His Presence

This morning I was reading the report of Rahab to the Spies.....      
'We know that God is with you...   
We know that He will give you this land...    
Our hearts are melting with fear.....' Joshua 2:9-11    

And no wonder;    
- 1.5 million people living in the desert with   
- no readily available water or food.... for 40 years...  
- a Cloud hovering over them all day   
- and a pillar of fire in their midst all night....       

Wow.

and then...

That all changed with Joshua's leadership
- The manna stopped
- The water was just what was in the land
- The cloud and the fire pillar were gone....

But
Joshua reminded them
that God still went with them...
His presence was connected to the Box
the Ark
and The Promises He gave to them (Covenant)
see Joshua 3:10-11

So interesting...

The challenge to Joshua in the first Chapter
was to be 'strong and courageous.....
for the Lord God was with him.... Joshua 1:6,7,9,18

The physical reminder of God's presence
whether it was fire and cloud
or a box in their midst....
it
encouraged the nation
and it
discouraged their enemies...

Hmmm...

So what is the manifest presence of God in the midst of His people today?

Jesus said that if we loved one another
it would declare our discipleship to all people...
His presence

Hmm....

Paul declares a mystery revealed
which is
Christ in me.... the hope of Glory. Colossians 1:27

encouragement for me
....discouragement for those against me?

or maybe....
encouragement for those watching
to ask what is my hope all about....
and
Join the family. :)

Yeah.

Lord Jesus,
Your manifold presence
in Your church
in Your people
in me.

impacts the world.
wow.

Yes, Lord Jesus.
Holy Spirit
Abba Father...

Thank You.

PJ