"I am with you always, even unto the end of the world." Matthew 28:20 

DEVOTION

Do you remember your first few jobs? 

I worked so many random jobs in high school and college. That was two decades ago. I worked in a car wash, as a valet, as a hospital food delivery guy, in cell phone sales in Colorado, etc. One summer, I worked as a dishwasher at a delicious Italian restaurant in the Village called Papa Dios. I got to see all the behind-the-scenes action of the chefs and kitchen staff. I got to taste some amazing food! 

If you know me, you know I'm a foodie and enjoy cooking. Over time, the job of washing dishes became very mundane and a bit boring. That summer, a pastor had me read, Practicing the Presence of God by Brother Lawerence. Brother Lawrence (c. 1611–1691) was a lay monk who served as cook in the monastery in Paris, France. 

At first, I didn't understand what prompted him to give me this book–then I read it. This book was about a monk who was a cook and wrote about how he found God in the ordinary everyday practices and experiences in life. 

“The most holy and important practice in the spiritual life is the presence of God–that is, every moment to take great pleasure that God is with you.” - Brother Lawrence 

This shifted my mindset: I was just seeing God in my life one hour a week on Sunday and missing him the remaining 167 hours in a week. It didn't matter my position, possessions, or where I was in the hierarchy of an organization. It wasn't about segmenting my life into compartments of work, fun, family, and then God; I could choose to look to see God and honor him in everything I do. 

Early in Genesis, we see God with Adam and Eve in the Garden. We see a beautiful picture of the Kingdom of God on earth as it is in Heaven. When sin entered the world, all that changed. 

Over time, God’s people built a tent, which became a temple—a place God’s presence would uniquely reside called the Holy of Holies. Only a High Priest could enter during a certain time a year on the Day of Atonement bringing a sacrificial lamb. Fast forward: God sent Jesus into the world, died for our sins as the ultimate sacrifice, the veil was torn, and Jesus resurrected three days later, overcoming death to bring life to all of humanity. God then imparted his Holy Spirit, leaving his presence in us. We no longer compartmentalize God's presence to only certain places at certain times; now, every person has direct access to God. 

To further remind us, the Apostle Paul writes a letter to the Church of Corinth. He uses strong language how we see ourselves vertically with God and horizontally toward others. 

“For we are co-workers in God’s service; you are God’s field, God’s building.”‭‭ 1 Corinthians‬ ‭3:9‬ ‭

“Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in your midst?” ‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭3:16‬ ‭

Now, a new paradigm has arrived: our bodies are a walking temple of the Holy Spirit. As we have been in this series, The Next Right Thing, I'm reminded that as followers of Jesus, listening to the voice of the Holy Spirit in our daily lives will help us do the right thing in all circumstances. His presence is with us always. 

Jesus' words in Matthew 28:20 says, "I am with you always, even unto the end of the world." 

You might be struggling to see God's presence during your 168 hours a week. God works in all things at all times in all circumstances whatever it may be. He is a holy God with a complete love that invades our very being through Christ. 

God longs for his life to invade your life. It starts with a paradigm shift that God cares about your 168 hours–whatever you are doing to fill it. You are his temple with his presence alive in you. His Spirit guides you, comforts, and counsels you! 

John 14:26 says, “But the Comforter (Counselor, Helper, Intercessor, Advocate, Strengthener, Standby), the Holy Spirit, Whom the Father will send in My name [in My place, to represent Me and act on My behalf], He will teach you all things. And He will cause you to recall (will remind you of, bring to your remembrance) everything I have told you.”

‭God isn't just present on Sunday at church. He has sent his presence through his followers to experience his presence every single day in every moment. His presence is right with you as you are raising kids, navigating ethical decisions at work, being a good neighbor, in retirement or just simply living through your ordinary everyday routines. As the Father has sent Jesus, he is sending us into our world for his purposes. 

Where is God reminding you to see his presence to do the right next thing? How are you seeing God's presence in your everyday life? Where is he asking you to go? 

PRAYER

Jesus, you are enough. May your presence guide me to do the right thing in all things. Help me to see your presence everyday. May your presence empower me to walk faithfully in the ordinary and see the beauty in your presence in whatever I do. Amen. 

Scott Bartlow

Campus Expansion Pastor

sbartlow@crossings.church

RESOURCES

• Colossians 3 & 1 Corinthians 3 
• Practicing the Presence of God 
• Sermon: "Two Crucial Things”