Charles F. Stanley - Every Day in His Presence

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2014 by Charles F. Stanley

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Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture quotations are taken from the New American Standard Bible. Copyright 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation, La Habra, Calif. All rights reserved. http://www.lockman.org

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Scripture quotations marked TLB are taken from The Living Bible copyright 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved. The Living Bible, TLB, and the The Living Bible logo are registered trademarks of Tyndale House Publishers.

Scripture quotations marked AMP are taken from the Amplified Bible, Copyright 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission.

ISBN13:978-0-7180-1193-2

ISBN13:978-0-7180-3081-0 (eBook)

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CONTENTS

God said, Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness.... God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him.

GENESIS 1:2627, EMPHASIS ADDED

Have you ever thought about how profoundly God loves you? You could spend a long time considering it and never plumb the depths of how intensely He cares for you. But one thing is surepondering His love will transform your life.

Just think about the fact that the Father made you in His own image. This was a purposeful choiceso important its repeated four times in the biblical account. He created you with unimaginable potential and unquestionable worthwith the ability to experience Him in a deep, intimate relationship. In fact, He wants to pour His life into you and work through you in astounding, eternal ways. His desire is that when people see you, they are reminded of Him (Matthew 5:16).

So no matter how you feel about yourself, embrace the truth: God loves you, longs to shower His goodness upon you, and calls you His own (Isaiah 43:1).

Lord, thank You for loving me. Help me know You better and understand what it means to reflect Your likeness, amen.

In His presence... realize He formed you with profound love.

My God; I shall seek You earnestly; my soul thirsts for You.... Your lovingkindness is better than life.

PSALM 63:1, 3

Do you ever wish someone understood, appreciated, respected, and loved you for who you are? This is because you were built for intimacya close, deeply satisfying relationship that empowers, edifies, and encourages you to the core.

Unfortunately, sin can prevent you from experiencing the communion you were created for. You may even be seeking comfort or significance from sources that cannot satiate your longingssuch as possessions, prominence, or addictions.

King David, the author of Psalm 63, understood this. He had everything a person could desire, but concluded that the only One who could genuinely satisfy his soul was God.

The same is true for you. The Father created you in His image so you could interact with Him in a profoundly meaningful way that would fulfill your deepest longings. And its as He reveals Himself to you that you discover sincere contentment, the reason for your existence, and hope for your future.

Father, thank You for understanding and loving me for who I am, amen.

In His presence... enjoy being fully known.

If the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.

JOHN 8:36 NKJV

On a trip to the High Sierra mountain range in California, something hit me: the pack animals that carried our gear had no way of freeing themselves from the burdens on their backs. Unable to reach their heavy loads, they depended on others to remove them.

This is also true of us when we bear the weight of our emotional baggage. We cannot lay it down on our own; nor does it disappear over time. Rather, true freedom is possible only through Jesus. Why? Because we cannot reach our burdens and often dont understand how deep they go. But Jesus does. And He knows the perfect way to heal us completely.

Friend, no person lives free of all problems, hurdles, or pain. However, the Lord will not only protect you from lasting harm but can use difficulties to equip, prepare, and strengthen you for the next stage in your life.

Therefore, ask Jesus to lead you and relieve your burdens. He will set you free to become all God wants You to be.

Lord, I cannot reach my emotional burdens, but You can. Thank You for liberating me from them and using them to make me whole, amen.

In His presence... release your burdens.

In Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.

JOHN 16:33

Are you living in the continual joy and victory of your personal relationship with Jesus? Are you conscious of His hand in every detail of your life?

Understand, this question doesnt assume youre free from challenges. On the contrary, the Father wants you to experience His comfort and assurance even in the midst of your troubles. You do so by being conscious of His presence with you and realizing that Hes using your circumstances to deepen your relationship with Him.

This is possible even when you face the worst adversity because God promises to deliver You in His way and time (Acts 16:1634). Whether or not you receive His comfort depends on how deeply you trust His character and how surrendered you are to His will.

Friend, let go and believe Him. In the midst of trials, voice your gratitude that God is with you and will provide a way for you. Surely His joy and victory wont be far behind (Psalm 126:6).

Lord, sometimes I just dont feel triumphant, but I am grateful Youre with me every step of the way. Thank You for helping me, amen.

In His presence... overcome your circumstances.

Dont be afraid, for I am with you. Dont be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.

ISAIAH 41:10 NLT

Many people who think they have faith in God are actually dominated by fears and doubtsoverwhelmed by the circumstances of their lives. Are you? What is it that makes you anxious today? Is there something you fear youll never achieve or receive?