By: Pastor Remi Adeyemi
Venue: UNILAG Multipurpose Hall
Date: Sunday, February 17th, 2024
Text: Acts 5:14-15; 10:38; Habakkuk 1:13
In the book of Acts, we see the shadow of Peter healed the sick. This is not just by the anointing, It is a carrying of divine presence. There is the anointing, and there is the presence. When you get to a stage, the anointing has its own limitations. Esther and the other maidens were anointed with the same fragrances, however, Esther was singled out because she carried the presence. When the anointing of God upon your life is not triggered by the divine presence that you carry, you will wear out soon.
God may not repent of his anointing upon your life but he may repent of His presence upon you. For instance, Saul had lost the presence and he wasn’t aware. May the Lord never depart from you in Jesus name.
The anointing can linger in the life of a man, but don’t be moved by that, look out for the presence. The devil does not have respect for the anointing because he himself was the anointed cherub that covereth (Ezekiel 28:14) He is not new to the anointing. What the devil lost when he was cast down was the presence.
The first thing satan wanted to tamper with in the life of Job was the presence of God. If you have ever carried the presence of God and lost it, may you regain the presence today in the name of Jesus!
Don’t be content with just the anointing, covet the Divine Presence also. Why should you desire the presence of God? – The presence of God is needed for sustenance. If you want to sustain your prosperity, victory, exploit and the anointing, maintain the presence.
Qualifications for carrying divine presence
1. Holiness – Hebrews 12:14) and Brokenness – Romans 8:29: Holiness attracts divine presence but the intensity of divine presence is magnified by brokenness.
”Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord”
Hebrews 12:14
Holiness attracts Divine presence but the intensity is magnified by Brokenness. (Romans 8:29) The more broken you are the greater the intensity.
2. Joyfulness of heart – Psalm 16:11: God doesn’t dwell in the sorrow. ”Thou wilt shew me the path of life: In thy presence is fullness of joy; At thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.“ In the presence of God is fullness of joy and where there is fullness of joy, the presence of God is. Constantly embrace joy regardless of challenges. Joy is a fruit of the spirit. This joy is different from happiness- happiness is based on happenings while joy is from the spirit , it is a fruit inside you and it just comes to you. A joyful heart attracts divine presence
3. Rejoicing in the lord – Psalm 22:3; Philippians 4:4-5: singing and making melody in the heart.
”Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice. Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.“ Philippians 4:4-5
To be a carrier of the divine presence, you must be a singer and make melody in your heart to the Lord.
4. Passion for Jesus – John 14:15. When you’re passionate about Jesus, God himself will be passionate about you . If you’re passionate about Jesus, it would be very hard for you to indulge in sin. Always stand to defend the name of Jesus- in words and in your actions.
It is one thing to carry the presence of God, it is another to be able to activate it. You can be a carrier of the presence but still be subjected by the enemy. You need to learn how to Activate the presence. You cannot come out of the presence of God and it won’t be visible to the people around you.
Activating the presence of God
1. Faith and boldness John 11:40. You need faith and boldness to activate the presence of God at all times. When you confess with faith and boldness, divine presence comes to your rescue.
”Jesus saith unto her, Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God?“ John 11:40
2. Committed and consecrated release of the word (John 1:1) God is always moved by His word. The word of God you do not bow to cannot bow situations under you. Learn to Respect the word of God.
3. Worship – Exodus 15:11; Acts 16:25. It is easier to connect with worship
”Who is like unto thee, O LORD, among the gods? Who is like thee, glorious in holiness, Fearful in praises, doing wonders?“ Exodus 15:11
Worship is an easy way to transcend into dimensions of the presence of God. Praises and worship are quick access portals to see the divine move of God. Your rejoicing and worship can activate the presence of God.
4. Praying in the spirit – 1 Corinthians 14:15. The Holy Ghost used our fathers but our generation wants to use the Holy Spirit. Praying in the Holy Ghost is in two folds. Firstly, Praying in the Holy Ghost (Jude 20); secondly, Praying in the spirit (Ephesians 6:18)
Lack of divine presence makes a life a prey to the enemy.
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Beauty without the presence makes you a prey. The presence of God cannot be overemphasized. There is no nakedness like a life that has been void of the presence of God.
Prayers
- Power of the Holy Ghost, overshadow my life!
- Powers assigned to render me naked, you are liar, die!
