In His Presence - Tuesday Praise & Pray (for others) April 21, 2026

When Jesus showed up, people came running. The woman with the issue braved custom to touch the hem of His garment to get healing. The Centurion ignored his rank to get help for his servant. Zacchaeus set aside his wealth and the fact that he was disliked to climb a sycamore tree so he could see Jesus. Jairus didn't care that he was a religious leader. When his daughter was sick, he went and got Jesus. Each of these individuals put their faith to work and did what was necessary to get into Christ's presence. And when they did, they reaped the reward. Their problem was miraculously solved.

How many of us Believers are doing everything possible to place ourselves in the presence of the Savior? Are we being intentional in spending time with Him and bringing our issues to Him? Do we approach Him in a 'fly by' manner, being stingy with our time and attention? Or do we make time to spend with Him so He can help us look more like our Maker, the way Moses did as He basked in God's presence?

When Jesus was in the Bethsaida region, the people rushed out to find Him (Mark 6:33). John 6:12 - A huge crowd kept following him wherever he went, because they saw his miraculous signs as he healed the sick (NLT). At some point, Jesus took His disciples on a boat so they could eat and get rest. Still, the people watched from the shore and ran ahead to wait for Him where He eventually docked.

Praise God, those who chased Him down weren't disappointed. He'd observed that they were like sheep without a shepherd, so he had compassion and taught about God and His word. When the disciples worried that those gathered needed food, He praised the Lord, and a multiplication miracle happened, feeding over 5000. These people were intentional, and in Christ's presence, they received spiritual and physical bread. Their faith in God was strengthened, and to this day, their experience continues to bless Christians.

God wants that for each of us. He wants us to be transformed by our encounters with His Son. He wants us to desire to spend time with Jesus so we also get into His presence and be blessed. Time with Jesus brings peace and helps us lead a quieter life, which is much needed in our chaotic world. It also lessens anxiety and fear, helping us to increasingly agree with God. Clearing our schedules to worship with praise and thanks offering can bring us directly into the Lord's courts per the Psalm 100:4 protocol.  

Scriptural fasting quiets our flesh and connects us to God and the Savior. This also helps us hear the Holy Spirit. Plus, as we study God's word, room is made for Jesus to visit with us. The additional benefit is that we learn how to pray effectively and live righteously. The more time we spend with Jesus, the more we learn how to master sin, submitting to it less and less, just as the Lord instructed in Genesis 4:7. Further, we receive deliverance from the strongholds keeping us bound and experience breakthroughs in areas we once thought impossible.

Nobody who has encountered Jesus was left the same. Even if they stubbornly chose to be stiff-necked and didn't let that meeting change them. The Pharisees of Christ's time did this - they knew of the miracles He performed, but rejected Him because of jealousy and pride. That shall not be our portion because we have tasted and seen that the Lord is good and there's no turning back. We will march forward to enjoy His presence by making time for Him. The Lord will help us as we choose to be intentional, IJN, Amen.

As you await fellowship at Noon EST, consider reading the Altar Call below and the following previous P&P messages:

1. Praise instead of pray

2. How do you love?

3. Give Generously

4. Praise God That You Bear His Name

5. Stop Living Like A Pagan

6. How To Approach God

7. Unserious Christians

8. Pray, Don't Rant

9. God's Word, His Plan & Spirit

10. Ask, Don't 'Tell' With God

11. Don't Be Wasteful

12. Topic: Compassion

13. ​Topic: Dear Christians

14. Topic: Faith At Work Series

15. Topic: God's Rewards

16. Topic: Praise

17. Topic: Thanks

The Day Of Trouble - Friday Praise & Pray (for others) April 17, 2026

All over the Bible is mention of the day of trouble. Depending on the version or translation, you might also see a reference to the day of affliction, distress, doom, or evil. No matter the words used, the day in question is one most would prefer to avoid. Unfortunately, that day will come for everyone. It can be a moment or a period of great devastation for a person or a group. Nevertheless, one thing is certain. Although it will be a bad day for many, the children of God will be rescued and experience His grace and great help.

The Lord sent several prophets to the Israelites of old to beg them to turn from their sinful ways. Alas, the Northern Kingdom of Israel continued to serve false gods for 390 years while the Southern Kingdom also committed spiritual adultery for 90 years. The result was that the Assyrians carted off the people of the Northern kingdom into captivity, while the Southern nation later fell to Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon.

That day is well documented in the Bible, and it was full of devastation. Many were killed, and the great Temple was destroyed. Judah's king watched his sons be murdered, then his eyes were plucked out, and he was bound in brass before being marched all the way to Babylon.

While this was a terrible day, some were spared the worst of it. Prophet Jeremiah, for instance, was released by Nebuchadnezzar's war commander, who told him he could go to Babylon, where he would be cared for, or he could go wherever he liked. On a day of distress and destruction, God's servant experienced grace and freedom. This was in line with a promise the Lord gave him at the start of his ministry. Jeremiah 1:19 - They will fight against you but will not overcome you, for I am with you and will rescue you,” declares the Lord.

Just as the Lord kept His promise to the prophet, He will keep His promise to those who belong to Him. We are told in Psalm 50:14-15 - Sacrifice thank offerings to God, fulfill your vows to the Most High, /and call on me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor me.” Clearly, a believer who offers thanks and praises to the Lord can 'dial' His rescue-service line and expect deliverance. Similarly, we are told in Nahum 1:7 - The LORD is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him. His people who practice unwavering trust, and not doubt, can expect miraculous protection on the day of trouble.

God wants us to know that His grace is sufficient and He is more than able to help us in times of trouble. The key is to start walking in submission to Him now. Jesus said in Matthew 11:28 - Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. He wants us to replace our troubles with Him. Matthew 11:30 - For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” If you have not given your life to Jesus, then it is time to understand what that means and take hold of the grace it provides. If you chose Jesus but have not yielded every part of your life to Him, then now is the time. If you don't know how, ask God to help you. He desires to.

This is the first step toward becoming a person who truly belongs to the Lord. He takes responsibility for His children, so it is imperative to do the things that qualify us to be His own. When we live this way, we can be assured that our Helper and Rescuer will save us from disaster. It is akin to purchasing insurance for a 'rainy' day, except that with God, there is no question that the insurance company will honor the claim. The courts of heaven will always back up those whose names are written in the scrolls. On the day of trouble, God will move (Malachi 3:17-18).

Some might wonder if God would save them from a difficulty of their own making. They may believe their sin has gone too far and they won't be worthy of rescue. However, Psalm 107 teaches that God will even rescue those who have created their own problems. All they need to do is cry out to Him. After all, He sent Jesus to die for each of us long before we knew we would need to be restored unto the Lord. He wasn't waiting for our perfection then, and He isn't waiting for it now. If you are in any form of trouble and need relief, call on God for rescue. It isn't too late, and my life is living proof of this.

And remember that now is the time to start walking in the fear of the Lord. Live a life that reflects the change that grace brings by choosing righteousness each day. Study the Bible and do what it says. Express God's love to yourself and others. Practice compassion and patience with people. 'Kill' your flesh, fight sinful desires, and cooperate with God's Spirit. Flee from sin and allow the Lord to have His way with you. Fast and pray. Not just for yourself and your loved ones, but also for other people.

These things seem like a long checklist, but the Holy Spirit is tasked with helping us grow in the Lord, so we increasingly do what pleases Him. As this happens, none of these godly lifestyle choices will feel like a burden because they will become second nature. The key is to make intentional choices now because the day of trouble is coming. Some of us have been through several such moments and can testify that having God's merciful hand upon us made the difference. These are the people who endured the fire walk with Jesus by their side and came out without signs of burns or smoke. They didn't look like what they'd been through.

Ask yourself, do you want to be well-positioned to weather the storms of life when they come? Or do you prefer to be caught unaware? That storm is the day of trouble, and God wants you to navigate it in victory. The only way to accomplish that is with His help. Let Him be your anchor. The choice is yours, and if you opt to do things God's way, you will be spared. His angels will lift you on that day so you do not strike a stone (Psalm 91:12). This is the insurance we all need for the day of trouble.

As you await fellowship at Noon EST, consider reading the Altar Call below and the following previous P&P messages:

1. Hear, Accept, Obey (Jeremiah)

2. Requirements to Receive

3. You are being built for the Lord

4. The Well

5. Pay your 'taxes'

6. Give God What He Wants To Get What You Want

7. Keep Your Eyes on Jesus

8. Spiritual Adultery

9. Spiritual Adultery: Consequences

10. Starve satan

11. Is Your Name Written In Heaven?

12. God Helps Those Who Help Themselves?

13. Are You Truly A Christian?

14. Topic: Fear of the Lord

15. Topic: God is responsible for you

16. Topic: Sin

Topic: King Nebuchadnezzar

1. God Gives Us A Way Out

2. God will Defend You

3. The Most Valuable Gift

4. Intercessors: Daniel

5. Fear The Lord: Blessings

6. Careful how you treat Israel

7. Want a promise from God?

8. Don't Break Faith With God: The Fire Walk

9. Embracing the Five-Fold Ministry: Unlocking Personal Benefits of Serving God

10. God's Witnesses

11. The Threshing Tool

12. God Stirs Up The Spirit

13. Having The Ear of God

14. True Wisdom Is Godly Wisdom

15. Reject Pride