{"id":15168,"date":"2026-08-15T03:00:00","date_gmt":"2026-08-15T08:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.honestreflections.net\/?p=15168"},"modified":"2026-06-08T08:33:56","modified_gmt":"2026-06-08T13:33:56","slug":"presence-of-god","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.honestreflections.net\/index.php\/2026\/08\/15\/presence-of-god\/","title":{"rendered":"Presence of God"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Two-minute read.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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 Sea Pines on Hilton Head Island has a guarded gate, like many neighborhoods on the island. Without paying the fees, you can\u2019t see the beautiful shoreline that wraps around the houses. Visitors can only admire the shoreline from afar because of restricted access.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But imagine one day they open the gates wide and allow access to the road that leads to the water with a simple invitation: \u201cCome in. The beach is open.\u201d Some people may hesitate, wondering if they really can. Others confidently walk through the open gates and enjoy the beach beyond.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jesus opened the gate for us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Before Jesus\u2019 sacrifice, only high priests could enter the Most Holy Place of the temple under specific circumstances. But through Christ\u2019s death and resurrection, He removed the barrier between God and humanity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sometimes we hesitate to draw near to God because we feel inadequate, ashamed, or distant. Yet Hebrews reminds us that God Himself made a way. The Lord doesn\u2019t expect flawlessness; He invites us to come, warts and all. The Savior welcomes us into His presence. We can approach the Lord trusting in His grace and mercy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Faith grows when we stop standing at a distance and begin stepping into the loving presence of our Heavenly Father.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jesus opened the gate to God\u2019s presence. He made a clear path with a genuine invitation. Christ desires that we draw near. He opened the gate. We must decide whether to step through it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Accept Christ\u2019s invitation. Give your life to Jesus. Walk through the gate and spend time with the Savior. Allow Him to heal your wounds and transform your life. One step at a time, you will discover abundant life through the Savior. One He died to give you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Spend time in God\u2019s presence without rushing to say anything. Receive His love and grace, like sunshine warming your face and waves gently reaching the shore.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Journal Questions:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n