CHURCH
MELBOURNE, FL
​​​​​​​​​​​​​Daily Devotionals
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Day 17: January 20, 2025
Today’s scripture reading:
Hebrews 4:14-16 & Hebrews 10:19-25
Highlighted verses:
Hebrews 10:19-22 (NIV) 19 Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, 20 by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, 21 and since we have a great priest over the house of God, 22 let us draw near to God…
Notice the manifest presence of God in verses 19 & 22:
Notice the intimate connection between the cross and the presence of God. We can enter the Most Holy Place by the new and living way (Jesus’ sacrificial death). Not only we can do this, but God invites into his manifest presence through his Son.
This isn’t a mental exercise, this is a reality—that we can approach the manifest presence of God. If we only realized what we had access to and what Jesus has sacrificed in order for us to do this very thing! May our eyes be open to see the new and living way and may we enter the Most Holy Place more and more everyday.
Questions:
How can you align your life to enter the Most Holy Place by the new and living way on a daily basis? In what ways can you have greater sincerity and faith in order to draw nearer to God regularly?
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Day 16: January 19, 2025
Today’s scripture reading:
Ephesians 3:14-21; Ephesians 5:15-20
Highlighted verses:
Ephesians 5:18 (NIV) Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit
Notice the manifest presence of God in verse 18:
Be filled with the Spirit. Since God is already everywhere, God filling anything is his manifest presence. That means he wants to be somewhere in a different way than he already is. A way that is noticeable, but we’ll talk about that in a moment. This is what God intended: that he would fill his temple—that’s us. His desire is also a command, not a suggestion: we must be filled with his presence.
Back to God’s presence being noticeable. Scripture offers an interesting alternative to being drunk: be filled with the Spirit. This comparison seems ridiculous (perhaps even blasphemous), but let’s think about it. When someone is drunk, you can usually tell immediately. There are several indicators that reveal quickly, oh they’ve been drinking. It affects the way you talk, walk, think, behave—it’s quite noticeable. In fact the more drunk you are, the more noticeable it is. Much like alcohol has a noticeable effect on you in so many ways, so being filled with the Spirit should affect us—it should be immediately noticeable. The more we are filled, the more noticeable it should be. So, put away the alcohol and be filled with the Spirit—the manifest presence of God.
Questions:
In what ways do you need to repent of being filled with alcohol more than you’re filled with the Spirit? Is there anything noticeable about you because you are filled with the Spirit? How can you be filled and stay filled with the Spirit in your daily life?
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Day 15: January 18, 2025
Today’s scripture reading:
2 Corinthians 3:7-18
Highlighted verses:
2 Corinthians 3:17-18 (ESV) 17 Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 18 And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.
Notice the manifest presence of God in verse 17-18:
Where the Spirit of the Lord is… Where? Where is where? Where is a specific place. The omni-present God loves to be in specific places—and where he is present, there is freedom. Freedom for what? Freedom to behold his glory. Freedom to experience the manifest presence of God.
For better or worse, we become what we behold. Beholding the glory of the Lord brings true transformation, making us like Jesus (the goal of discipleship). Discipleship is so much bigger than a classroom or what we can learn—the best discipleship is found in the presence of the Lord. Only in his presence can we truly see him and he reveals things we could never know otherwise. In his presence, our transformation isn’t dependent our on ability to understand, it’s dependent on his ability to reveal. We do this from one degree of glory to another—in other words, this can and should be a daily practice in our lives.
Questions:
Do you know that you have freedom to behold the glory of the Lord? How do you view discipleship and transformation in light of these verses? In what ways can you better behold Jesus and allow his presence to transform you?
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Day 14: January 17, 2025
Today’s scripture reading:
Acts 2:1-41
Highlighted verses:
Acts 2:2-4 (NIV) 2 Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3 They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. 4 All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.
Notice the manifest presence of God in verses 2-4:
God’s presence was manifest in such a way that those in the upper room could hear, feel and see him—they could even speak the words of God in a language they did not know. We’re chasing the presence of God, not just an experience, yet God desires for us to experience him in real ways.
The encounter at pentecost and continuing ministry of the Holy Spirit in the book of Acts are sure evidence that God desires (and we desperately need) his manifest presence in the church. The Bible does not record two kinds of churches: the ones with the Holy Spirit and the ones without. There is only one church: a church that was obedient to Jesus and waited for the power of the Holy Spirit, and continued to live and minister out of the manifest presence of God.
Questions:
In what ways do you need to repent of thinking the Holy Spirit was optional in your life? Moving forward, how can you better wait for the power of the Holy Spirit, so you can live and minister like God intended for you to do?
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Day 13: January 16, 2025
Today’s scripture reading:
John 1:14, 18; John 17:24; 1 John 4:1-6
Highlighted verses:
John 17:24 (NIV) “Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world.
Notice the manifest presence of God in verse 24:
Following Jesus means laying down what we want in order to do what he wants. We don’t do this begrudgingly, but with joy. We find out what pleases him and spend our lives doing those things.
So, what does Jesus want? This prayer reveals the heart of God so simply, yet so profoundly: That we would be with Jesus and see his glory. In other words, that we would experience the manifest presence of God. Jesus desires to make himself known and to dwell with his people in real, rich, tangible, glorious ways.
Questions:
How does Jesus’ desire to be with you and show you his glory change the dynamic of your relationship with him? In what ways can you be with Jesus and see his glory more in your every day life?
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Day 12: January 15, 2025
Today’s scripture reading:
Luke 11:1-13
Highlighted verses:
Luke 11:13 (NIV) If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”
Notice the manifest presence of God in verse 13:
The Holy Spirit (presence of God) will be given. This is our greatest gift, and to our detriment, often our most neglected one. Jesus knows we need the Holy Spirit. That’s why he taught about him, promised he would send him, told us to wait for him, be immersed in him and be filled with him. Jesus himself was filled with the Spirit, led by the Spirit and anointed with the Spirit. If Jesus, being fully God and fully man, needed the presence of God, how much more do we?
How do we do this? Jesus said to ask, seek and knock. In other words, this is a continual prayer request, something we keep pursuing. The Holy Spirit isn’t something we try out and then move on—he is the Lord and the manifest presence of God on the earth. How much more of God’s presence can we have? More!
Questions:
How can you avoid neglecting more of the Holy Spirit in your life? In what ways can you ask, seek and knock for more of the presence of God in your life everyday?
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Day 11: January 14, 2025
Today’s scripture reading:
Luke 10:38-42
Highlighted verses:
Luke 10:39 & 42 (NIV) 39 She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. 42 but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”
Notice the manifest presence of God in verse 39:
Mary, at the feet of Jesus. A simplicity that wars against our tendency to complicate things. A necessity that contradicts our definition of productivity and success. While we may have many assignments, our main purpose is to dwell with God.
Jesus’ response reveals God’s desire to simply be with us. In fact, Jesus says it’s actually the only thing that is needed: to sit at his feet and listen to his voice. Sit with that thought. Wrestle with it. Don’t protect your instinct to change what Jesus said. One thing is needed: That we would dwell in the manifest presence of God, fixing our hearts, eyes and ears on Jesus.
Questions:
How can you better align your thinking with what God views as important? In what ways can you sit as Jesus’ feet in your everyday life?
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Day 10: January 13, 2025
Today’s scripture reading:
Matthew 11:28-30
Highlighted verses:
Matthew 11:28-29 (NIV) 28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
Notice the manifest presence of God in verse 28:
Oh how our souls need rest. Our culture at large is stressed, anxious and depressed. There is rest available that supersedes circumstance—an internal rest for our souls. This rest only comes from the presence of God—being in close proximity to Jesus.
Before we can take his yoke and learn from him, we need to come to him. Seek him, draw near to him, come into his presence by faith in his finished work on the cross. It’s in his presence that we learn what he’s really like and how to be like him. It’s in his gentleness and humility that we find rest for our souls. This doesn’t come from striving or self help, it comes from being in the manifest presence of God.
Questions:
How can you stop trying to find rest in other places outside of God’s presence? In what ways can you make coming to Jesus a steady rhythm in your life?
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Day 9: January 12, 2025
Today’s scripture reading:
Hosea 6:1-3 and Hosea 10:12-13
Highlighted verses:
Hosea 6:3 (NIV) Let us acknowledge the Lord; let us press on to acknowledge him. As surely as the sun rises, he will appear; he will come to us like the winter rains, like the spring rains that water the earth.
Notice the manifest presence of God in verse 3:
While God’s presence is a gift to us, we still have a part to play. That’s not because God is manipulative, it’s because he’s loves to partner with people who actually want him. That’s why we must press on to know him, see him, hear him, encounter him. This is important because many people stop short of encountering more of God’s presence because they give up too soon.
There’s good news: The promise in this verse helps us to keep pressing on to seek the Lord—He will come. Not if he feels like it, or there’s a good chance he’ll come—it says he will come as surely as the sun rises. That’s an unstoppable fact. That is the reward of those who seek him, who press on to know him: The manifest presence of God—and when he comes, he brings refreshing and transformation.
Questions:
In what ways can you better ‘press on’ to know the Lord? How does God’s promise of his manifest presence coming change the way you seek him?
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Day 8: January 11, 2025
Today’s scripture reading:
Isaiah 66:1-2
Highlighted verses:
Isaiah 66:1-2 (NIV) 1 This is what the Lord says: “Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool. Where is the house you will build for me? Where will my resting place be? 2 Has not my hand made all these things, and so they came into being?” declares the Lord. “These are the ones I look on with favor: those who are humble and contrite in spirit, and who tremble at my word.
Notice the manifest presence of God in verse 1:
The Lord asked, “Where will my resting place be?” In other words: I’m everywhere but I want to be somewhere specific. I believe he is still asking that question. We can see his desire to dwell with us and manifest his presence in this: He can do whatever he wants, but he’s looking for people who are willing to be his resting place. He’s made all the provisions, yet he’s looking for hearts that say yes to more of his presence, hearts that won’t settle for complacency.
The Lord doesn’t leave us in the dark, he is gracious and lets us know what he responds to: Humility. If we’re serious about seeking the presence of the Lord, humility is non-negotiable. It is one of God’s highest values and what attracts his presence. Nobody is perfect, but he’s not looking for perfection—just the humility to realize we’re not. He wants us to be so humble and so in tune with him that when he speaks, it shakes us to our core—the manifest presence of God!
Questions:
According to scripture, what do you think being God’s resting place looks like? In what ways can you cultivate humility to the point that you tremble at God’s word and attract more of his manifest presence?
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Day 7: January 10, 2025
Today’s scripture reading:
Isaiah 6:1-8
Highlighted verses:
Isaiah 6:1 (NIV) In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord, high and exalted, seated on a throne; and the train of his robe filled the temple.
Notice the manifest presence of God in verse 1:
Isaiah saw the Lord—the manifest presence of God filling the temple. That’s what we’re after: The Lord filling his temple (that’s us, not a building). How do you know if you’re really seeing the Lord? He will be on the throne. We’re not after the presence of God so we can have a good feeling or be entertained. We’re after the presence of God so that he can rule in our midst.
We need real transformation that only his presence can bring. This wasn’t a ‘feel good’ encounter for Isaiah. He was terrified and the Lord had to comfort him because he thought he was going to die. The fact is God is holy and his presence doesn’t always feel good the way we want it to because of our brokenness. He is calling us to die to self(ishness) so we can live surrendered and transformed in his presence.
Questions:
Do you know what you’re actually seeking? Are you willing to pursue God’s presence even when it’s uncomfortable or unfamiliar? In what ways can you set aside your desires and expectations and allow God’s presence to rule in your life, family and church?
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Day 6: January 9, 2025
Today’s scripture reading:
Psalm 24:3-10; Psalm 27:4 and 8; Psalm 42:1-2; Psalm 51:11; Psalm 63:1-8; Psalm 73:25-28; Psalm 84:1-2, 5 and 10; Psalm 100:4; Psalm 132:3-5, 7-9
Highlighted verses:
Psalm 42:1-2 (NIV) 1 As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God. 2 My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God?
Notice the manifest presence of God in Psalm 42:1-2:
Do you see it? The writer of this psalm isn’t concerned with the omni-presence of God, he is after something more: the manifest presence of God. There is a deep thirst in his soul, and he knows it can only be found in the presence of God.
Do you sense that thirst in your own soul? We have an advantage over the psalmist: The new covenant gives us access to God’s manifest presence. When can we go and meet with God? Anytime. Yet, we’re not looking for a generic or religious experience—we long to encounter the living God. While he’s made himself available, it still takes humility, faith, obedience, faithfulness—not to mention time, energy and focus. Godly desires are nothing without the actions to back them up.
Questions:
Does your soul thirst for God? If so, in what ways are you acting on that desire? How is your life different, or how can it be different, because you want more of God’s manifest presence?
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Day 5: January 8, 2025
Today’s scripture reading:
2 Chronicles 5, 6 and 7
Highlighted verses:
2 Chronicles 7:1-3 (NIV) 1 When Solomon finished praying, fire came down from heaven and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices, and the glory of the Lord filled the temple. 2 The priests could not enter the temple of the Lord because the glory of the Lord filled it. 3 When all the Israelites saw the fire coming down and the glory of the Lord above the temple, they knelt on the pavement with their faces to the ground, and they worshiped and gave thanks to the Lord, saying, “He is good; his love endures forever.”
Notice the manifest presence of God in 2 Chronicles 7:1-3:
The glory of the Lord (or the manifest presence of God) filled the temple. How does the God who is everywhere come and fill anything? This happened after much preparation to make God a resting place, because Solomon’s father David instilled the desire for God’s presence into the next generation.
What seemed like something suddenly happening came from many years of preparation. It is no different for us. God desires to dwell with us in experiential ways. Yet we have to prepare a place for him, so to speak. We do this through humility, repentance and seeking the Lord. The goal of seeking the Lord isn’t to cross a finish line, but to create a lifestyle of the manifest presence of God.
Questions:
How are you preparing a place for God’s presence to dwell in your life, family and church? In what ways can you cultivate that as a sustainable lifestyle even after you encounter more of God’s presence?
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Day 4: January 7, 2025
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Today’s scripture reading:
1 Chronicles 13, 15 and 16
Highlighted verses:
1 Chronicles 13:3 Let us bring the ark of our God back to us, for we did not inquire of it during the reign of Saul.
Notice the manifest presence of God in 1 Chronicles 13:3:
The ark wasn’t just a historic artifact or a religious relic—it was the presence of God. The God who is everywhere desired to manifest himself in the ark. Why? Because he desires to dwell with his people in a tangible way.
David knew this so his first act as king of Israel was to establish the manifest presence of God among the nation. This was so meaningful to God, that because of David’s actions he made him a promise that someone from his family would rule forever. This was fulfilled in Jesus—God with us, the Word who became flesh, the incarnate God, the invisible God made visible, the exact representation of God’s being. In other words, Jesus is the ultimate manifestation of God’s presence.
Questions:
Do you realize you can ‘bring the ark back’ by seeking the presence of God? What would it look like if we established the manifest presence of God in our lives, families, homes and churches?
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Day 3: January 6, 2025
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Today’s scripture reading:
Exodus 33:1-23
Highlighted verses:
Exodus 33:9-11 (NIV) 9 As Moses went into the tent, the pillar of cloud would come down and stay at the entrance, while the Lord spoke with Moses. 10 Whenever the people saw the pillar of cloud standing at the entrance to the tent, they all stood and worshiped, each at the entrance to their tent. 11 The Lord would speak to Moses face to face, as one speaks to a friend. Then Moses would return to the camp, but his young aide Joshua son of Nun did not leave the tent.
Notice the manifest presence of God in verses 9-11:
The God who is everywhere spoke to Moses face to face—how amazing! A common excuse for not pursuing the manifest presence of God is something like “Well I’m not Moses” (or another biblical figure). The whole point of the Bible is to reveal what God is like and that it applies to us. It’s not merely a story book of what God used to do, so let’s throw out the excuses and seek his face. In fact, 2 Corinthians 3:7-11 tells us that not only we can experience the glory of God (his manifest presence), but we can do so in even greater ways because of the finished work of Jesus.
Questions:
How can you stop making excuses for not encountering God’s presence? In what ways can we be more like Joshua, who did not want to leave the manifest presence of God?
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Day 2: January 5, 2025
Today’s scripture reading:
Exodus 19:1-25
Highlighted verses:
Exodus 19:20-22 (NIV) 20 The Lord descended to the top of Mount Sinai and called Moses to the top of the mountain. So Moses went up 21 and the Lord said to him, “Go down and warn the people so they do not force their way through to see the Lord and many of them perish. 22 Even the priests, who approach the Lord, must consecrate themselves, or the Lord will break out against them.”
Notice the manifest presence of God is verse 20:
Like the Israelites, we cannot ‘force’ our way to see the Lord. We cannot manipulate our way into God’s presence. While it’s God’s desire to manifest his presence and dwell with us, we must do so on his terms. God’s terms in the new covenant are the body and blood of Jesus. As believers, we are all priests who get to approach the Lord by consecrating ourselves through faith in Jesus sacrificial death.
Questions:
Have you been trying to encounter God on your own terms? In what ways can you approach the presence of God on his terms?
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Day 1: January 4, 2025
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Today’s scripture reading:
Genesis 3:1-24
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Highlighted verses:
Genesis 3:8-10 (NIV) 8 Then the man and his wife heard the sound of the Lord God as he was walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and they hid from the Lord God among the trees of the garden. 9 But the Lord God called to the man, “Where are you?” 10 He answered, “I heard you in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid.”
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Notice the manifest presence of God in verse 8:
From the beginning, the Lord God, who is everywhere, desired to manifest his presence among his people. He was walking in the garden in the cool of the day. In other words, he was manifesting his presence in a specific place, at a specific time, for a specific people.
Yet, sin prevented God from dwelling with the people he created for that purpose. The Lord was walking, the Lord was looking, the Lord asked, “Where are you?” It is no different for us today. Any separation from God that we experience is because of our sin, yet his desire to dwell with us remains. He is the one looking for us, asking “Where are you?”
Unlike Adam, we don’t have to be afraid or ashamed. Jesus’ once for all sacrifice has made us holy in God’s sight, enabling us to come directly to him—experiencing the manifest presence of God—as he has always wanted.
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Questions:
How can you better respond to God’s desire to dwell with you? In what ways can you be more available to the One who is asking, “Where are you”?