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The Presence of God
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3/6/2010
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"When Solomon had finished praying, fire came down from heaven...the glory of the LORD filled the house. The priests could not enter into the house of the LORD because the glory of the LORD filled the LORD'S house. All the sons of Israel...bowed down...with their faces to the ground, and they worshiped and gave praise to the LORD." - 2 Chronicles 7:1-3 NASB
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God moves in special ways when His people come together in worship, focus their attention on Him, and seek Him with their whole heart.
The Bible describes the glorious way He revealed Himself at the dedication of the Temple in Jerusalem. His Presence was so pervasive that "the priests could not enter" the Temple, and the people could only bow and worship.
But God can reveal Himself anywhere, at any time-whenever and wherever His people seek Him. We recognize this through the campmeetings that swept the western United States in the nineteenth century. There were no elaborate buildings for these meetings-often just simple tents, rustic churches, or plain meeting halls. Yet God could be present just as powerfully in these places as when Solomon's Temple was dedicated.
Nathan Taylor described one campmeeting that took place in the 1870s: "The sermon was followed with singing and prayer, and during the exercises the power of God came down among the people. Sinners cried for mercy. Saints rejoiced and shouted aloud the high praises of the Lord of Hosts. The songs and shouts of the Lord's redeemed continued for several hours." This was a powerful meeting!
God can move in the same way today. Remember that He inhabits the praises of His people (Psalm 22:3 KJV). Worship Him. Obey Him. Commit your life to Him. Seek Him right where you are. He is not limited by space or time. Remember: All things are possible in His Presence.
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| Prayer |
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Father, I seek You. I worship and praise You. Fill me with Your Presence. Allow my life to impact others with the Gospel. May my life bring You glory. In Jesus' name. Amen.
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| Extended Reading
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2 Chronicles 7
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