Being in the Presence of God the Father
The Bible presents four benefits of seeking God’s presence
(1) Joy
Psalm 16:11
Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.
(2) Provides great light
Psalm 89:15
Blessed is the people that know the joyful sound: they shall walk, O Lord, in the light of thy countenance.
(3) Divine protection
Psalm 31:20
Thou shalt hide them in the secret of thy presence from the pride of man: thou shalt keep them secretly in a pavilion from the strife of tongues.
The verse means: Conceal them in the covering of your countenance from the snares of men; keep them protected in your tabernacle from the plots of men.
(4) There is great peace and rest in God’s presence.
1 John 3:19
And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before him.
Five Blessings of Genuine Love
1 John 3:20-21
For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things. [21] Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God.
1 John 3:21
Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God.
Answers to prayers:
1 John 3:22
And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.
Eight Uses of the Word "Heart"
1.The physical organ—the seat of the physical life; the blood pump
(2 Samuel 18:14; 2 Kings 9:24; Eccles. 12:6; Proverbs 14:30)
2.The center of anything (Matthew 12:40)
3.The inner man consisting of soul and spirit (Psalm 51:10; Matthew 5:8; Matthew 12:34-35; Matthew 15:18-19; Matthew 22:37; Romans 6:17; 1 Peter 3:4)
4.The conscience (Mark 8:17; John 12:40; Acts 2:37; Romans 2:5; 1 John 3:20-21)
5.The will (Acts 4:32; 1 Cor. 7:37)
6.The mind, including:
(1). Thoughts (Genesis 6:5; John 12:40)
(2). Imaginations (Genesis 8:21)
(3). Understanding (1 Kings 3:9,12)
(4). Wisdom (Exodus 35:35; Proverbs 2:10)
(5). Blindness (Deut. 28:28; Romans 1:21)
(6). Meditation (Psalm 19:14; Luke 2:19)
(7). Deceit (Proverbs 12:20; Jeremiah 17:9)
(8). Wickedness (Jeremiah 17:9)
(9). Doubt (Mark 9:23; James 4:8)
(10). Purposes (Acts 11:23)
7.The soul, including:
(1). Grief (Genesis 6:6; Deut. 15:10)
(2). Joy and gladness (Deut. 28:47)
(3). Desires (Psalm 37:4)
(4). Sorrow (Proverbs 14:10; Proverbs 15:13; John 16:6)
(5). Discouragement (Deut. 1:28)
(6). Fear (Deut. 28:65-67)
(7). Comfort (Judges 19:8)
(8)Pain (Psalm 55:4)
8.The spirit, including:
(1). Zeal (Exodus 35:21,26; Exodus 36:2)
(2). Humility (Psalm 34:18; Matthew 11:29)
(3). Faithfulness (Neh. 9:8)
(4). Hate (Leviticus 19:17)
(5). Pride (Deut. 8:14; Deut. 17:20)
(6). Foolishness (Proverbs 22:15)
(7). Integrity (Genesis 20:5-6; 1 Kings 2:44; 1 Kings 9:4; 1 Chronicles 29:17)
(8). Immortality (Psalm 22:26; Psalm 69:32; §1 Peter 3:4, note)
Five Secrets of Answered Prayer
Romans 8:1-2
There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. [2] For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.
Acts 4:13
Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marveled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.
James 1:5-8
If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. [6] But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. [7] For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. [8] A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.
God’s presence provides Joy, Light, Protection, and Peace. Why would someone not want to spend time each day in the presence of our Lord and God?