Experiencing the Manifested Presence of God

As we conclude our second week in this plan, let’s focus on experiencing the manifested presence of God.

When we want the presence of God more than anything, more than a new house, promotion, honor, or a new car, He will show up in all the places we seek Him.

We have been called to the practice of the presence of God. This has become a lost discipline in the church today. Many do not even know how to practice the manifested presence of God, because they have no idea what it even is. In our corporate worship settings, we have become so controlled by getting in and out in a certain amount of time that we leave no space for God to manifest His presence among us. God does not come on our terms.

Let’s go back to John 14:21. In this verse, Jesus states the one who loves Him will be loved by the Father and He too (Jesus) will show Himself to them!

In Exodus 33:1-3 and 12-16, God gives Moses instructions for leading the Israelites. When Moses doesn’t feel up to the challenge and asks God, God says He will send His presence to lead them. While God’s presence in the Old Testament was a pillar of cloud in the day and of fire during the night, He now manifests Himself differently. Through Christ’s sacrifice and the Holy Spirit dwelling within us, He now can manifest Himself through us.

We desperately need the manifested presence of God. If all we have are promises, we have missed the most important thing. We should not be satisfied to live a day without the manifested presence of God. We should not be satisfied with a church service, a prayer meeting, or any other ministry without the manifested presence of God. It is His presence that will make the difference. Jesus said if we love Him and keep His commandments, He will manifest Himself to us. We were created for this.