In His Presence Radio: Recent Episodes
E.M. Johnson
In His Presence is a weekly devotional program designed to encourage, motivate, and inspire. Listeners are encouraged to share the podcast freely for noncommerical purposes.
Then the Lord opened Balaam’s eyes, and he saw the angel of the Lord standing in the road with his sword drawn. So he bowed low and fell facedown. The angel of the Lord asked him, “Why have you beaten your donkey these three times? I have come here to oppose you because your path is a reckless one before me.[a] The donkey saw me and turned away from me these three times. If it had not turned away, I would certainly have killed you by now, but I would have spared it.” Balaam said to the angel of the Lord, “I have sinned. I did not realize you were standing in the road to oppose me. Now if you are displeased, I will go back. Numbers 22:31-34 (Living Bible).
Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, John 3:14
The children of Israel were being attacked by fiery snakes until they repented and Moses lifted up the bronze snake.
We must all look up to Jesus so that we might be saved.
Then the Lord descended in the Cloud and stood at the entrance of the Tabernacle. “Aaron and Miriam, step forward,” he commanded; and they did. And the Lord said to them, “Even with a prophet, I would communicate by visions and dreams; but that is not how I communicate with my servant Moses. He is completely at home in my house! With him, I speak face-to-face! And he shall see the very form of God! Why then were you not afraid to criticize him?” Number 12:5-8 Living Bible
Moses was a friend to God and spoke to Him face to face. As His children, we must guard our time with God and spend time in prayer and Bible study.
So the Israelites did everything the Lord commanded Moses; that is the way they encamped under their standards, and that is the way they set out, each of them with their clan and family. Numbers 2:34
The family is the building box of society. Families may be biological,., chosen or it may be a church family.. Everyone needs a family. It is where we find strength and encouragement.
Do not come any closer,” God said. “Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground.” 6 Then he said, “I am the God of your father,[a] the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob.” At this, Moses hid his face, because he was afraid to look at God. Exodus 3:5-6 (NIV).
Moses had fled his home and started his life over when he realized that God was using everything in his life, to prepare him for his assignment. God takes note of us even when we think He doesn't see us or remember us..
“Here comes that dreamer!” they said to each other. “Come now, let’s kill him and throw him into one of these cisterns and say that a ferocious animal devoured him. Then we’ll see what comes of his dreams.” Genesis 37: 19-20.
Joseph's dream seemed impossible and yet it came to pass. When God gives us a dream we can be sure the Lord will bring the dream to pass in our lives.
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17 Then Abraham fell upon his face, and laughed, and said in his heart, Shall a child be born unto him that is an hundred years old? and shall Sarah, that is ninety years old, bear? Genesis 17:17 (KJV)
When God makes a promise we can depend on it no matter how long it takes. Abraham and Sarah waited years for their son, Isaac but God kept his Word. He will also keep His Word to us. . God has spoken destiny into our lives. Hold on to it and He will bring it to pass.
In The Beginning
James Weldon Johnson captures the beauty of the message of the Black Preacher in the Creation. In the beginning, there was God. It is He who was then and is now. It is He that loves and created us with His own hand. It is God who loves us more than anyone else.
Elder Charles Mayle pastor of the Morning Star Church of God in Christ shares the message, You Can Win. Christians can be victorious when they put their faith in Jesus. He will give joy and peace.
Then I heard a voice from heaven say, 'Write this: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.' 'Yes,' says the Spirit, 'they will rest from their labor, for their deeds will follow them.' Revelation 14:13 (NIV)
Author, Terrell Lewis, shares the encouraging and hopeful message in the book of Revelation.
And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away Revelation 21:4
There is a day coming when suffering and pain will end. It is a day when all of the people of God will be gathered together in the presence of God. and rejoice.
And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death. Revelation 12:11
There is power in the blood.
(image credit-quotemaster.org)
These are the words of him who holds the seven spirits of God and the seven stars. I know your deeds; you have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead. Wake up! Strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have found your deeds unfinished in the sight of my God. Revelation 3:1-2
John urges the church to wake up before it is too late and finish the work the Lord has assigned.
Photo by Zac Durant
“But I have this complaint against you. You don’t love me or each other as you did at first! Look how far you have fallen! Turn back to me and do the works you did at first. If you don’t repent, I will come and remove your lampstand from its place among the churches. Rev 2: 4-5 Living Bible
Jude encourages and warns the church before he commits them to the Lord, the one who will keep them safe.
Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, To the only wise God our Savior, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen. Jude 1:4-5.
Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well. + It gave me great joy when some believers came and testified about your faithfulness to the truth, telling how you continue to walk in it. I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth. (III John 1: 1-4)
And this is love: that we walk in obedience to his commands. As you have heard from the beginning, his command is that you walk in love. II John 1:6
John encourages the people of God to walk in obedience and faith on their Christian journey.
for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. I John 5:4
Through our faith the Lord will grant us the victory..
Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. 8 Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. I John 4:7-8 NIV
Love is both the easiest and hardest thing to do. It is both the easiest and most difficult gift to give.
But those who keep on sinning are against God, for every sin is done against the will of God. And you know that he became a man so that he could take away our sins, and that there is no sin in him, no missing of God’s will at any time in any way. So if we stay close to him, obedient to him, we won’t be sinning either; but as for those who keep on sinning, they should realize this: They sin because they have never really known him or become his. I John3:4-6 (New Living Translation)
When we stay close to God we can live a life that is pleasing to Him.
Evangelist Sharon Blevins shares a powerful message at the Ohio West Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction Women's Convention where Dr. Mother Barbara A. Jackson is the Jurisdictional Supervisor. Evangelistic Sharon Blevins is the District Missionary for the Mansfield District, Ohio North 1st Jurisdiction..
The entire message, as well as other speakers, can be heard at http://stjamescc.com/. St. James was the host church for the Ohio West Women's Convention. Bishop James DeLaney is the Pastor.
Evangelist Sharon Blevins shares a powerful message at the Ohio West Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction Women's Convention where Dr. Mother Barbara A. Jackson is the Jurisdictional Supervisor. Evangelistic Sharon Blevins is the District Missionary for the Mansfield District, Ohio North 1st Jurisdiction..
The entire message, as well as other speakers, can be heard at http://stjamescc.com/. St. James was the host church for the Ohio West Women's Convention. Bishop James DeLaney is the Pastor.
Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them.I John 2:15 (NIV).
Our greatest love must always be for God.
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. Correction: The scripture is from the KJV not the NIV as noted in the podcast.
And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full. I John 1:4
John writes that the joy of the Saints might be full and complete. Christ is there and even when happiness fades they can have joy.
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. I John 1:9
This second epistle, beloved, I now write unto you; in both which I stir up your pure minds by way of remembrance:2 That ye may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us the apostles of the Lord and Saviour: II Peter 3:1-2
Do you want more and more of God’s kindness and peace? Then learn to know him better and better. For as you know him better, he will give you, through his great power, everything you need for living a truly good life: he even shares his own glory and his own goodness with us! (II Peter 1:2-3 Living Bible)
Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.I Peter 5:7
You are never alone. God is there to help share the burden.
But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. I Peter 2: 9-10
God's people are both special and chosen. They are in the world but are different from the world .
For,“All people are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field;
the grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of the Lord endures forever.” I Peter 1:24-25.
The Word of God stands no matter what comes and goes. The Word endures.
Elijah was a human being, even as we are. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops. James 5:17-18
Elijah was a powerful servant of God and yet even more than than he was a man who humbled himself and allowed God to use him.
Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. James 3:13
Giving our best means taking the time to develop our talents and ,knowledge and using them for the Lord.
See, I am doing a new thing!
Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?
I am making a way in the wilderness
and streams in the wasteland. Isa 43:19
God is doing a new thing in and for His people.
After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. Matthew 2:9-10
What will we give to Jesus today?
. As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead. James 2:26 (NIV)
Body and spirt are connected, one visible, one invisible but the impact of the invisible will be see in the physical world .
James encouraged Christians not to just endure tribulations and temptation but to count it all joy!
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters,[a] whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. James 1:2-4
Paul sends a letter to Philemon regarding Onesimus, a runaway slave.. Onesimus is now a Christian and Paul urges Philemon to treat him as a brother and forgive him for past transgressions.
We too are former slaves, slaves to sin who because of Jesus Christ have gained our freedom.
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Pastor Franklin Culver continues the message on CAT, Culture, atmosphere and time at the Resurrection Power Church of God in Christ in Gahanna, Ohio.
Pastor Franklin Culver of the Resurrection Power Church of God in Christ shares part I of a two part series about not allowing Cat to take away our children. Cat is culture, atmosphere and time. Parents must be strong and strategic..
Paul directs Titus and those working with him to remember their own behaviors and attitudes before they came to Christ. He wanted them to be be patient with others as they shared the gospel. Remembering their own prior behavior will help them be patient and understanding with the people of Crete while sharing the gospel.
Paul sets a standard for leaders in ministry. He instructs Titus on the standard for bishops and reaffirms his commitment to God and his hope for eternal life.
All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works. II Timothy 3:16-17
William Millers, Harold Camping and many before and since have had to face the challenge of answering the question. What is God saying to me in the scripture? When is he returning?
The Word stands on it’s own. We must be careful not to input so much of our point of view and our cultural bias that God’s Word becomes our greatly modified version of what we think God should be saying.
This knows also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. for men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, II Timothy 3: 1-2
Many, from the time of the first reading of II Timothy, have heard this indictment of personal sins These private choices have consequences that impact the entire society.
Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. II Timothy 2:15 (NIV)
Timothy and all ministers of the Word are charged with keeping faithful to study, to faithful teaching of the Word and faithfulness regardless to what others say or do..
I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people - for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. I Timothy 2: 1-4 NIV
God requires that we pray for those in government. They need direction and insight that only the Lord can provide.
Timothy, my son, I am giving you this command in keeping with the prophecies once made about you, so that by recalling them you may fight the battle well, I Timothy 1:18
Paul encourages Timothy to remember the words that were spoken over him so that he might be able to gain strength for the current battle. We should do the same.
As I urged you when I went into Macedonia, stay there in Ephesus so that you may command certain people not to teach false doctrines any longer or to devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies. Such things promote controversial speculations rather than advancing God’s work—which is by faith. I Timothy 1:3-4 NIV
. Paul needed to go on to Macedonia but Timothy was to stay in Ephesis and teach truth when truth might not have been what the people wanted to hear.
But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one. We have confidence in the Lord that you are doing and will continue to do the things we command. May the Lord direct your hearts into God’s love and Christ’s perseverance. II Thessalonians 3:3-5
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. I Thessalonians 5: 16-18
Paul encourages us to keep an attitude of prayer and rejoice at all time.When we put our trust in God we can know that our joy is safe with him because he is creating a better tomorrow. We can have joy even on dark days.
Paul understood that the Thessalonian Church loved God and wanted to live for Him. Having made that decision, he instructs them in how holy living looks when it comes to their sexuality.
And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us. Romans 5:5 NIV
The United States must honor God and as the nation turns to God, He will honor and bless the nation.
We always thank God for all of you and continually mention you in our prayers. 3 We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. I Thessalonians 1:2-3
The apostle Paul, as was his custom, sent words of encouragement to the young church. He was concerned about them and wanted to not only teach but also to encourage them along the way. We must remember to do the same.
Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry
You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices 1 and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.( Colossians 3:5;7-10)
Christ brings a wonderful change in our lives.
My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. Col2:2-3 (NIV)
Paul provided the encouragement every person needs in their Christian walk.
I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullness— the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the Lord’s people. To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. Colossians 1:25-27
The hope of glory is within each believer..It is Christ who lived as a man on this earth, died and rose again and now gives hope to each believer It is hope fulfilled in his coming, hope ever present in our lives through his indwelling and hope for a future secure with him in heaven.
But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19
All that we need in this moment is in Christ. Have faith and rest in Him. Our faith opens the door to having our needs met.
God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them. Hebrew 6:10.
God does not forget his people. He is always there and He cares for His people
For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account. Hebrew 4:12
The Word of God is a guidebook for Christians. It is a two-edged sword and nothing is hid.
We must pay the most careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away. Hebrews 2;1
We must not only hear with our ears, we must also listen and obey the Words of the scripture.
Episode 127
In the beginning, Lord, you laid the foundations of the earth, and the heavens are the work of your hands.11 They will perish, but you remain;
they will all wear out like a garment.12 You will roll them up like a robe;
like a garment they will be changed.But you remain the same,
and your years will never end.hebrew 1:10-12.
The Lord our God is sure and dependable. He never changes.
Episode 126
Therefore, though I might be very bold in Christ to command you what is fitting, yet for love’s sake I rather appeal to you—being such a one as Paul, the aged, and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ—I appeal to you for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten while in my chains, who once was unprofitable to you, but now is profitable to you and to me. Philemon 1: 8-11 (NIV).
Paul used his influence to urge Philemon to accept Onesimus a runaway slave as a brother and a friend.
I always thank my God as I remember you in my prayers, Philemon 1:4
Under House arrest Paul was not able to travel and speak person to person but he was able to send letters and he was able to pray for his friends. Prayers always make a difference.
Episode 124
Health for the Whole Man
God wants us to care for the whole person body, mind and spirit.
May God himself, the God who makes everything holy and whole, make you holy and whole, put you together - spirit, soul, and body - and keep you fit for the coming of our Master, Jesus Christ.
I Thessalonians 5:23 (Message Bible)
And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight. Acts 1:9
We look up but we also look forward to continue the work of the Lord.
Paul instructs Titus about respecting leadership. He discuses the importance of having a gentle nature and showing kindness and understanding to everyone.
Episode 121
Pastor Franklin Culver shares words of encouragement. The Lord will get us through this wilderness.
Paul sets a high standard for leadership and he teaches Titus to do the same. Christian leadership must be above reproach
118
But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; II Timothy 3:14
Keep working, keep moving, be faithful to the gospel message.
A Season of Thanksgiving
In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. I Thessalonians 5:18
Every day is a day to thank and praise God.
Episode 116
For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. I Timothy 6: 10-11
What a persons values, their treasure, determines where there heart is.
Make sure your heart is in the right place.
Episode 115
I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.I -Timothy 2: 2-4.
Let's pray for our leaders.
Episode 114
So then, brothers and sisters, stand firm and hold fast to the teachings we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter.
May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word. Thessalonians 2:15-17
The Lord encourages us through his Word.
Episode 113
We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith groweth excesdingly, and the charity of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth;
So that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that ye endure:II Thessalonians 1:3-4
Patience is a type of endurance. We must be patience and endure. God is working everything out for our good.
Episode 112
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. I Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NIV)
Praise and joy are linked. Even when everything around us seems discouraging God can place joy in our heart. Praise is what we do.
Episode 111
It is God’s will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; 4 that each of you should learn to control your own body[a] in a way that is holy and honorable, 5 not in passionate lust like the pagans, who do not know God; 6 and that in this matter no one should wrong or take advantage of a brother or sister. I Thessalonians 4:3
Paul teaches the church about santification.