Hosting The Presence Of God

Friday, April 3

Genesis 8:8-11 (NKJV)

“He also sent out from himself a dove, to see if the waters had receded from the face of the ground. But the dove found no resting place for the sole of her foot, and she returned into the ark to him, for the waters were on the face of the whole earth. So he put out his hand and took her, and drew her into the ark to himself. And he waited yet another seven days, and again he sent the dove out from the ark. Then the dove came to him in the evening, and behold, a freshly plucked olive leaf was in her mouth; and Noah knew that the waters had receded from the earth.”

Devotion

In the Old Testament, the Tabernacle was built to house God’s Presence. Now, under the New Covenant, thanks to the blood of Jesus, His Presence dwells within fleshly tabernacles—not made with hands, but in the hearts of believers in Christ. This means we have the awesome privilege of “hosting the Presence of God” every day in our earthly vessels. There is a right way to do this so He will be comfortable, “feel at home,” and, most importantly, be welcomed to dwell with us.

Here are a few examples in the Bible that describe the Holy Spirit’s movements. They can teach us how to properly host the presence of God in our lives.

  • “When He had been baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened to Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting upon Him.” —Matthew 3:16 (gentle and resting upon)
  • In today’s scripture, the dove released by Noah was sent to fly over the waters in search of life, as proof of the receding waters after the flood (Gen. 8:8–9). What will He find when He searches us? “In the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness… the Spirit Himself intercedes for us… and He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.” —Romans 8:26–27 (searching)
  • In the very beginning, when the earth was without form and void, “the Spirit of God hovered over the face of the waters,” waiting for God to speak, “Let there be light”; and then there was (Genesis 1:2). (hovers and creates)
  • He can be easily grieved by the way we live. “And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor (shouting), and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice.” —Ephesians 4:30–32 (can be grieved)

As we grow and mature in Christ, may we learn how to prosper in this relationship and walk with Him who will never leave. There are so many things He desires to show us if we are open, willing, and able to be led.

Host the Presence of the Living God.

Today's Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You for sending Your Holy Spirit to abide in me forever. Teach me how to walk with You in reverence and godly fear so that I may never grieve You, for You are precious to me, and I cherish Your Presence. In the Name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.

Apply It Today

The Holy Spirit is described in John 14:16 (AMP): “And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper (Comforter, Advocate, Intercessor—Counselor, Strengthener, Standby), to be with you forever.” Be aware of His Presence with you throughout the day, and walk closely with Him. He is there to help you.

Resources
  • Join us today for our Good Friday services at 12PM and 6PM (ET)—a one-hour family experience featuring powerful worship, communion, and a life-giving message from Pastor Jentezen Franklin. This will be at our Gainesville, GA campus or online right here on the App, on YouTube, Facebook, and live.freechapel.org.
  • Download our Good Friday wallpapers as a reminder of His sacrifice, presence, and love. ✝️ Feel free to share them with friends and family so they can reflect too. Wishing you a blessed Good Friday and a joyful Easter ahead! Wallpaper 1, Wallpaper 2