The Gifts of Presence and Absence

When we claim for ourselves that we come to our friends in the Name of Jesus - that through us Jesus becomes present to them - we can trust that our leaving will also bring them the Spirit of Jesus. Thus, not only our presence but also our absence becomes a gift to others. -- Henri Nouwen

(5) “Now I’m going to the One Who sent Me. Yet, none of you asks Me where I’m going. (6) But because I’ve told you this, you’re filled with sadness. (7) However, I am telling you the truth: It’s good for you that I’m going away. If I don’t go away, the Helper won’t come to you. But if I go, I will send Him to you."
-- Words of Jesus to His Disciples in John 16:5-7 (GWT)

Lord, let us not attempt to become so essential, so necessary in the lives of our family and friends, that they see no need for our leaving which allows The Spirit of Jesus to become more essential and more necessary in their lives. In Jesus' name. Amen.

God's Favor & Unity!
Grateful

Presence

Presence is much more essential than words.

Lord, when I don't know what to say, let me continue to be present in the lives of the hurting so that I might inhale and exhale Your essential Presence in their presence, knowing that these seven words from Colossians 1:27 are wonder-working indeed: "Christ in you (me), the Hope of Glory!" Amen.

IF MY PEOPLE... WILL? I WILL! God's Promise in 2 Chron. 7:14.
Grateful

Clear Vision is Critical!

Proverbs 29:18 (KJV) says:
Where there is no vision, the people perish.

Clear Vision is Critical. Seeing beneath the surface is essential.

Here's a little vision drill.
What message do you immediately see in these fourteen letters?

JESUSISNOWHERE!

(Now, scroll down to the end of the "?" marks...)

?
?
?
?
?
?
?

Did you look at the fourteen letters long enough to see two messages? Don't trust everything you see at first glance. Often we must look deeper if we want to be encouraged.

Regardless of what message you saw immediately, be sure you cling ultimately to the second message listed below:

(1) JESUS IS NO WHERE?
(2) JESUS IS NOW HERE!

It's true, JESUS IS NOW HERE, because The One called Wonderful, JESUS, speaks these encouraging words to us in John 14:18 (NKJV) -- I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you.

Let's embrace with spiritual eyes the evidence that true faith (clear vision) delivers. Hebrews 11:1 defines it: Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. (NKJV)

HE IS HERE! HALLELUJAH! HE IS HERE! AMEN!

Open the eyes of our hearts, Lord. We want to see You.
ALL JOY!
Grateful