“The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace.”
Numbers 6: 24-26  NIV

Numbers 6:22 - 27

Sometimes thought of as the Lord’s Prayer of the Old Testament, this famous Aaronic Benediction centers around the theme of blessing. The Lord Himself told Moses who in turn told Aaron and the priests how they should pray a prayer of blessing over the people.

Even though this prayer is over the entire Israelite nation, the pronouns are clearly identified as singular. Think about it. Amidst blessing the entire community, God was wanting to bless the individual. Yes, God cares about the whole, but even more importantly, God cares about you. You are important to Him! You matter to God!

In fact, you matter to God so much that His blessing will keep (preserve) you, extend grace to you, and provide you with peace. This will be fulfilled as He first shines His glory on you and then turns His face toward you. It is a vivid picture of both the favor of God and the affection of God. His favor shines and lights your life, and then He turns your direction because He loves you.

The call to bless is not just an Old Testament theme. Jesus took it to the next level as He challenged His followers to “bless those who curse you and pray for those who mistreat you” (Luke 6:28).So, let’s become people who bless others easily and readily. May the prayers of blessing flow from within a heart and life that walks in His blessing!

But may the righteous be glad and rejoice before God; may they be happy and joyful. 4 Sing to God, sing in praise of his name, extol him who rides on the clouds; rejoice before him—his name is the Lord.
Psalm 68:3-4  NIV

Psalm 68: 1-6

The God of Israel, who brought his people out of Egyptian bondage will in the end be glorified and worshipped by all. I love how the New Living Translation records v.3, “…let the godly rejoice. Let them be glad in God’s presence…” People may come and go in our lives, but the presence of the Lord is always here for us.

As the people of gladness, we welcome God’s presence and power in our midst. We are grateful for the past, but our hope is in the future. The God who led His people from Sinai, and was with them through the wilderness, and then entered the temple in Jerusalem, is now present within us!

His presence within us and all around us empowers us with a renewed worship and expectation of joy. We are changed in His glory. Wherever God abides, the miraculous takes place. We are humbled in worship as we experience His power, strength, and wisdom. We find purpose for our lives in magnifying the Lord as the God who very present in our time of need.

“The more conscious of God's presence the more I feel like being myself, the less conscious of His presence, the more I feel I need to prove myself.” - R. T. Kendel

So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in Him, rooted and built up in Him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.
Colossians 2:6-7  NIV

Colossians 2:6-15

My wife and I planted an apple tree, with the hopes and aspirations of one day being able to make apple pie. Knowing those dreams would have to wait three years, we planted and waited. After three years of watering and nurturing, we had one tiny apple (that a bird ruined) and a dying tree. We couldn’t understand what was going on. When the tree died, I dug down to the root and found the issue, “Ants!” We watered and nurtured but failed to protect the roots and those little demons killed our tree.

 It’s no secret that the devil doesn’t want you to thrive. When you allow the little issues to remain buried, they will destroy your life. In Colossians 2:6–7, Paul tells us to continually live your life rooted in Jesus, allowing Him to build you up, strengthened in the faith that is established in Him, and completing the maturing process with an overflowing harvest of thankfulness.

What little issues are keeping you from thriving in Jesus? Surrender them to Him, continue to be rooted in His Word and presence, and you will thrive.

Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence?
Psalm 139:7  NIV

Psalm 139:1-12

Have you ever found yourself late in the night worrying about your next steps? We are living in very strange and difficult times that many find produces great stress. The toll of this stress can result in a sense of loneliness, feelings of self-doubt, and even fear. It also doesn’t help when we feel like no one else could ever know what we are facing or feeling.

This Psalm reminds us that we are personally known by the Creator of all things. It is a song of gratitude and thanksgiving that honors God as the omnipresent being that He is. In our times of doubt, through our moments of fear, our feelings of being let down, being deserted, and times where we are led to believe we don’t have what it takes, knowing that God is present is very comforting.

In those dark lonely nights where our minds and hearts play tricks on us, the use of this Psalm as a song of worship will usher us into God’s Presence, allowing us to sit with the One who sees all, knows all, and has unlimited power. David reminds us that we are never alone, and God is always nearby to guide, comfort us, and bring light to our darkened situations.

But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
Isaiah 40:31  NIV

Isaiah 40:28-31

Migrating eagles can travel over 100 miles in a single day. Even more amazing, they can travel such long distances without the need to flap their wings! How is this possible?  Well, when the morning sun breaks over the horizon and heats the ground below, powerful currents of warm air called “thermals” begin ascending toward the sky. Eagles position themselves on these upward currents and effortlessly spiral to higher and higher altitudes by harnessing power that is not their own.

Relying on our own strength to fulfill our responsibilities, meet needs, and minister to others can leave us weak and weary. We feel exhausted mentally, emotionally and spiritually. Yet, in Isaiah 40:31 God offers us a wonderful promise of renewed strength. “Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength, they will soar on wings like eagles”.  When we wait in the warming sun of His presence, He will exchange our weakness for His mighty strength. Our strength may suffice temporarily, but only in the presence of our everlasting God do we experience the power to rise above our inevitable weariness and soar to higher altitudes of hope in the Lord.

Are you feeling weak? Weary? Unable to soar? Stretch out your spiritual wings in the warmth of God’s presence. Catch the rising current of God’s Spirit and begin soaring by His divine power!

You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.
Jeremiah 29:13 NIV

Jeremiah 29:10-14

It has been five years since the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the entire world. Everyone felt the pressure of the time: uncertainty, societal upheaval, tension, and most of all, isolation. It was a post-modern exile, but rather than being forced from our homes by an invading army, we were sent into our homes by an invisible enemy.  It was an especially difficult time for local churches, and especially for those of us that lead in them. When the primary thrust of the church is to gather people together to worship God in community, what do we do when we’re told not to meet together? Regardless of what you, and your church did during this period, one thing is certain: it was not church as usual.

Trying situations can produce clarity, given enough time.  The gift of exile (be it in Babylon, or your living room) is the reminder of a simple promise: God’s presence is as close as your next prayer. Allow the calamity that surrounds you to drive you to this clarity: you need God’s presence.

If everything around you is chaos; you need His presence.
If everything around you is beauty; you need His presence.
Let’s not waste our exile. Let the pressures you are under bring you to your knees, where you can seek God earnestly, knowing that He will be found.

I lift up my eyes to the mountains—where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.
Psalm 121:1-2  NIV

Psalm 121:1-8

As a child, I was often confused by the way words were used interchangeably in church settings. A “mountain” could be a positive experience, a place where God met you but it could also be a “mountain” in your way, a hurdle or obstacle you would plead God to remove. In my adulthood, these metaphors are more easily understood in their dual usage. We know the weight of each: the glorious lifting of one’s soul in personal encounters with God and the dreaded crushing of one’s soul when facing unsurmountable experiences. The truth of this Psalm is true in both these places. There is nowhere we can go without the presence of God. He is our ever-present Help when our mountain needs moving and our ever-present Source as we traverse any mountain.  

David finds himself looking up at the mountain ahead and finding assurance in the Lord, despite the unknowns. We, too, can look up, or better yet, within. There be His Presence: in us, around us, before us, behind us, and with us. The mountain ahead doesn’t have to be intimidating, despite the unknowns. Our help comes from the One who created the heavens and earth, who never sleeps, who knows you by name and has promised to watch over your coming and going. As we ready our hearts for time together in His presence, let’s look and search with intention, recognizing God’s helpful presence on every mountain, through every valley, and in the green pastures.

To him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy - to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen.
Jude 1:24 - 25  NIV

The book of Jude

Kept for His Presence - Jude’s letter warns of false teachers, deception, and the dangers of straying from the faith. His readers may have wondered: Can we truly stand firm until the end? Jude answers with a resounding yes—not because of our strength, but because of God’s ability to keep us. And why does He keep us? Because His presence is already with us. His keeping is not just about securing our future—it is about sustaining us now. He does not leave us to struggle alone; His presence is our refuge. Like a mountain climber tethered to a steady guide, we are kept secure—not just to reach the summit, but for every step of the climb. It is not our grip on Him that sustains us, but His unshakable hold on us.

But we are not merely being preserved—one day, Jesus will present us before God’s glorious presence, not in shame, but with great joy. He will bring us before the Father in the fullness of redemption. His work for us and in us will be complete, and when that day comes, we will stand in His presence—not in failure, but in victory.

Jude’s letter may be full of warnings, but it ends in worship. The final doxology declares that God alone is wise, glorious, and powerful—forever. Though deception and darkness may threaten, they do not win. God reigns, now and always. He holds us, He keeps us, and in Him, we are secure—both now and for eternity.

Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits-who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion.
Psalm 103:2-4  NIV

Psalm 103:1-12

Surgery, open heart, risk, possible death...Upon hearing these words, my mind quickly became crowded with fear, confusion, and a sense of regret for the time wasted. How could a routine checkup turn into the scariest moment my family faced? I looked at my dad and I could see those same fears and uncertainty staring back at us. Trusting God, the six-hour surgery went ahead as planned. Every minute that passed, prayer increased our faith. Every hour that passed, my lungs gasped for air as my soul regained hope. Suddenly, my pastor gathered us all in the hospital lobby and prayed. Mid-prayer, we received the phone call that his heart successfully restarted and the doctors would now conclude the surgery. The nurse ended the call by saying, “Your dad is going to be okay.” In that moment, relief and gratitude filled our hearts.

God made it clear to us that His goodness and faithfulness doesn’t stop because the circumstances around us seem dark and hopeless. As you are reading this, do not allow a moment of uncertainty to cloud your memory of everything God has done for you. Know that God sees your struggles, He hears your cries, and He knows the burdens you carry.

Remember to praise Him and trust that His love, goodness, and faithfulness crown you – even when everything else points otherwise!

Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.
Colossians 3:1-4  NIV

In the verses that immediately precede Colossians 3:1-4, Paul instructs his readers to avoid a spirituality that focuses on human philosophy or formalistic religiosity (2:20-23). In the verses that follow (3:5-17), Paul elaborates upon the lifestyle an authentic Christian spirituality will produce.

Colossians 3:1-4 tells us that critical to the radical transformation Christian disciples will experience when Christ returns, is an ongoing engagement in a mystical-experiential communion with him here and now! Thus, at the heart of Christian spirituality should be a perpetual pursuit of Christ’s empowering presence. Such a spirituality makes possible an ongoing mentoring relationship with the risen Jesus that will dramatically affect who and how we are in the world!  

Aware of this spiritual reality, British churchman and theologian Leslie Weatherhead admonished fellow ministers thusly:
 There is no greater need in our time than that those who teach religion should concern themselves, not with tightening up the machinery, developing organization, or arranging more meetings; but rather to make Jesus real to men [and women]; to invite them into that transforming fellowship which cannot be proved save by personal experience, but which, when realized, brings men [and women] that glorious exhilaration, that sense of ineffable peace, and that escape from all bondage which are promised in the New Testament.

We can do this! With the help of the Holy Spirit we can, every day, experience the empowering presence of the risen Christ and encourage others to do the same!

As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God.  My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God?
Psalm 42:1-2  NIV

Psalm 42:3-11

Let’s be honest, we have all gone through deep trials where we feel alone; not a friend to count on, a shoulder to lean on or to share our deepest fears with.  We pray and cry out before God, but we still feel empty inside. It appears that nothing has changed. As I reflect on Psalm 42, the Psalmist cried out day and night and poured out his soul before God.  He felt downcast and disturbed; in deep lament, agony and oppressed by his enemies so much so, that he felt alone in the wilderness. Not only were his enemies saying, “Where is your God?”, but in his deep depression he asks the question: God, “Why have you forgotten me?”

In the deepest sorrow of our pain, if the questions haven’t changed, neither has the answers! The key to overcome depression and the biggest trials of life are found in Psalm 42. In spite of his feelings and present conditions, his thirsty soul for the Living God made him cry out with deep groans. He went through a season of not feeling the presence of God and now he was ready to place his hope in God.  To shout, to praise, to be joyful, and to give thanksgiving to the God that loves him and sings over him even in the moments of deep despair.

Rejoice always, pray continually,  give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NIV

1 Thessalonians 5:12-24

God’s Word shows us how to handle all of life’s situations, even when they are difficult and/or unsolicited. I Thessalonians 5:16 tells us to “Rejoice always.” Scripture tells us that “the joy of the Lord is our strength.” So no matter what we face, we can rejoice in all that Jesus has done for us. But if we’re honest with ourselves, sometimes we just don’t want to be joyful. We want to wallow in our circumstances. Even then, we need to choose to be joyful. I Thessalonians 5:17 encourages us to “pray continually.” I’m so grateful that we can take anything and everything to God in prayer! His grace and mercy are always available to us. There is nothing that surprises Him or is too big or small to lay at His feet. The more we pray, the more we can walk in His peace and presence.

I Thessalonians 5:18 admonishes us to “give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” What a blessing it is that the verse doesn’t say to give thanks for all circumstances! But in all circumstances, there’s always something to be thankful for! Some days it may just be that you wake up in the morning and have breath in your lungs. And that’s ok! Life is great and life is hard, but we can choose to be thankful even in the smallest things. Just as we need to choose to live for Jesus every day, we need to be intentional with our thoughts and actions.

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.
Psalm 46:1  NIV

Psalm 46:1-7

God-confidence isn’t self-help; it’s not circumstantial. It’s resolve refined when life isn’t going well. Even when the ground underneath you moves, you’re solid because you know the One ruling what’s happening as the One who created the ground. This is the buoyant shout of Psalm 46: Place your confidence in God, for He is your ever-present helper!

Our Circumstances. Life is tough—both the natural and the supernatural. The earth will move, the mountains will fall, the waters will roar, and the mountains will quake and surge. Have you experienced the earth shifting beneath you?

God’s Name. When life is shaky, put your confidence in God’s Name, His identity. The psalmist calls Him our Refuge, Strength, Ever-Present Help, the Most High, Lord Almighty, God of Jacob and our Fortress.

God’s Actions. God provides refuge (our defense) and strength (our offense). God helps you in troubled times. He is with you, rescuing you at the break of day. You don’t have the appropriate strength to help yourself. You might think you do, but God is your only ever-present helper. Not never-present, seldom-present, or sometimes-present!  He’s ever-present, implying He was, is, and will be. Therefore we will not fear! When you know the Creator, you don’t fear creation. So, don’t place your confidence in anything created by the Creator, including you. Place your confidence in Him alone!

Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me.
Psalm 51:10-11  NIV

Psalm 51:7-12 NIV

The other day we lost power in our home. Suddenly, the television, Internet, and even my electric guitar weren’t options. My world felt very small. I was disconnected from power. I take electricity for granted.  We may do the same with the presence of the Holy Spirit, taking His presence for granted until we feel disconnected. David had sinned horribly, committing adultery with Bathsheba and ordering her husband’s death. The man who wrote Psalms full of deep connection with God had failed, building a wall of separation between him and God’s presence. For months David remained blocked from God’s fullness until this prayer of repentance flowed from the depths of his soul. It’s clear that he had indeed felt a lack of the Spirit’s presence because of his plea “Do not cast me away from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me.” No doubt, through his
contrition, the electric presence of the Spirit flowed again empowering his life. Let’s stay sensitive to the flow of the presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives by discerning the things that we do to build walls between us and God. Let’s live lives of repentance, humility, and holiness. In the spirit of David’s prayer in v.12, let the joy of the presence of the Lord sustain you at all times.

Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.
2 Corinthians 3:17 NIV

2 Corinthians 3:12-18

Have you ever seen a full moon? Of course you have! Fun fact: The moon doesn't create its own light; it only reflects the light of the sun. On a clear night, under the full moon in the Mojave Desert (which I call home), you could easily walk around without a flashlight. It's quite a sight; you see the shadows of the rocky hills, and even the spiky branches of the desert native Joshua tree. It's not quite like seeing it in the day with full color, but it's impressive given that it is at night, when you would normally not expect to see anything at all.
 
In today's reading, Paul contrasts the Old Covenant through Moses and the New Covenant through Christ. He describes how the Mosaic Covenant created something of a barrier and reservation in their approach to God, they were told to keep their distance from the mountain, and that there would be continual sacrifices for sin, a foreshadowing of what was ahead.
                 
But in Christ, and His Holy Spirit living in us, we have freedom. A freedom that lets us know God's presence better than the Israelites ever experienced.  And His presence, through the spirit, living in us, we more and more reflect the Son.

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
Matthew 11:28  NIV

Matthew 11:25-30

If we are honest with ourselves, we must admit that many aspects of ministry leave us weary. The untimely crisis (Are they ever timely?), administrative responsibilities, the never-ending cycle of weekend services that must be planned for...all of it can leave us worn out. If we’re feeling this way, imagine how the people in our churches feel.

Jesus understands our burdens and weariness. For him, there was always one more miracle that someone needed him to do, one more message to be shared. He invited the disciples to join him in ministry and quickly realized that they, like him, needed rest. He looked for opportunities to get away with them from the crowds, but the crowds always found them.

How do we find rest in Jesus? The same way that he did- by getting alone with the Father. This was Jesus’ answer to weariness. After a night in prayer, he was refreshed.

Burdens lift in God’s presence. While the presence of God can be a collective experience, it is best found in solitude. If your cell phone is nearby, look at the battery icon on your home screen. Whatever percentage of battery life is left, you know that it will be depleted to zero unless you plug it in and charge it. The same is true for us.

The Lord replied, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”  Then Moses said to him, “If your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here.”
Exodus 33:14-15  NIV

Exodus 33

In Exodus 33,  Moses and the Israelites are in the wilderness. The Israelites spent most of their time there complaining and being stubborn. The Lord tells Moses that He may end up destroying them because of this, so He will make a way to give the Israelites exactly what they want, to enter the Promised Land! He would send an angel to drive out the people that inhabited their land. They can finally get out of the wilderness and into the land flowing with milk and honey. This opportunity was more than just an address change, this was the opportunity for a better life. There was however one condition, they could move on but, the Lord would not go with them.

When presented with the opportunity to get what they wanted, the Israelites mourned at the idea that God would not go with them. Moses replied, “If your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here.” Why wouldn’t they go? Because they understood the importance of God’s presence. They chose to stay where they were, rather than getting what they wanted. They knew that even in the discomfort of the wilderness, being in the Lord’s presence was more important than escaping their present situation.

"You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.”
Psalm 16:11   NIV

Psalm 16

Dr George Wood states in ‘A Psalm in Your Heart’, “Psalm 16 shows us what we will feel like when we finally reach inner resolution on our life crises.” David’s life was shadowed with rejection; judgement from family members and personal sin, yet his contrite heart of worship was prized by God.

The Holy Spirit reveals the path of life as we humbly express our need for guidance. During seasons of pain, David chose to treat others with integrity and honor. The writings of a 17th Century monk model closeness with God. Brother Lawrence discovered the joy of God’s presence is available anywhere, anytime.

David prophesies about the Messiah: “because you will not abandon me to the grave, nor will you let your Holy One see decay.” (v.10) Peter preached his Pentecost sermon, referring to Psalm 16 as being fulfilled in the death and resurrection of Christ! (Acts 2:25-28) God’s “right hand” speaks of His strength.

Just like David, our faith is not based on physical circumstances of this life, but on the divine omnipresence of God, who promises pleasures now and forevermore!  Let His Presence be our confidence.

“The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”
Deuteronomy 31:8  NIV

Deuteronomy 31:1-8

After 40 years, the desert was in the rear-view mirror. And as Moses prepared to pass his mantle of leadership to Joshua, he spoke words that would echo through generations: “The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” (Deut. 31:8, NIV). These words were initially for Joshua alone, but they have also inspired all who follow God’s call into unknown places.

God’s presence is not passive, nor is it just in our past; He goes before us. Before we face challenges, He is already there. Before we step into new seasons, He has prepared the way. Like Israel standing on the edge of the Promised Land, we may feel unqualified, uncertain, or even afraid. But the assurance of His presence gives us courage.

At times, it may seem like we are walking into the unknown, but nothing is unknown to God. His presence is not only ahead of us but with us—guiding, strengthening, and sustaining us. As we prepare to gather for this year’s SoCal Network Conference, let us remember: we do not walk alone. The Presence of the Lord is our confidence, our peace, and our power.

Therefore, be strong. Be courageous. The Presence of the Lord goes before you.

When the LORD saw that he had gone over to look, God called to him from within the bush, “Moses! Moses!”  And Moses said, “Here I am.”  “Do not come any closer,” God said. “Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground.”
Exodus 3:4-5   NIV

Exodus 3:1-15

God is holy!  Wherever God dwells, whether it is on Mount Horeb (Mount Sinai) or the Holy of Holies in the Tabernacle and later in the Temple, He transforms that space into a place of holiness.  The powerful presence of God literally changes everything.  Every time.  Every moment.

God stops Moses in his tracks.  He tells him to take off his Nikes and set them aside.  Dirty shoes have no place here.  It wasn’t just the dust; it was what it represented.  That which is filthy cannot, and must not, enter the presence of God.  Moses is learning this firsthand, and so must we.  The filthiness of our sin must be dealt with before we approach our holy God.

Amidst the moment, God gives Moses an assignment to go see Pharoah and lead the people out of Egypt.  Thankfully, the assignment comes with a promise.  God says: “I will be with you.”  It is only five simple words, yet it means everything.  Moses was not going to be alone.  God would be there alongside him.  Let it be a reminder that when God gives an assignment, He is going to go with you.  You won’t be by yourself!

But few things are needed - or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.  Luke 10:42 (NIV)

Luke 10:38-42  NIV

Were the service files loaded? Are all of our children’s ministry volunteers going to show up? What will we do if the streaming goes down during the service… again? Sundays are meant to be a time of gathering together in celebration and exhortation for the body of believers, but for many pastors from the moment their eyes open Sunday morning they are “worried and upset about many things.” We understand Martha, we are Martha.

It was Martha’s responsibility to host the guests in her home. Martha was doing good work, the right work. It wasn’t the work that was wrong, it was how she carried it. Jesus did not say, “you are doing many things”, He said “you are worried and upset about many things”. It was taking up too much head space. It was becoming too important - taking priority over Jesus Himself.

As we prepare our hearts to get away and be with one another - there will be many opportunities to leave the tasks behind while still carrying the tension of the work with us. (More time away = Less time to get things done.) It is understandable, but it is not the way of Jesus for it to consume us. Breathe and refocus your heart on the better thing today as you get to work. His load is light.