{ Day 349 }

With that same spirit of faith we also believe and therefore speak, because we know that the one who raised the Lord Jesus from the dead will also raise us with Jesus and present us with you in his presence. —2 Corinthians 4:13-14

Someone once asked the intriguing question, “Where does God live?” Another with a sharp wit answered, “Anywhere He wants to!” A good answer indeed. When Solomon dedicated the first temple, he said, “The heavens, even the highest heaven, cannot contain you. How much less this house I have built!” (1 Kings 8:27). So where does God really live? Where is His presence? First, He lives in heaven itself where He dwells in unapproachable light. Second, He is omnipresent, and there is no place where He is not. Third, He has condescended to live within His “temples.” In the Old Testament, it was first the tabernacle and then the temple in Jerusalem. In the New Testament, it is the church—the corporate body of Christ as well as each believer in Christ. Fourth, He and His Word are one, and thus He is present in the Holy Scriptures. Fifth, He is present in the sacraments of the church. And finally, He also periodically “visits” specific people and places by His “manifest presence.” In other words, God “comes down” and interfaces with the natural realm.

{ PRAYER STARTER }

Father, You have manifested Yourself to us in many ways. You choose to dwell in our midst and to reveal Yourself through Your Word and church. I long to have Your presence in my life and for You to “come down” in special visitation to my life.

We are called to value and esteem every
dimension of the presence of God.