The Gift of God ≠ Presence of God

The Church, as God intended it to be, should be a place where His presence is strongly felt. Unfortunately, many churches today are filled with people, music, and technology, yet they seem to be lacking in the most crucial aspect: the presence of God. This can be attributed to several factors such as a lack of prayer, unrepentant sin within the church, a lack of discernment, distractions, or a lack of humility. 

It is crucial for churches to prioritize prayer, repent of sin, cultivate discernment, guard against distractions, and cultivate humility in order to experience the presence of God. Only then can the Church truly become the ideal dwelling of the Almighty.

In this article I'll share a small video and lessons i have learnt from my short experience in the music ministry.

Please watch this short video before proceeding.

#1. Beware

The manifestation of the gifts don't necessarily mean God is there. Be careful not to be deceived by men working special miracles and feelings arising from emotional singers. Recently secular artists have risen to sing gospel songs. These have become so famous because they arouse strong emotion, but only sensitivity to the Holy Spirit will reveal the absence of His presence. The more we spend time with the father, the more we are accustomed to His presence.

Know the difference between the genuine presence of God and Gift.

SEEK The PRESENCE in Service

Our ultimate goal both in service and in our walk with god is to ensure his presence is always with us.

Often times in the bible, God departed from people, yet the same people continued serving the same God, A good example of this is Saul; whom after being disobedient God had to depart from him. Even after this Saul was king and ruled over Israel. remember Saul was anointed by God himself, yet was anointed for only to years of his forty year reign.

Personal Check

That I am singing in the choir or preaching powerfully or casting out demons does not mean the annointing/presence is upon me. 

Matthew 7:21-23 one who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. 22 Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ 23 And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’

Well, its imperative that each minister does a personal check to ensure they ain't "manifesting" without the presence/ annointing.

Spiritual gifts and the presence of God are two important concepts in the Christian faith, and they are often closely related. In this blog post, we will explore the differences and similarities between spiritual gifts and the presence of God, and how they work together to bless and benefit believers.

What are Spiritual Gifts?

Spiritual gifts are special abilities or talents that are given by God to His children through the power of the Holy Spirit. These gifts are given to bless and benefit those who love the Lord and are used to serve and glorify God. Spiritual gifts are not earned or achieved through our own efforts or abilities; they are a gift from God, given to us according to His will and purpose.

There are many different types of spiritual gifts, and they can manifest in a variety of ways. Some examples of spiritual gifts include:Prophecy: The ability to speak forth the Word of God and declare His truth to others.
Teaching: The ability to explain and clarify the Word of God in a way that helps others understand and apply it to their lives.
Exhortation: The ability to encourage and motivate others to live according to God's Word and will.
Serving: The ability to help and serve others in practical ways, such as through acts of kindness or by using one's skills and abilities to meet the needs of others.
Giving: The ability to generously give of one's time, resources, and finances to support the work of God and meet the needs of others.

These are just a few examples of the many spiritual gifts that God gives to His children. It is important to note that every believer has been given at least one spiritual gift, and it is our responsibility to use our gifts to serve and glorify God.

What is the Presence of God?

The presence of God refers to the tangible, experiential reality of God's presence with us. When we experience the presence of God, we can feel His nearness and His power in a way that is deeply meaningful and impactful. The presence of God is often described as a feeling of peace, joy, and comfort, and it can also be accompanied by a sense of awe and reverence.

The presence of God can be experienced in many different ways, and it is not limited to any particular place or setting. We can experience the presence of God in our daily lives, in times of worship, in prayer, and through reading and studying the Bible. However, the presence of God is not something that we can control or manipulate; it is a gift from God, given to us according to His will and purpose.

How Do Spiritual Gifts and the Presence of God Work Together?

Spiritual gifts and the presence of God are two important aspects of the Christian faith, and they often work together to bless and benefit believers. Here are a few ways that spiritual gifts and the presence of God intersect:

Spiritual gifts are often manifested in the presence of God: When we are in the presence of God, our spiritual gifts can be more easily activated and used for His glory. This is because the presence of God gives us a greater sense of His will and direction, and it can also empower us to use our gifts more effectively.

The presence of God can enhance our spiritual gifts: When we experience the presence of God, it can have a profound impact on our spiritual gifts. The presence of God can give us a deeper understanding of God's Word and a greater sense of His will, which can help us to use our gifts more effectively and with greater impact.

Spiritual gifts can be used to lead others into the presence of God: Our spiritual gifts can be used to lead others into the presence of God. For example, if someone has the gift of prophecy, they can speak forth the Word of God in a way that helps others to experience His presence. Similarly, someone with the gift of teaching can explain the Word of God in a way that helps others to understand and embrace it, leading them into a deeper experience of God's presence.The presence of God can help us to better discern and use our spiritual gifts: When we experience the presence of God, it can give us a greater sense of clarity and discernment. This can help us to more accurately discern the specific spiritual gifts that God has given us, and to use them more effectively in His service.

Overall, spiritual gifts and the presence of God are two important aspects of the Christian faith, and they work together to bless and benefit believers. It is important for us to seek the presence of God and to use our spiritual gifts to serve Him and glorify His name. As we do so, we can experience the fullness of His blessings and the joy of being used by Him for His purpose and glory.