Daily Devotional
We Need God’s Presence
“Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”
John 14:27
November 5, 2023
Ponder This
When Joyce and I lost our son, we left to be with family while we were grieving. When Joyce and I were leaving our church parsonage close by the church we served at, I could see the yellow light as it was streaming out of the open windows of the church, and the congregation was singing “No, never alone. No, never alone. He hath promised never to leave me, never to leave me alone. I’ve seen the lightning flashing, I’ve heard the thunder roll, I’ve felt sin’s breakers dashing, trying to conquer my soul. But I heard the voice of Jesus, telling me still to fight on, for He’s promised never to leave me, never to leave me alone.”
I would not take anything for the conscious presence of God. And this little phrase that speaks about Joseph’s life: “The Lord was with Joseph” (Genesis 39:2). In prison, God was with him; in the pit, God was with him; in slander, God was with him; in business, God was with him; in pain, God was with him; in prosperity, God was with him. He’s dying, God was with him. God is in Christ, and if you want God with you in good times and hard, you need Jesus.
- When have you needed God’s presence in a hard time?
- Who do you know that needs to be reminded that God is with them today?
Practice This
Check in on somebody who is going through a hard time. If this person has a relationship with Jesus, remind him or her of God’s presence through hard times.
FOR YOUR GIFT TO THE MINISTRY
Front Porch Moments by Gayle Foster
WITH KEY INSIGHTS FROM HER FATHER, ADRIAN ROGERS
I try to unplug each morning with Jesus with just my rocking chair, my Bible, and a pen.
Having a secret place is very important because I know that Jesus is always there waiting for me. I know where I can find Him! His presence is everywhere, but there are places where it is so thick you can cut it with a knife. You may not even have a front porch, but there is a secret place for you as well. God’s invitations are for anyone who will respond. There is no more important request than the one found in Psalm 27:8: “My heart has heard You say, ‘Come and talk with Me.’ And my heart responds, ‘Lord, I am coming.’”
