I Received Jesus! Now What?Sample

Presence

Come near to God and he will come near to you… James 4:8a

Now that our foundation of peace with God has been laid, let’s discuss God’s presence. We can’t see or touch God, so how can we enjoy His presence?

God created you and wants time with you. Flip the coin. The enemy does NOT want you to spend time with God. Therein lies the battle.

As a new believer, I had no spiritual discipline plan. I struggled with consistency. I wanted to read my Bible and talk to God, but my life was busy, and it was hard.

One night, after a long day at work, I apologized to God that I did not have time to read my Bible that day. God spoke to my heart loudly, (not audibly but louder) with these words, which I will never forget: “You have time for whatever you want to have time for!” Stop! Think about that! We don’t find time; we make it.

We all have time for whatever we want to have time for. I always have time to brush my teeth, comb my hair, and watch basketball. My problem had to do with my priority list. God was nowhere near the top. He was getting my leftover time… if I had any.

That night I set my alarm for 30 minutes earlier. I determined God would have the same priority as a doctor’s appointment. It was hard at first, but it soon became a great habit. If you want to experience God’s presence, place Him at the top of your priority list.

Allow me to offer you some tested advice for your time with God: Read your Bible out loud. It will keep your mind from wandering. If you are able, consider a study Bible—it will help you understand difficult passages. Try playing praise and worship music on your phone as you talk to God. It will draw your heart to His throne. Now, don’t laugh, but try singing to the Lord. He loves that! Don’t forget to thank Him for who He is and for His care for you.

If you implement step two, you will enjoy God’s presence like never before. Next on the list is protection.