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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)

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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)

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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

Journeying Terminus

~ Phillip Hendren ~ Leave a comment

(Spiritual walk to Eternity) 👣

But the goal of our instruction is love from a pure heart, from a good conscience, and from a sincere faith. (1 Timothy 1:5 NASB)

Corresponding to that, baptism now saves you—not the removal of dirt from the flesh, but an appeal to God for a good conscience—through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, (1 Peter 3:21 NASB)

Therefore, prepare your minds for action, keep sober in spirit, set your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. As obedient children, do not be conformed to the former lusts which were yours in your ignorance, but like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves also in all your behavior; because it is written: “You shall be holy, for I am holy.” (1 Peter 1:13-16 NASB)

The end of all things is near; therefore, be of sound judgment and sober spirit for the purpose of prayer. (1 Peter 4:7 NASB)

Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. (1 Peter 5:8 NASB)

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Now we who are strong ought to bear the weaknesses of those without strength, and not just please ourselves. Each of us is to please his neighbor for his good, to his edification.

  • All things are permitted, but not all things are of benefit. All things are permitted, but not all things build people up. No one is to seek his own advantage, but rather that of his neighbor. (1 Corinthians 10:23-24 NASB)
  • make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose. Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility consider one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, (Philippians 2:2-5 NASB)

Now may the God who gives perseverance and encouragement grant you to be of the same mind with one another, according to Christ Jesus, so that with one purpose and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. (Romans 15:1-2,5-6,13 NASB)

Journeying Terminus

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(Spiritual walk to Eternity) 👣
For He says to Moses, “I will have mercy on whomever I have mercy, and I will show compassion to whomever I show compassion.” So then, it does not depend on the person who wants it nor the one who runs, but on God who has mercy. (Romans 9:15-16 NASB)
And He said, “I Myself will make all My goodness pass before you, and will proclaim the name of the Lord before you; and I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will show compassion to whom I will show compassion.” (Exodus 33:19 NASB)
For by grace you have been saved through faith; and this is not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not a result of works, so that no one may boast. (Ephesians 2:8-9 NASB)

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# Our Victory in Christ
Now in the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness;* for we do not know what to pray for as we should, but the **Spirit Himself intercedes for us** with groanings too deep for words; and **He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is** , because **He intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. *(Romans 8:26-27 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)
> Lord, You have searched me and known me. (Psalm 139:1 NASB)
For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace, (Romans 8:6 NASB)
who is the one who condemns? Christ Jesus is He* who died, but rather, was raised, who is at the right hand of God, **who also intercedes for us. *(Romans 8:34 NASB)