Restorer of Streets with Dwellings. (Isaiah 58:12 NIV)
He is the repairer of broken walls!!
“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.” Psalm 32:8
“Lift up your heads….and the King of Glory shall come in. Psalm 24:9.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. Proverbs 3:5
“Commit your actions to the Lord and your plans will succeed.” Proverbs 16:3
For I know the plans I have for you, declares The Lord, plans to prosper you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11
“As for God, his way is perfect. The word of the Lord is flawless. He is a shield for all who take refuge in him.” Psalm 18:30
For we know how dearly God loves us because He has given us the Holy Spirit tonfill our hearts with his love. Romans 5:5
Ps 62:5-6 Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him. He alone is my rock and salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken.
Psalms 73:23-26 – Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory. Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. 1 Peter 5:10