WEBVTT 00:04.468 --> 00:09.072 [SPEAKER_00]: As we continue this week's focus, seeking to put love into action. 00:09.872 --> 00:16.197 [SPEAKER_00]: Today, we're going to look at how simply being present can make all the difference in the life of another. 00:17.418 --> 00:24.583 [SPEAKER_00]: As our world becomes more and more distracted, and takes less time to notice what's happening in the life of another. 00:25.464 --> 00:30.047 [SPEAKER_00]: May God empower us as his people to simply be present today. 01:02.262 --> 01:12.517 [SPEAKER_00]: Our Scripture for today comes from Psalm 139 verse 7, Scripture says, where shall I go from your spirit? 01:13.619 --> 01:16.183 [SPEAKER_00]: Or where shall I flee from your presence? 01:19.665 --> 01:24.930 [SPEAKER_00]: One of the most comforting aspects of God's character is that he is present. 01:26.431 --> 01:33.017 [SPEAKER_00]: Jesus made clear God's desire to be present when he left his throne and took on humanity. 01:34.578 --> 01:37.901 [SPEAKER_00]: God has never desired distance with his children. 01:39.022 --> 01:42.485 [SPEAKER_00]: He fights to have close relationship with us every day. 01:44.398 --> 01:53.563 [SPEAKER_00]: This week, we're looking at how we can not only receive God's Word, but experience more of God through being doors of His Word. 01:55.024 --> 02:02.789 [SPEAKER_00]: So today, let's explore how we can follow the example of Jesus and be present for those around us. 02:05.930 --> 02:10.133 [SPEAKER_00]: Being present in people's lives always requires sacrifice. 02:11.449 --> 02:18.816 [SPEAKER_00]: It requires stepping outside of what will solely benefit you, in order to live for the benefit of others. 02:20.618 --> 02:32.189 [SPEAKER_00]: Philippians 2 verse 3 teaches us, do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. 02:34.513 --> 02:38.998 [SPEAKER_00]: Jesus counted you and me as more significant than his own life. 02:40.519 --> 02:45.624 [SPEAKER_00]: He died so that we might live and he calls us to do the same. 02:47.446 --> 02:57.416 [SPEAKER_00]: Luke 9 verse 23 says, if anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. 03:00.173 --> 03:07.881 [SPEAKER_00]: John 12 verse 24 makes it clear that in order to bear fruit in this life we must die to ourselves. 03:09.022 --> 03:18.231 [SPEAKER_00]: Scripture says truly truly I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies it remains alone. 03:19.332 --> 03:21.935 [SPEAKER_00]: But if it dies it bears much fruit. 03:24.541 --> 03:27.523 [SPEAKER_00]: Choose today to be a doer of the Word. 03:28.463 --> 03:31.685 [SPEAKER_00]: And guide yourself that you might better love others. 03:33.506 --> 03:37.869 [SPEAKER_00]: You see, before people need your advice, they need your presence. 03:39.530 --> 03:44.913 [SPEAKER_00]: Before our need to be fixed, we simply need to know we are loved and cared for. 03:46.594 --> 03:50.836 [SPEAKER_00]: It's in the giving and receiving of love that healing takes place. 03:52.659 --> 03:58.682 [SPEAKER_00]: Being present creates space for them to thrive, heal, and be transformed. 04:01.904 --> 04:05.186 [SPEAKER_00]: Who in your life needs you to be present for them today? 04:06.747 --> 04:09.609 [SPEAKER_00]: In what ways has God been present in your own life? 04:11.590 --> 04:14.712 [SPEAKER_00]: In what ways has He demonstrated His nearness to you? 04:16.713 --> 04:20.095 [SPEAKER_00]: And in what ways could you be His reflection today? 04:22.085 --> 04:27.709 [SPEAKER_00]: I promise you, there is someone around you that just needs you to be present in their life. 04:29.290 --> 04:36.374 [SPEAKER_00]: There is someone who simply needs to know that somebody would love them enough to think about them, to be near them. 04:38.518 --> 04:42.164 [SPEAKER_00]: Take time today to let someone know you are there for them. 04:43.506 --> 04:45.289 [SPEAKER_00]: Listen, love. 04:46.471 --> 04:51.900 [SPEAKER_00]: And watch as God works through you simply being present in the lives of others. 05:24.862 --> 05:35.613 [SPEAKER_00]: As we begin, take a moment to reflect on God's nearness to you, receive His presence, encounter His closeness. 06:18.452 --> 06:24.444 [SPEAKER_00]: And next, ask the spirit to show you someone who needs you to be present for them today. 06:25.967 --> 06:29.153 [SPEAKER_00]: Spend some time thinking about and praying for that person. 07:16.505 --> 07:21.071 [SPEAKER_00]: And last, ask God how he would have you be present in their life. 07:22.593 --> 07:25.897 [SPEAKER_00]: How can you be a reflection of God's love to them today? 08:10.788 --> 08:14.250 [SPEAKER_00]: have the courage to humble yourself before people around you. 08:15.711 --> 08:18.754 [SPEAKER_00]: Count them as more significant than yourself. 08:20.755 --> 08:27.439 [SPEAKER_00]: Being present isn't about what they can give you in return, or even how they appear to receive your love. 08:29.241 --> 08:37.406 [SPEAKER_00]: Love selflessly today, the way Jesus did, and experience the joy and peace that comes from serving 09:03.787 --> 09:08.309 [SPEAKER_00]: Thank you so much for listening to today's podcast, love is present. 09:09.429 --> 09:15.711 [SPEAKER_00]: As you go about the rest of your day, try and notice when you feel I've pulling you away from the present. 09:16.512 --> 09:25.035 [SPEAKER_00]: And when you sense your attention and emotions drifting from where you are and when you are, take a deep breath and just look around. 09:26.035 --> 09:31.457 [SPEAKER_00]: When the thought tries to pull you away from the present, simply notice it and let it go. 09:32.956 --> 09:40.839 [SPEAKER_00]: God is meeting you is with you here and now to live an abundant life is to live a life in the present. 09:42.039 --> 09:49.262 [SPEAKER_00]: May God empower you in a special way today to get a sense of how amazing life is when it's lived in the present. 09:50.520 --> 09:58.622 [SPEAKER_00]: If you haven't already, please leave a rating or a review on the podcast, and we'd love to hear how God is moving in your life through 1st 15. 09:59.342 --> 10:05.644 [SPEAKER_00]: You can let us know in that review, or you can shoot us an email at podcast at first15.org. 10:06.544 --> 10:11.245 [SPEAKER_00]: Have a wonderful rest of your day today, and may God bless you as you see Kim.