His Presence Or The Presents??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #412

 

As we think about this season of giving—God has given us the greatest gift –Jesus the Redeemer of all who will come to Him!  We so often think of the ‘presents’ rather than the ‘presence’ of The One who came to be lifted up so that we could have eternal life by grace through faith.

“Even when we were dead in sins,

hath quickened us together with Christ,

(by grace ye are saved;)

6 And hath raised us up together,

and made us sit together

in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:

7 That in the ages to come

he might shew the exceeding riches

of his grace

in his kindness toward us

through Christ Jesus.

8 For by grace are ye saved through faith;

and that not of yourselves:

it is the gift of God:

9 Not of works,

lest any man should boast.

10 For we are his workmanship,

created in Christ Jesus

unto good works,

which God hath before ordained

that we should walk in them.”  Ephesians 2:5-10

God has given us an amazing gift in Jesus, not only in His substitutionary, atoning sacrifice for our sin, but the promise of His continual presence (an amazing present) in our lives via the Holy Spirit.  The author of Hebrews gives us an amazing insight and confidence in our Lord’s faithfulness to His own.

“Let your conversation

be without covetousness;

and be content

with such things as ye have:

for he hath said,

I will never leave thee,

nor forsake thee.

6 So that we may boldly say,

The Lord is my helper,

and I will not fear

what man shall do unto me.” Hebrews 13:5-6

Jesus will be with you and me, what an amazing and comforting promise; “I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee”!  Let’s see what else Jesus told us!

“And I will pray the Father,

and he shall give you another Comforter,

that he may abide with you for ever;

17 Even the Spirit of truth;

whom the world cannot receive,

because it seeth him not,

neither knoweth him:

but ye know him;

for he dwelleth with you,

and shall be in you.

18 I will not leave you comfortless:

    I will come to you.”  John 14:16-18

“These things have I spoken unto you,

being yet present with you.

26 But the Comforter,

which is the Holy Ghost,

whom the Father will send in my name,

he shall teach you all things,

and bring all things to your remembrance,

whatsoever I have said unto you.

27 Peace I leave with you,

my peace I give unto you:

not as the world giveth,

give I unto you.

Let not your heart be troubled,

neither let it be afraid.”  John 14:25-27

“But when the Comforter is come,

whom I will send unto you from the Father,

even the Spirit of truth,

which proceedeth from the Father,

he shall testify of me:” John 15:26

“Nevertheless I tell you the truth;

It is expedient for you that I go away:

for if I go not away,

the Comforter will not come unto you;

but if I depart,

I will send him unto you.

8 And when he is come,

he will reprove the world of sin,

and of righteousness,

and of judgment…

… 33 These things I have spoken unto you,

that in me ye might have peace.

In the world ye shall have tribulation:

but be of good cheer;

I have overcome the world.”   Portions of John 16:7-8 & 33

So as you shop, and wrap gifts, and share time with your loved ones and friends, remember that Jesus loves you, He cares for you and has promised to be with you when you come to Him!  It’s what Christmas is really all about!  The baby in the manger came to go to Calvary for Keep your eyes on the prize—Jesus—and the gifts that He provides to His own!

“he hath said,

 I will never leave thee,

nor forsake thee.

6 So that we may boldly say,

The Lord is my helper,

and I will not fear

what man shall do unto me…”

My prayers are for you to draw near to The One, who loves you and gave Himself for you and me to have life— “abundant life”!!!  Remember His presence is ever near you!!!  If you hear His voice—don’t run, but bow! Always!!!

Amen and Amen!!!