LIVE IN HIS PRESENCE

"But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord" (2 Corinthians 3:18). We become what we observe! The focus of our attention spreads its influence all through our lives. What we behold with our spiritual eyes obsesses us—it takes over! Paul chose to be obsessed with Christ; the Savior became the sole object of his thinking, his preaching, his doctrine. "For I determined not to know anything among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified" (1 Corinthians 2:2). He kept his eyes on the Head of the body, and not on the problems in the body.

God's desire for us is that we be clothed with Christ's presence. Do you want victory over sin and deliverance from all the power of the enemy? Then diligently pray for a manifestation of Christ's presence. If you are serious about it, his loving eyes will melt you and bring you to a place of brokenness and contrition.

That same tender presence of the Lord will become the very heart and life of your soul. You will not want to leave his presence. You will lean on his arm and all fear will go, replaced by perfect peace and rest. You can face sin and Satan clothed in the glorious power of his presence. God's Word promises, "He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels" (Revelation 3:5).

The church goes into the last days as "a woman clothed with the sun..." (Revelation12:1). This is Christ, our white raiment! We have put on Christ and are abiding in His presence, above all principalities and powers.

It really is not complicated. In fact, it can be summed up in four words: STAY CLOSE TO JESUS! Live in his presence and by faith take your seat beside him in heavenly places. Behold him standing at the right hand of the Father on your behalf and nothing can hinder you. You will be above it all and, like Stephen, you will behold him in heaven (see Acts 7:56).