In His Presence - Tuesday Praise & Pray (for others) April 24, 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