The number one benefit crucial to Staying on Course with Jesus is living in His presence. That sounds obvious, but it is easier said than done in most of our lives [1]. Most of us have jobs, families, and other responsibilities. We can get so caught up in our daily lives that neglecting the fellowship of God for even a momentary loss of His presence, things can begin to go bad for us. The reason? His presence is where everything happens; love, grace, mercy, salvation, healing, security, joy, peace, answered prayer, fellowship, and ad infinitum. The quickest way into God’s presence is through our worship.

But thou art holy, O thou that inhabitest the praises of Israel. [Psalms 22:3 KJV]

One caveat: Although singing and raising our hands in church is a huge part of our worship, there is more to reverencing God than these two aspects. Worship can not only be our singing and raising our hands, but it can be what we think, say, or do. It can be our attitude, our obedience, prayer life, and anything else that acknowledges and exalts God Almighty. When we share the Gospel, we are worshiping Him. The key?

And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men [Colossians 3:23 KJV]

If we do not enlist God’s counsel and presence in the small things, we will not enlist Him in the big things [2]. If everything we do is unto the Lord, and NOT to men [3], God will inhabit us [4] and make His presence known. Do not misunderstand, God is always with the believer [5] but there are things that please God [6]. He will manifest His pleasure in us. It is my opinion that the manifestation of His pleasure is my “atta-boy.” It’s like I can feel God’s chest expanding because of His pride in my faith [7]. I live for the feeling of His presence.

Lord Jesus, thank you for your love, grace, mercy, and presence. Lord, help me to always please you. I also pray that what I do makes you proud. I am so-o-o sorry Lord for the times that I do not please you. For those times, I thank you for your forgiveness. Thank you for your habitation and for never leaving or forsaking me. This is the week of Thanksgiving Lord and I come to you with thanksgiving and for the joy in my heart. Only you know, Jesus, where and what I would have become had you not called me to salvation. Thank you for the Cross and for calling me to you. In your precious name I pray, AMEN

Our worship is for the glory of the Lord God Almighty. [8]
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[1] John 15:19
[2] Luke 16:10-14
[3] Colossians 3:23
[4] Psalms 22:3
[5] Deuteronomy 31:8
[6] Hebrews 11:6
[7] Matthew 3:17; Romans 8:17-19
[8] Isaiah 43:6, 7; Matthew 5:16; 1 Corinthians 10:31; 2 Corinthians 5:13, 14