How Can I Feel God's Presence?

During a recent Saturday visit to the local county jail, I got the opportunity to share with three inmates about the importance of following God's plan.  It was a wonderful discussion and great reminder of the blessings that come with being obedient to God.  I wonder how many people are confused about what His plans are for their lives.  How can someone feel God's presence and seek His will?  After all, it is difficult to follow a plan if you do not have the instructions.  Luckily for us, God gave us a blue print by creating the Ten Commandments for the world.  A series of commands that apply to both God and man to protect and keep us safe.

1) Have no other gods.
2) Have no idols.
3) Honor God's name.
4) Honor the Sabbath day.
5) Honor your parents.
6) Do not murder.
7) Do not commit adultery.
8) Do not steal.
9) Do not perjure yourself.
10) Do not covet.

I truly believe that when you commit yourself to knowing and being obedient to these commands, you are taking the proper steps to encountering God's presence.  Let's not forget that God is constantly pursuing us.  The Bible says, "Your thoughts towards us cannot be recounted to You in order; If I would declare and speak of them, They are more than can be numbered" (Psalm 40:5).  It is not a matter of whether He is pursuing us but rather are we pursuing Him.  When we are diligent in keeping His commands, we are being obedient which results in us seeking and finding His presence in our lives.  That is a beautiful place to be and a coming attraction to being in His midst forever in heaven.  How fast a day can pass with only slightly thinking about God.  Let's be mindful every day to marvel and reflect on our awesome and mighty God.  The fact He thinks of us so much and so often should be humbling. 

When we encounter God's presence, we get the opportunity to acknowledge His glory because He is working inside of us.  Being obedient to His commands opens the door to following His will and bringing glory and honor to His name.  His glory ultimately affects our decisions, words, actions and priorities.  Ask yourself these simple questions.  Do I include God in the decisions I make?  Are my words bringing glory to God?  Are my actions reflective of Christ living and working inside of me?  Are my priorities aligned so that He is first in my life?  Do you seek and thirst for God?  If you don't, it will be extremely difficult to encounter His presence.  If you do, He will meet you and you will find so much more value, worth and excitement in this life as you live according to His plan and purpose.  I encourage you to put on the new self.  "Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful. Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God. Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father" (Colossians 3:15-17). 

Your Brother in Christ,

Miguel "The Hitman" Viera #40

"Committed to tackling souls for Christ"

Visit www.trafford.com/06-0375 to read about Miguel's book "Walking on Higher Ground and Awakening the Spirit Within: A Christian Student Athlete's Spiritual Journey Through the Doors of College and Beyond." To learn more about Playing for Jesus Ministries, visit http://miguelrviera.wix.com/pfjm