Author: Phillip Hendren

Journeying Terminus

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(Spiritual walk to Eternity) 👣

Children of God Love One Another

Key Daily Passage & Cross References:

Beloved, now we are children of God, and it has not appeared as yet what we will be. We know that when He appears, we will be like Him, because we will see Him just as He is. And everyone who has this hope set on Him purifies himself, just as He is pure. (1 John 3:2-3 NASB)

But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name, (John 1:12 NASB)

Father, I desire that they also, whom You have given Me, be with Me where I am, so that they may see My glory which You have given Me, for You loved Me before the foundation of the world. (John 17:24 NASB)

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, (1 Peter 1:3 NASB)

Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let’s cleanse ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. (2 Corinthians 7:1 NASB)

How did you hear the Gospel or God’s truths & promises:

God is Holy, Man has a sin nature, Christ is our gift of salvation, repentance begins the process of cleansing our selves. Believe in the power of the work of Christ Jesus and the Holy Spirit, helping us  to respond  by moving to trust and obedience.

Prayer:

Father, thank you for loving me and adopting me into your fsmily . Help me to represent you well in anticipation of Christ’s return.

Journeying Terminus

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(Spiritual walk to Eternity) 👣

Key Daily Passage & Cross References:

My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous; and He Himself is the propitiation for our sins; and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world. (1 John 2:1-2 NASB)

These things we write, so that our joy may be made complete. (1 John 1:4 NASB)

I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, so that He may be with you forever; (John 14:16 NASB)

For there is ​one God​, and one mediator also between God and mankind, the ​Man Christ Jesus​, (1 Timothy 2:5 NASB)

Therefore He is also ​able to save forever those who come to God through Him​, since He always lives to make intercession for them. (Hebrews 7:25 NASB)

How did you hear the Gospel or God’s truths & promises:

Our advocate is Jesus who lives for intercession for us, sending us a Helper so we can be saved by walking under Christ’s righteousness.

Prayer:

Father, thank you for loving me and forgiving my sins through Jesus. Help me to love you above anything in this world.

Journeying Terminus

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(Spiritual walk to Eternity) 👣

God Is Light

Key Daily Passage & Cross References:

What was from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we have looked at and touched with our hands, concerning the Word of Life— (1 John 1:1 NASB)

In Him was life, and the life was the Light of mankind. And the Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not grasp it. (John 1:4-5 NASB)

This is the message we have heard from Him and announce to you, that God is Light, and in Him there is no darkness at all. (1 John 1:5 NASB)

but if we walk in the Light as He Himself is in the Light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin. ​(1 John 1:7 NASB)​

How did you hear the Gospel or God’s truths & promises:

To maintain continual fellowship with God, we must confess our sins, fellowship with other believers, and pursue holy lives.

Prayer:

Father, you are the light. Help me to live in the light so that I can enjoy continued fellowship with you.

Journeying Terminus

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(Spiritual walk to Eternity) 👣

Key Daily Passage & Cross References:—Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with an attitude of thanksgiving; Conduct yourselves with wisdom toward outsiders, making the most of the opportunity. Your speech must always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person. (Colossians 4:2,5-6 NASB)

With every prayer and request, pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be alert with all perseverance and every request for all the saints, (Ephesians 6:18 NASB)

Let no unwholesome word come out of your mouth, but if there is any good word for edification according to the need of the moment, say that, so that it will give grace to those who hear. (Ephesians 4:29 NASB)

but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, but with gentleness and respect; (1 Peter 3:15 NASB)

Prayerfully, Thankfully, Edifying, Mercifully & Lovingly; sanctifying Christ as Lord in our Hearts!

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank you for making a way for us to have a personal relationship with you. Help me to share your extravagant offer of salvation with others. And help to be more like Jesus in all my relationships.

Journeying Terminus

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(Spiritual walk to Eternity) 👣

“Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?” And He said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the great and foremost commandment. (Matthew 22:36-38 NASB)

Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord and not for people, knowing that it is from the Lord that you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve. Colossians 3:23-24 NASB)

knowing that whatever good thing each one does, he will receive this back from the Lord, whether slave or free. (Ephesians 6:8 NASB)

And now I entrust you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified. (Acts 20:32 NASB)

to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable, undefiled, and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, (1 Peter 1:4 NASB)

Journeying Terminus

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(Spiritual walk to Eternity) 👣

These are matters which do have the appearance of wisdom in self-made religion and humility and severe treatment of the body, but are of no value against fleshly indulgence. (Colossians 2:23 NASB)

Take care that no one keeps defrauding you of your prize by delighting in humility and the worship of the angels, taking his stand on visions he has seen, inflated without cause by his fleshly mind, (Colossians 2:18 NASB)

who forbid marriage and advocate abstaining from foods which God has created to be gratefully shared in by those who believe and know the truth. ( 1 Timothy 4:3 NASB)

But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh in regard to its lusts. (Romans 13:14 NASB)

for bodily training is just slightly beneficial, but godliness is beneficial for all things, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. (1 Timothy 4:8 NASB)

Journeying Terminus

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(Spiritual walk to Eternity) 👣

For this reason I endure all things for the sake of those who are chosen, so that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus and with it eternal glory. (2 Timothy 2:10 NASB)

Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a worker who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth. , (2 Timothy 2:15 NASB)

and do not go on presenting the parts of your body to sin as instruments of unrighteousness; but present yourselves to God as those who are alive from the dead, and your body’s parts as instruments of righteousness for God. (Romans 6:13 NASB)

Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. (James 1:12 NASB)

In Him, you also, after listening to the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation—having also believed, you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of the promise,  (Ephesians 1:13 NASB)

The Lord’s bond-servant must not be quarrelsome, but be kind to all, skillful in teaching, patient when wronged, with gentleness correcting those who are in opposition, if perhaps God may grant them repentance leading to the knowledge of the truth, (2 Timothy 2:24-25 NASB)

Journeying Terminus

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(Spiritual walk to Eternity) 👣

For this reason I remind you to kindle afresh the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline. 

who saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works,  but according to His own purpose and grace, which was granted to us in Christ Jesus from all eternity, but has now been revealed by the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel, 

Protect, through the Holy Spirit who dwells in us, the treasure which has been entrusted to you. 

(2 Timothy 1:6-7,9-10,14 NASB)

What Is Hindering Us From Experiencing…

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Thought & Theology

To experience God’s presence is to experience the shining of God’s face ( Psalm 67:1 ESV). Believers always live in God’s presence, and he notes all their deeds ( Mal 3:16 ESV ). He has promised to be with us until he comes again ( Matt 28:20 ESV)

Scripture References

How to Enter God’s Presence

Seeking the presence of God is a spiritual pursuit that many find integral to their faith and well-being. While the concept is deeply personal to each individual, here are general practices that can help you draw closer to the divine presence:

1. Intentional Prayer – Engage in sincere, heartfelt prayer, where you not only speak to God but also take the time to listen. Prayer can be a powerful way to feel connected to the divine.

2. Reflection and Meditation – Quiet your mind and reflect on spiritual truths. Meditation on holy scriptures or devotional literature can usher you into a deeper awareness of God’s presence.

3. Worship and Praise – Participating in worship, whether through song, dance, or quiet adoration, can elevate your spirit and bring you into a sense of communion with God.

4. Confession and Repentance – Acknowledging your shortcomings and asking for forgiveness can clear the barriers that may be separating you from feeling God’s presence.

5. Fasting and Self-Denial – Fasting can be an outward expression of an inward focus on spiritual matters, helping to strip away distractions and bring clarity to your spiritual quest.

6. Reading Scripture – The word of God is described as being alive and active; immersing yourself in the scriptures can bring a feeling of closeness to God.

7. Acts of Service – Love in action, by serving others, is often when people report feeling God’s presence most acutely. God is love, and serving reflects His essence.

8. Fellowship with Other Believers – Gathering with like-minded individuals can create a supportive environment that cultivates spiritual encounters with God.

Remember that everyone’s spiritual journey is unique and the experience of God’s presence can vary greatly from one person to another. Being open, patient, and persistent will aid you in your endeavor to seek divine presence in your life.

Hindrances to Entering God’s Presence

While seeking the presence of God is a noble and fulfilling pursuit, there are often obstacles on the path that can hinder this spiritual journey. Recognizing and overcoming these hindrances can greatly enhance one’s spiritual growth:

1. Unconfessed Sin – Sin that has not been acknowledged or addressed can form a barrier between an individual and God. Confession and repentance are key to restoring that connection.

2. Distraction and Noise – In today’s world filled with constant stimulation, finding silence can be challenging. Distractions can prevent us from quieting our hearts and minds enough to perceive God’s presence.

3. Doubt and Skepticism – Doubt can act as a blockade to experiencing God. Faith and trust are essential components of feeling connected to the divine.

4. Lack of Desire – Without a genuine desire to experience God’s presence, one might miss the opportunities to do so. Apathy can dampen the spiritual senses needed to discern God’s presence.

5. Impatience and Frustration – The quest to experience God’s presence often requires patience and time. Impatience can lead to frustration, which in turn might lead to giving up too soon.

6. Spiritual Warfare – Some believe that there is a cosmic battle between good and evil. This spiritual warfare can sometimes act as a hindrance to experiencing the peace and presence of God.

7. Poor Community and Fellowship – Being in the company of those who do not share the same spiritual goals or who may be negative influences can affect one’s spiritual well-being and ability to sense God’s presence.

8. Inadequate Understanding of God – Misconceptions about the nature of God or a lack of knowledge about spiritual principles can inhibit one’s experience of God.

Overcoming these hindrances typically involves intentional effort and may require guidance from spiritual mentors, personal reflection, discipline, and above all, a commitment to seeking a deeper relationship with the divine.

Understanding these three categories enriches our understanding of God. He is the transcendent God – present in every circumstance. He is the intimate God – dwelling in the hearts of His children. He is God made manifest – an ever-present help in times of trouble.

Suggested Reading: AW Tozer Book listing at http://bakerpublishinggroup.com/authors/a-w-tozer/2034

Experiencing The Presence of GOD Teachings from the Book of Hebrews

Excerpt_9780764216183

God Is Our Fortress –

[1] God is our refuge and strength,
a very present help in trouble.

(Psalm 46:1 ESV)

Journeying Terminus

~ Phillip Hendren

(Spiritual walk to Eternity) 👣

But godliness actually is a means of great gain when accompanied by contentment. (1 Timothy 6:6 NASB)

for bodily training is just slightly beneficial, but godliness is beneficial for all things, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. (1 Timothy 4:8 NASB)

Not that I speak from need, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. (Philippians 4:11 NASB)

Make sure that your character is free from the love of money, being content with what you have; for He Himself has said, “I will never desert you, nor will I ever abandon you,” (Hebrews 13:5 NASB)

Not that we are adequate in ourselves so as to consider anything as having come from ourselves, but our adequacy is from God, (2 Corinthians 3:5 NASB)

And God is able to make all grace overflow to you, so that, always having all sufficiency in everything, you may have an abundance for every good deed; (2 Corinthians 9:8 NASB)

I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:13,19 NASB)

Christians are to be satisfied and sufficient, and not to seek for more than what God has already given them. He is the source of true contentment.

NASB Study Bible Commentary