Better His Presence…
Sometimes the most fun days are those spent sitting and laughing with someone we love. My hubby, my best friend, my children, and now grandchildren. Their presence making life sweet.
Sometimes a quiet, no-interruption day complete with breezes and mountains and a good book are the best.
It is amazing in this harried world with so much evil abounding that peace and joy are still ours to be had. And often they are found not in things but in people and in moments.
Recently heard a wonderful man of God who works in an area of severe Christian persecution. My heart resonated with two profound statements. The first was: “Better His presence, than His promise.”
Yes, we all want the promises and, as Christians, we have them, nothing can change that. The sweetest promise being that death is conquered and eternal life is ours. But do we want the promise more than we want the Giver? We are selfish by nature, so I’ll admit that I cling to the promises and when the going gets tough I cling to the Giver. I’m working on that. I want to cling to Him and long for Him – finding my waking hours seem empty if not for His presence.
“You will show me the path that leads to life; Your presence fills me with joy and brings me pleasure forever.” (Psalm 16:11 GNT)
The second statement He made was essential. When asked over the years what his favorite version of the Bible is, he answered: “Open Bible is the very best version.” If our Bibles aren’t open, then we’re not learning from them. So if they gather dust it really doesn’t matter what version they are.
The more I study it, the more I learn. There are few books I re-read. Of those, even fewer I learn more with each subsequent reading. But the Bible, it has new messages, insight, help every time I open it. It is indeed a living manuscript. “For the word of God is living and effective and sharper than any double-edged sword, penetrating as far as the separation of soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It is able to judge the ideas and thoughts of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12 HCSB)
As we head into the crazy ‘holiday season’, my prayer is we’ll start each of those crazy days requesting His presence and savoring His goodness. That before we read texts or posts we’ll open our Bible. Better His presence than any presents.
parisrenae 
His presence. Yes, yes, Paris. That’s what we’re yearning for, isn’t it …
Every thing, every body else simply pales in comparison.
Bless you.
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So true – blessings as you live in His presence – the best present ever!
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Beautiful post! I want to live by these statements. I want to continually desire His presence, as well as, grow in knowing Him and His will through His Word as I open my Bible. These are things I need to remember every day, moment-by-moment, especially in the busyness and chaos of life! Thanks so much for sharing such important truths!
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Right there with you. To moment by moment seek His presence. An open Bible and heart to hear His Spirit. Blessings as you walk with Him…
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Paris,
What a beautiful invitation to be still and usher in the presence of the Lord in these days leading up to Christmas. May we all press on to His presence after receiving the promise. Beautiful post!
Blessings,
Bev xx
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Blessings, Bev, as you surrender daily to His presence and smile knowing He is the best gift ever…
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Wow, “Better His presence, than His promise.” Such powerful truth! I want my heart to really long for God’s presence more and more.
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It is powerful truth isn’t it…praying for us both as we seek out His presence moment by moment – knowing it is the best present of all!
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