Presence

I have performed wedding ceremonies over the years as a service of ministry. I have counseled young people as they prepare for this life long commitment. I have watched these young people in a very relaxed time a few weeks or months ahead of the big day. They have the wedding party squared away and the music planned. There are times that the ceremony includes communion, unity candle or a sand ceremony. There is a good bit involved in planning a wedding. Several years ago I became aware of how stressed the bride and groom were on their special day. I started making it a mission of mine during the counseling phase to prepare them for the stress of that special day. I’ve seen the bride and groom so stressed that they weren’t really there at the wedding. The culmination of their planning was passed and they were a bit distracted with how the reception was going to go or if the flowers were in the right place. I’ve really tried to remind them to show up for their wedding. Don’t just be there in body – but be present in spirit too.

Moses had a deeply personal relationship with the Living God. He had a relationship like no other to this point in history. I love the conversation that Moses and God share about leadership of the people and the Presence of God. Check this out…

13 If you are pleased with me, teach me your ways so I may know you and continue to find favor with you….

14 The Lord replied, ‘My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.’

15 Then Moses said to him, ‘If your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here. (Exodus 33:13-15 NIV)

I want to be in the moment.

I want to live in the moment.

I want God’s Presence with me in every moment.

Wherever I am, I want to be fully present in that moment.

As I walk out my life with the Lord, I want His Presence with me in every decision I make. I want to be fully aware of Him leading me. I want His favor on me and my family and my business. I will continue to be a follower of the Lord as I walk out this life. If He is not with me, I don’t want to move forward without Him. I would rather stand still with the Lord than to move and become highly successful without His Presence in me.

His Presence gives me calm.

His Presence gives me rest.

His Presence gives me direction.

His Presence gives me grace.

I really like this song and the introduction by Israel Houghton – “Your Presence Is Heaven To Me”.

Pressing On!

Dwayne