"Entering His Presence"
5 daily devotionals from Pastor Dan Zirkle’s Sermon
Day 1: “The Reality of God's Presence”
When we talk about God's presence, we're not discussing some abstract spiritual concept. We're talking about a real relationship with the living God who desires to be intimately involved in our lives. Many of us have settled for a distant awareness of God rather than the close fellowship He intended. Think about your closest relationships. They require time, attention, and intentional connection. Our relationship with God works the same way. If we only acknowledge Him on Sundays or during crises, we'll never experience the depth of intimacy He offers. The truth is that God isn't distant or angry with you. He's not waiting for you to clean up your act before you can approach Him. Through Jesus, we have direct access to the Father. We can boldly enter His presence, confident in His love for us. Today, consider how you view God. Is He a theological concept or a living presence in your daily life? Are you spending more time dwelling on your shortcomings or basking in His love? The path to transformation begins with simply showing up in His presence, just as you are.
Day 2: “Alive to God”
Have you ever considered what it means to be "alive to God"? It's a profound spiritual reality that many of us fail to fully grasp. When we accepted Christ, something miraculous happened—our spirits became connected to God in a living, dynamic relationship. This isn't just positive thinking or religious sentiment. It's the foundation of our faith. Your spirit is just as much in contact with the spiritual realm as your physical body is with the physical world around you. This connection is real, active, and always available. The challenge is that we often don't live from this reality. We allow our feelings, circumstances, and distractions to convince us that God is distant. But the truth remains unchanged: in Christ, you are alive to God. Today, practice acknowledging this reality regardless of how you feel. Speak it out loud: "I am alive to God through Christ Jesus." Set your mind on things above, not on earthly troubles. As you cultivate awareness of this spiritual connection, you'll begin to experience more of God's presence in your everyday life.
Day 3: “Entering His Presence”
How do we actually enter God's presence? It's not about a physical location or a particular emotional experience. It's about turning our attention toward the One who is already with us. Praying Scripture is one powerful way to connect with God. This isn't studying the Bible for information—it's using His Word as a doorway to fellowship. When you read slowly, pausing to meditate on phrases and allowing the Holy Spirit to speak through the words, Scripture becomes a living conversation. Another approach is simply beholding the Lord—quieting your mind to focus solely on Him. This means turning your attention inward to your spirit where He dwells. It's about being with Him rather than doing something for Him. The greatest obstacle to experiencing God's presence is distraction. Our minds wander, our phones buzz, and our to-do lists call for attention. Yet with practice, we can learn to gently bring our focus back to Him again and again. Remember, you have a right to be in God's presence through the blood of Jesus. You don't need to earn this privilege—it's yours by grace. Today, set aside even five minutes to intentionally enter His presence.
Transformation doesn't come through willpower or religious effort. It comes through encountering God's presence. When we spend time with Him, something profound happens—we begin to reflect His character. This is the beauty of 2 Corinthians 3:18. As we behold the Lord, we are gradually changed into His image. Every divine encounter leaves an impression on our souls, engraving His nature upon us. This isn't about trying harder to be good; it's about being with the One who is good until His goodness becomes part of who we are. The fruits of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control—aren't produced by our determination. They're the natural byproducts of His presence working in us. Just as you can't help but smell like smoke after sitting by a fire, you can't help but reflect God's character when you spend time in His presence. Today, release the pressure to change yourself. Instead, focus on being with God. Make room for His presence, and trust that transformation will follow naturally as you behold Him.
Day 4: “Transformed by His Presence”
Day 5: “Living from His Presence”
God's presence isn't meant to be a momentary spiritual experience—it's meant to be the source from which we live our entire lives. When we cultivate regular time with God, we become increasingly aware of His voice and leading throughout our day. Many of us try to hear God's direction during crises or difficult decisions, but we've spent little time developing our spiritual ears in the quiet moments of communion with Him. It's in those intimate times of fellowship that we learn to recognize His voice, His promptings, and His heart. When you spend consistent time in God's presence, you'll find yourself carrying that awareness into every situation. Decisions become clearer. Relationships improve. Anxieties diminish. You begin to see circumstances through His eyes rather than your limited perspective. The beautiful truth is that God isn't mad at you. When you spend time with Him, you experience His love, joy, peace, and confidence—not guilt and shame. His presence reminds you of who you truly are in Christ and empowers you to live from that identity. Today, commit to making His presence your priority and the foundation from which you approach everything else in life.