October 31, 2021
Psalm 100:4. Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name! (ESV)
1 John 1:7. If we are living in the light of God’s presence, just as Christ is, then we have fellowship with each other, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, cleanses us from every sin. (ESV)
God’s Invitation!
When was the last time you accepted the invitation and entered into God’s presence with only praise and thanksgiving ~ no requests or complaints? It never ceases to amaze me that we as God’s children have the awesome privilege of coming into the presence of a Holy God. The thought of actually meeting with the Creator, the King of Kings, the Lord of Lords, is simply humbling! The Psalmist explains clearly and specifically how we are to come into the presence of God. He says we are to “Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise! Give thanks to Him; bless His name being mindful of His steadfast love and His faithfulness! This is the way God wants you to come into His presence.
Entering into the presence of a Holy God is synonymous with entering into His gates with thanksgiving! Coming into the Lord’s presence is the first and fundamental human act that establishes our worship! In ancient Israel, when the people of God congregated at the temple to worship the Lord, they began by chanting Psalm 100:4, “Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name.”
COVID has taught us many things, however, we are vividly reminded that since we as Believers in Christ we are “the church” and we know that we do not have to be in a church building to enter into the presence of God with praise and thanksgiving! What keeps us from having the privilege of fully enjoying the presence of God is SIN. It separates us from our Holy God. Only forgiveness of sin can restore us to enter into God’s presence. In His presence, we have many benefits!
Some of The Benefits of Being in His Presence Are:
√ His presence gives us protection and comfort. Psalm 23:4
√ God’s presence gives us courage. Joshua 1:9
√ We have security because of His presence. Psalm 40:1-2
√ God’s presence helps us to obey and please Him. Philippians 2:13
√ We experience joy in his presence. Acts 2:28
√ We have eternal life because of His presence. Romans 8:9-10
√ God’s presence refreshes us by giving us rest, peace, and strength. Psalm 23:1-3
RX: A PRAISING 
HEART Romans 8:35, 38-39p! The Word of God assures us that His presence is always with us. Nothing can separate us from his love for us. I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from his love. Death can’t, and life can’t. The angels can’t, and the demons can’t. Our fears for today, our worries about tomorrow, and even the powers of hell can’t keep God’s love away. Whether we are high above the sky or in the deepest ocean, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord. Praise God!
FATHER GOD: Thank You for the invitation to enter into Your presence! Thank You for Your forgiving power and unconditional love that allows us access to YOU, in the Precious, Powerful and Preeminent Name of Jesus Christ our Savior and Lord, Amen!