NO ESCAPING HIM
There is no escaping God's presence only momentary removal of His favor or Grace.
We have no say on where His presence is - His presence is everywhere. God is the one who made the declarations and promises of where He would be/reside and what He would do there. He Said He would be a lamp unto our feet and light unto our path (Psalm 119:105). He Said He would go before us as an all consuming fire (Hebrews 12:29). He Said He would protect us at our right and left as many enemies fall (Psalm 91:7). He Said He would come alongside us and lead us in all truth (John 16:13). He Said He would be our rear-guard (Isaiah 52:12). He Said He would cover us like an eagle's wings (Exodus 19:4).
"Now those who had been scattered by the persecution that broke out when Stephen was killed traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus and Antioch, spreading the word only among Jews. Some of them, however, men from Cyprus and Cyrene, went to Antioch and began to speak to Greeks also, telling them the good news about the Lord Jesus. The Lord’s hand was with them, and a great number of people believed and turned to the Lord.
News of this reached the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. When he arrived and saw what the grace of God had done, he was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts. He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and a great number of people were brought to the Lord." (Acts 11:19-24)
Notice because of the promises of God's presence in our lives, the men from Cyprus and Cyrene had Christ with them. So, His presence is never an issue, especially with promises like Hebrews 13:5; Matthew 28:20; and 1 Corinthians 6:19. What we do have a say on is the flow of His favor in our lives. The thoughts, actions and words of the men from Cyprus and Cyrene in obedience with God's Word is what made the difference for a whole community. Spiritually, mentally and physically we can distance ourselves from the blessings of the Lord with our thoughts, actions and words, but Believers can never be rid of His Presence. Hallelujah! And Amen. As I have stated in an earlier writing - He is Emanuel, God with us and there is No Escaping Him.
We have no say on where His presence is - His presence is everywhere. God is the one who made the declarations and promises of where He would be/reside and what He would do there. He Said He would be a lamp unto our feet and light unto our path (Psalm 119:105). He Said He would go before us as an all consuming fire (Hebrews 12:29). He Said He would protect us at our right and left as many enemies fall (Psalm 91:7). He Said He would come alongside us and lead us in all truth (John 16:13). He Said He would be our rear-guard (Isaiah 52:12). He Said He would cover us like an eagle's wings (Exodus 19:4).
"Now those who had been scattered by the persecution that broke out when Stephen was killed traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus and Antioch, spreading the word only among Jews. Some of them, however, men from Cyprus and Cyrene, went to Antioch and began to speak to Greeks also, telling them the good news about the Lord Jesus. The Lord’s hand was with them, and a great number of people believed and turned to the Lord.
News of this reached the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. When he arrived and saw what the grace of God had done, he was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts. He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and a great number of people were brought to the Lord." (Acts 11:19-24)
God's Presence is manifested where His Favor is dispersed and His Favor is dispersed where He observes obedience. Here, in a first century church account we read that because "men from Cyprus and Cyrene, went to Antioch and began to speak to Greeks also, telling them the good news about the Lord Jesus. The Lord’s hand was with them, and a great number of people believed and turned to the Lord." The obedience of these men to Christ's Great Commission resulted in His hand of favor. The local church in Jerusalem heard about God's favor in Antioch and sent Barnabas to investigate. Upon arrival, Barnabas witnessed the results of the favor of the Lord - lifestyle decisions for Christ or converts to Christianity. Barnabas' response was two-fold - (1) he was "glad" and (2) he "encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts." Obedience to God's Word results in Godly blessings, favor or grace in the Believer's life. The challenge then becomes remaining diligent in the Christian walk; in obedience to Christ.
Notice because of the promises of God's presence in our lives, the men from Cyprus and Cyrene had Christ with them. So, His presence is never an issue, especially with promises like Hebrews 13:5; Matthew 28:20; and 1 Corinthians 6:19. What we do have a say on is the flow of His favor in our lives. The thoughts, actions and words of the men from Cyprus and Cyrene in obedience with God's Word is what made the difference for a whole community. Spiritually, mentally and physically we can distance ourselves from the blessings of the Lord with our thoughts, actions and words, but Believers can never be rid of His Presence. Hallelujah! And Amen. As I have stated in an earlier writing - He is Emanuel, God with us and there is No Escaping Him.
Comments
Post a Comment