Ezekiel 48:35, "...and the name of the city from that day shall be, The LORD is there."

Ezekiel informs us that a new name will be given to the city we know as Jerusalem (meaning the vision of peace). One day it will have the name "Adonai-shama" meaning the Lord is there. Barnes in his notes on the Bible states; "The manner of expressing a spiritual meaning by giving a name to a city, a people, or the like, is familiar to the prophets. What is expressed in this name is the fact that the Lord will never again withdraw from the city, as He once withdrew, but will hold it as His everlasting possession."

We must live our lives in a manner that allows us to enjoy God's presence. If you don't take time daily to meditate upon the reality of God's presence in your life you will miss this great blessing. God's continual presence is promised in Hebrews 13:5, "...I will never leave thee nor forsake thee."  However, we can live in such a manner as to create what seems to be a great deal of distance between the Lord and ourselves.  His presence is best realized in the quietness of your devotional time, and as you navigate throughout the day, simply by meditating upon the Word of God as it applies to your personal life. Also, the sweet Holy Spirit who dwells in us is a constant reminder of God's presence.

I trust you will enjoy God's presence in your life and let's rejoice in the fact that one day a city will have a new name, "Adonai-shama" the Lord is there!

Your Friend and HIS,

Pastor Abbott

MEDITATIONS

1. What does God’s presence in your life mean to you? How is it important and impactful?

2. What do you get most excited about when you think about living in God’s presence for ever?

3. What might you do to become more greatly aware of the Lord in your life?