Experiencing God's Presence #297

Let us not neglect our meeting together.

Hebrews 10:25

One might think the Presence would be most easily felt in the body of Christ, the church, but that isn’t always the case. In fact, there are times and places when it’s actually hard to see Him in His body. Yet He insists on being found there, working and moving through the gifts, callings, and desires of His people. When we look at a fellow believer’s face, Jesus is behind it somewhere.

Though it may be hard to see His face in others at times, make sure it isn’t hard for them to see His face in you. One of the key environments we’re called to shape is the church—both inside and outside the walls of the building. We are to be the Presence of Christ among other believers, not only when we worship in one place, but also when we serve together in the world. Whether at church buildings, in homes, or in other venues, we are to give and receive the Presence to and from each other.

How can you be the Presence of God in your church? The same ways you can be His presence anywhere: by expressing His attitudes, speaking His words, seeking His wisdom and revelation, offering His solutions, and exercising His gifts. Anytime you operate in His Spirit, you are offering His Presence to others. And others need that from you as much as you need it from them. That’s why meeting together is vital: the Spirit in many is stronger than the Spirit in one.

Bring the Presence into your fellowship with other believers. Learn to see yourself as a bearer of the Spirit—not a perfect one, of course, but an essential one. Learn to see others that way too. The church must be shaped and directed by those who are filled with Him and understand why.

Holy Spirit, please overflow from me and let me see You overflowing from others in my relationships with other believers. Let my church be known as people who display You and Your amazing works.

From the book