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TRUST JESUS TODAY

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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 4 – Masters)
Topic: Present - Repents - Serpent (07/17/25)
Be Present for His Presence

PART 1

“We’d better get going,” May Jane called upstairs to her husband. They had overslept and were now trying to get to church on time. They dashed to the car and sped down the short road to church. The parking lot was quite full, so they wasted precious minutes finding a spot.

Out of breath, they entered the service and found everyone was already singing. They slipped into the back row as they mouthed the words to a familiar song. Mary Jane scanned those standing around them, nodding at some who caught her eye.

The service continued with a prayer that felt too long to Mary Jane, followed by the pastor stepping up to preach. She didn’t focus well enough to get the point, and her mind strayed to the details of lunch. As they exited the building, she felt vague disappointment and pushed down memories of long-ago worship services.

PART 2

Sally awoke with a faint smile as she paused to enjoy knowing it was Sunday. She anticipated worshipping her Savior that morning. Her husband, Robert, had already turned on the music that set the tone for the day. She found herself humming along.

Sally and Robert arrived at church a little early, greeted others in the foyer, and settled into a seat near the front. As the music unfolded, Sally found herself lifted up and moved by the tug on her spirit.

Prayers further opened her heart to God’s presence. The pastor’s message struck a chord with her own struggles, and she was inspired with comfort and practical help. Later, as she and her husband left the church, she felt a lightness of step and increased hope for the days ahead.

While these two accounts might seem a bit simplistic, it’s likely many can resonate with certain aspects of each. Being present in the moments of our lives is to be engaged in our experience, aware of the outer circumstances as well as our own inner responses. This awareness is magnified as we approach the Living God. When we are present in worship (which might occur in many aspects of our days), we are on holy ground and are able to engage with Him.

“As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God. My soul thirsts for God, for the Living God. When can I go and meet God?” (Psalm 42:1-2, NIV)
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Member Comments
Member
Date
Bonnie Bowden 
07/25/25
So true! I am trying to stay in the present moment.
Noel Mitaxa 
07/26/25
If Mary Jane and Sally were attending the same worship, it bears out for this particular preacher how we can never assume that the whole congregation is of one mind and heart - hence the old prayer that God will use us to comfort the disturbed and disturb the comfortable. You've captured it so well.