In His Presence!

forgiveness of Jesus Christ.

2. Read Scripture

When you start reading God's inspired Word, you will start to sense His power and His presence. The Bible says that God's Word is living and active and sharper than any two edge sword. Hebrews 4:12 says, "For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart." That scripture will either make you aware or it will pierce your heart when you start to feel conviction, inspiration or determination. A pierced heart is much better than a heart of stone any time. If you feel like your heart is becoming cold, it could be because you're not reading His Word enough or at all. I encourage you to read God's Word everyday, then and only then, will you begin to understand God and you will notice your heart becoming more loving every day. Only God can change your heart. Ezekiel 11:19 says, "Then I will give them one heart, and I will put a new spirit within them, and take the stony heart out of their flesh, and give them a heart of flesh."

3. Sing a Hymn - Sing a song of praise to God. Have you ever wondered why when you're at church singing hymns you feel so close to God? Well maybe it's because that's the place you go and worship God. When we start to praise God, and it doesn't matter where you are, whether you're at church, home, car, or just outside, you will feel God's presence around you. That is because now you are no longer focused on yourself, but focused on God. Try thinking on a little less of you and a whole lot more of Jesus. Worshipping is not only singing, but singing songs of praise to God will free your mind to focus on Him and His presence.

Psalm 96: 1-2 says, "A Song of Praise to God Coming in Judgment

Oh, sing to the Lord a new song! Sing to the Lord, all the earth. Sing to the Lord, bless His name; Proclaim the good news of His salvation from day to day." When we praise and worship the Lord we are opening our hearts to Him.

4. Say Jesus' name

There are times when you will hear people use the Lord's name in vain, using His name as a curse word and it will make you cringe when you hear it used in such an awful way. But scripture says that there is power in the name of Jesus because there is no other way to be saved but by the name of Jesus Christ. John 14:6 says, "Jesus said to him, 'I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." Salvation is only found in Jesus, no one else. Acts 4:12 says, "Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved." Start saying His name out LOUD. He is the only answer to all that you seek for; He is the only source that will calm your soul during storms that come into your life, as the only one whose presence you are longing for and the peace and joy that only comes from God's presence.

5. Say a Prayer

There are many days when I need Him; sometimes we may not know exactly what to say to Him. We can start by just saying His name, by speaking through the heart and just saying "Jesus, help me, Jesus." Listen for Him. Praying is our communication with God. He hears us; we can talk to Him just as if He is sitting there right beside us, and really it's because He is sitting right there with us. Never give up on your prayers, just because He doesn't answer right away. The reason for that could be it's not time yet; it could be because the answer is no and if you wait, I have something better for you. So keep praying non-stop to Him. Philippians 4:67 says, "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplications, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."

6. Just Relax & Breathe - Sometimes there is too much happening all around us. There is too much traffic, confusion, too many thoughts running through our minds. There is too much anxiety and stress. We need to relax and take a deep breath; we need to start inhaling His peace. Lay all your burdens at His feet and He will take them away and give you rest. Matthew 11:2830 says, "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light."

So just know God is always with us, He never leaves us, so find out what you need to do now, and continue to worship and praise Him.

WOOD Ministries

Publisher/Sales/Graphic Designer/Writer: Rob Wood wood.ministries.2020@gmail.com

Editor/Writer: Donna Wood Writer: Lynne Wood