What steps can we take to be more aware of Jesus' presence? Jesus Draws Near Luke 24:15: “And as they talked and deliberated, Jesus Himself came up and walked along with them.” • Jesus literally stepped into an ordinary conversation on an ordinary road. • His nearness is a present reality, not a memory; He still walks with believers today (Matthew 28:20). Slow the Pace and Talk with Him • Purposefully set aside unhurried moments—on a walk, in the car, at the table—to speak with Him about what’s on your mind. • Verbalize your hopes and disappointments exactly as the two disciples did; honest conversation invites His companionship. • Practice Psalm 62:8: “Pour out your hearts before Him; God is our refuge.” Let Scripture Open the Conversation Luke 24:27: “And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, He explained to them what was written in all the Scriptures about Himself.” • Read a portion of Scripture daily, expecting Jesus to reveal Himself. • Keep a notebook for verses that point to His character; review them aloud. • Pray Psalm 119:18: “Open my eyes that I may behold wondrous things out of Your law.” Extend Hospitality to His Presence Luke 24:29: “But they pleaded with Him, ‘Stay with us, for it is nearly evening.’ So He went in to stay with them.” • Create a physical space—maybe a favorite chair or a cleared kitchen table—where you regularly meet with Him. • Invite Him into everyday routines: meal prep, errands, workouts. • Remember Revelation 3:20: “Behold, I stand at the door and knock.” Respond quickly when you sense His nudge to linger. Ask for Eyes to Recognize Him Luke 24:31: “Then their eyes were opened and they recognized Jesus—and He disappeared from their sight.” • Pray specifically for spiritual sight before reading, working, or gathering with others. • Note moments when peace, conviction, or unexpected insight rises—these may be His fingerprints (John 14:26). • Keep a gratitude list; recording evidences of His activity trains you to notice more. Fuel Awareness with Fellowship and Testimony Luke 24:33–35: the two “returned to Jerusalem” and told the Eleven “how Jesus was recognized by them when He broke the bread.” • Share fresh encounters with trusted believers; their stories will sharpen your own vision. • Join a small group or Bible class where Jesus’ work is regularly discussed (Hebrews 10:24–25). • Celebrate communion thoughtfully, remembering the moment He made Himself known “in the breaking of the bread.” Live Anchored in His Unchanging Promise Matthew 28:20: “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Hebrews 13:5: “Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you.” • Memorize these promises and recite them when feelings say otherwise. • Replace anxious self-talk with aloud declarations of His abiding presence (Psalm 46:10). • Let every step, like those on the Emmaus road, become a quiet confidence that the risen Lord still walks beside you. |
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