Hallow the presence of God

Posted on July 23, 2025, 4:02 p.m. by Rev. Shobayo Kayode The Gospel Study Centre

Hallowing God means honoring God. To honor God means holding Him in high esteem with respect and reverence. The Bible says, “Walk prudently when you go to the house of God, and draw near to hear rather than to give the sacrifice of fools, for they do not know that they do evil.” (Eccl.5:1) The place of meeting with God is a holy ground where His presence is felt most. (Ex.3:5, Jos.5:15) A place to listen to His instructions and directives. Moses and Joshua are good examples of servants of God that experience the presence of God. It is in His presence that one can hear and receive from Him. God’s presence demands full attention to Him and to His word. It is more than sacrifice. Listening in the presence of God is more important than speaking. The viewpoint that giving sacrifice to God is all that is required when one comes to His presence cannot be totally true, because the Bible categorically says, “Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice.” (1 Sam.15:22) Obedience to God’s instructions and directives is great honor to God. While sacrifice is viewed as expression of faith, God’s primary desire is for people to obey His commandments. The Scripture says, “Now he who keeps His commandments abides in Him, and He in him. And by this we know that He abides in us, by the spirit whom He has given us.” (1 John.3:24) Meeting with God brings intimate fellowship with Him. Intimate fellowship with Him empowers one so much that His desire becomes one’s desire and one is able to receive from Him. Our Lord Jesus Christ says, “God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and in truth.” (John.4:24) It therefore becomes imperative that one is connected to Him in Spirit. To connect to Him in spirit is to be under the leading of God’s Spirit (The Holy Spirit) To be under the leading of His Spirit is to surrender one’s thoughts, emotions and actions to His will which is a great honor to Him. The Bible says, “Even so no one knows the things of God except the Spirit of God.” (1 Cor.2:11) Therefore, when we go to the presence of God to praise, pray and worship Him, it is important that we approach Him with reverence and humility in the power of the Holy Spirit. Coming to the presence of God requires mindful preparation and conduct. He is to be approached with all seriousness and respect. More importantly, it is a great honor to God for one to come to His presence with the expectation to hear and receive from Him. He talks to His people through His Word. It is profitable to hallow God’s presence rather than giving the sacrifice of fools. Honoring God brings affectionate relationship which enables one to partake in the fulness of His joy and pleasure. The Scripture assures that there is fullness of joy in His presence and at His right hand are pleasures forevermore. (Psalm.16:11) May the grace to be partaker of God's joy and pleasure fall on us as we honor his presence in Jesus mighty name. Amen Evangelism There is joy in the presence of God. Give your life to Jesus Christ today and begin to experience His everlasting joy. Rev. Shobayo Kayode The Gospel Study Centre