What steps can we take to ensure God's presence remains in our lives? Glory on the Move: Ezekiel’s Warning and Invitation “Then the glory of the LORD rose from above the cherubim and moved to the threshold of the temple, and the temple was filled with the cloud, and the court was filled with the brightness of the glory of the LORD.” (Ezekiel 10:4) God’s glory literally shifted position in the temple courts—an unmistakable sign that He was preparing to depart. The scene offers a sober reminder that His manifest presence is never to be taken for granted. Why the Glory Lifted • Persistent idolatry (Ezekiel 8) • Corrupted worship and leadership (Ezekiel 9:7) • Hardened hearts that refused repentance (Ezekiel 11:1–12) When these conditions dominate, God’s glory rises, pauses, and finally departs. The same spiritual patterns still jeopardize our experience of His nearness today. Keeping the Presence Close: Practical Steps 1. Pursue obedient love • “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word. My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him.” (John 14:23) 2. Guard holiness in thought and action • “Be holy, because I am holy.” (1 Peter 1:16) • Regularly examine life choices, entertainment, speech, and relationships. 3. Host the Spirit with reverence • “Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit…?” (1 Corinthians 6:19) • Reject anything that grieves Him (Ephesians 4:30). 4. Practice swift repentance • “Cast me not away from Your presence; take not Your Holy Spirit from me.” (Psalm 51:11) • Keep short accounts with God—confess and turn the moment sin is recognized. 5. Anchor daily in Scripture • “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” (Psalm 119:105) • Read, meditate, and obey; Scripture keeps our spiritual vision clear. 6. Worship in spirit and truth • “God is Spirit, and His worshipers must worship Him in spirit and in truth.” (John 4:24) • Cultivate heartfelt, Scripture-shaped praise rather than mere routine. 7. Stay in committed fellowship • “Let us not neglect meeting together… but let us encourage one another.” (Hebrews 10:24-25) • Corporate worship and mutual accountability reinforce God-centered living. 8. Serve others sacrificially • “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of Mine, you did for Me.” (Matthew 25:40) • His presence rests on hands and hearts that bless the needy. 9. Seek His face continually • “If My people… humble themselves, pray, and seek My face… I will hear from heaven.” (2 Chronicles 7:14) • Persistent prayer keeps the heart aligned with His glory. Living the Habitual Awareness of His Glory The glory that once filled Solomon’s temple now indwells believers through the Holy Spirit. Nurture that indwelling by choosing obedience, purity, worship, fellowship, service, and ceaseless prayer. As we honor Him, the radiant cloud that rose in Ezekiel’s vision will, instead of departing, settle ever more deeply over our lives. |
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