How can we ensure God's presence remains in our lives today? When Glory Lifts: Ezekiel 9:3 in Focus “Then the glory of the God of Israel rose from above the cherubim where it had been, and moved to the threshold of the temple. And He called to the man clothed in linen who had the writing kit at his side;” (Ezekiel 9:3) God’s visible glory moved toward the temple’s door, poised to depart. The moment warns that His manifest presence is never to be presumed upon; holiness matters. New-Covenant Assurance—Christ Dwelling Within • John 1:14 — “The Word became flesh and tabernacled among us.” • Matthew 28:20 — “I am with you always, to the end of the age.” • 1 Corinthians 6:19 — “Your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit.” Christ’s sacrifice and the indwelling Spirit give believers a better, abiding presence—yet the Ezekiel warning still applies: unrepentant sin can cloud fellowship with God. Guarding the Temple of Our Hearts 1. Repent Quickly • Psalm 51:11 — “Do not cast me away from Your presence.” • Ongoing confession keeps the inner sanctuary clean. 2. Walk in Obedience • John 14:21 — “He who has My commandments and keeps them… I will manifest Myself to him.” 3. Honor His Holiness • 1 Peter 1:16 — “Be holy, for I am holy.” 4. Cultivate Reverent Worship • Psalm 22:3 — He is “enthroned on the praises of Israel.” Heartfelt praise invites His nearness. Daily Practices That Welcome His Presence • Word Saturation — Read, meditate, and memorize Scripture (Joshua 1:8). • Prayerful Communion — “Pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17). • Fellowship & Accountability — Gather with believers (Hebrews 10:24-25). • Spirit-Led Service — Use gifts to build up others (1 Peter 4:10-11). • Gratitude & Joy — “Enter His gates with thanksgiving” (Psalm 100:4). Warnings Against Grieving the Spirit • Ephesians 4:30 — “Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God.” – Bitterness, impurity, and deceit push back the sense of His nearness. • 1 Thessalonians 5:19 — “Do not quench the Spirit.” – Resisting His promptings diminishes awareness of His presence. Encouraging One Another in His Presence • Speak truth in love (Ephesians 4:15). • Share testimonies of answered prayer (Psalm 66:16). • Bear one another’s burdens (Galatians 6:2). Corporate encouragement keeps the lamp of His presence burning brightly among His people. Living Carriers of His Glory Because His glory once hovered at the temple door, we deliberately host Him now: turning from sin, treasuring His Word, yielding to His Spirit. As we do, the promise stands—“The LORD replied, ‘My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest’” (Exodus 33:14). |
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