Prioritizing God’s Presence

Psalm 68:8 NASB

The earth quaked; The heavens also dropped rain at the presence of God; Sinai itself quaked at the presence of God, the God of Israel.

Ever since I can remember, there was nothing that compared to a manifestation of the presence of The Lord. One of my first encounters with an experience like this was as a boy at Hyde Park Baptist Church in Austin, TX. We had a missionary, from none other than Sub-Saharan Africa, Lonnie Quillen, address the congregation in a manner I will never forget. He was straight forward with his facts, but the sound in his voice made you want to fall down to your knees and not look up! While it was a little scary, I left that meeting KNOWING that God was real, alive and worthy of my highest attention!

In addition to a sober understanding of His Lordship, we reap many ot her benefits from encounters with God’s presence. Scripture tells us that His presence provides protection, wisdom, strength, and joy to those that experience it. One of the most frequent things Trina and I regularly receive is a sense of hope when natural circumstances look bleak.

Psalm 42:5 NASB

Why are you in despair, O my soul? And why have you become disturbed within me? Hope in God, for I shall again praise Him For the help of His presence.

Though it cannot always be described accurately in earthly terms, there is no substitute for it in our lives! His presence ALWAYS changes us for good and should be an esteemed part of every Christian’s life.

In February, Trina and I were the principle speakers at a crusade in the “red light” district of Durban. Point Road, the location of the meetings, is a scary place that has been infamous for crime, drugs and prostitution for more than fifty years. Despite the obvious darkness in and around the area of our gatherings, GOD CONSISTENTLY SHINED THE LIGHT OF HIS PRESENCE in the services. Nearly everyone in attendance was convicted, encouraged and even shocked by The Lord showing up and clearly indicating that NO DARKNESS IS TOO GREAT FOR HIM TO OVERCOME! Both young and old came discouraged, lost and desperate BUT left knowing Christ and the hope that only He can bring!

We believe that the Lord wants a larger revival in the Point Road Area of Durban. Help us to be the light God wants us to be by praying that we further proclaim the Gospel of Jesus in downtown Durban. His presence is already changing people here and we want many more to repent and be saved!