Brother Lawrence practiced the presence of God in a monastery kitchen “˜among the pots and pans”™.

Jesus is “˜not out there somewhere”™, He is here ““ NOW! As followers of Christ we can choose to live in His presence throughout our day, but do we? Sad to say, I don”™t, which is to my loss.

(NIV) Psalm 89:15 “Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you, who walk in the light of your presence, O Lord.”

Jesus taught and healed people in Capernaum, and possibly He made His living quarters in the home of Simon Peter.

(NASB) Luke 4:38 “Then He got up and left the synagogue, and entered Simon”™s home”¦”

What a house guest to have ““ Messiah!

All followers of Christ can rejoice that He is near ““ at all times ““ wherever we are, at home or away.

“˜Forgive me Lord for not remembering Your presence in my home. I need to begin to act as if You are present today. My words, thoughts and actions toward others need to change. If You were physically present, I know that I would change. Thank You for Your presence with me!”™

Do you consciously live as if Jesus were present?

(NASB) Luke 4:38 “Now Simon”™s mother-in-law was suffering from a high fever, and they asked Him to help her.”

Illness of any kind involves suffering. Jesus needs to be asked for help (I do not need to tell Jesus what to do ““ I just need to tell Him that His help is needed.) and then watch Him work it all out.

Do you consciously ask Jesus for His help?

(NASB) Luke 4:39 “And standing over her, He rebuked the fever, and it left her”¦”

Jesus immediately bent over this ailing woman. Jesus immediately heard and responded to those who had asked for His help.

Of what can you and I be assured when we ask Jesus for His help?

(NASB) Luke 4:39 “and she immediately got up and waited on them.”

After an illness is gone ““ the question I ask myself is: “˜Do I continue to act as an invalid to gain sympathy or do I get up and serve Jesus and others?

Practicing the Presence of Jesus ~

changes my responses to others.