2 February 2026: God's Desire to Dwell With Us
Reading: Genesis 3:8-9; Exodus 40:34-38
Devotional: From the beginning, God's heart has been to dwell among His people. In Eden's garden, He walked with Adam and Eve in the cool of the day. After the fall, He didn't abandon this desire—He gave instructions for a tabernacle where His glory could fill the space. God has never been content to remain distant. He pursues presence with us through every season of history. The Creator of the universe longs to be close to you. He isn't a distant deity watching from afar, but a loving Father who desires intimate fellowship. Remember, His first question in the garden wasn't accusatory—it was relational: "Where are you?”
Reflection: Where are you experiencing God's presence today? Where might you be hiding from Him?
3 February 2026: The Word Made Flesh
Reading: John 1:14; Philippians 2:5-8
Devotional: "The Word became flesh and moved into the neighborhood." God's ultimate expression of presence came through Jesus, who didn't simply visit earth but took up residence here. He experienced hunger, fatigue, temptation, and sorrow. Jesus didn't minister from a distance—He ate with sinners, touched lepers, and wept with mourners. This incarnational approach reveals God's methodology: transformation happens through proximity. Just as Jesus tabernacled among us, He now dwells within us through the Holy Spirit. Consider how this changes your perspective on daily life. Your workplace, neighborhood, and relationships aren't interruptions to ministry—they're the very places God has positioned you to carry His presence.
Reflection: Who in your "neighborhood" needs to experience God's love through your presence today?
4 February 2026: Temples of the Living God
Reading: 1 Corinthians 3:16-17; 6:19-20
Devotional: God's dwelling place has progressed from garden, to tabernacle, to temple, to something even more intimate—you. Your body is now the temple where God's Spirit resides. This isn't just theological poetry; it's transformative reality. The same presence that filled the tabernacle with glory now fills you. This truth should radically affect how you view yourself and others. When you interact with fellow believers, you're encountering mobile temples of the Holy Spirit. When you struggle with self-worth, remember you house the presence of Almighty God. This doesn't make you perfect, but it does make you sacred.
Reflection: How does knowing you carry God's presence change how you move through your day? What would it look like to treat yourself—and others—as holy dwelling places of God?
5 February 2026: Spending Time Together
Reading: John 3:22; Mark 3:13-15
Devotional: The Greek word diatribo means to wear through over time—like your feet forming impressions in well-worn sandals. Jesus didn't disciple through programs alone but through presence. He spent time with His followers, allowing His character to rub off on them through countless ordinary moments. This is the power of incarnational ministry: transformation happens not just through teaching but through being together. Consider your relationships. Who might Jesus invite you to "rub off" on? Ministry of presence isn't complicated—it's sharing meals, playing games, joining clubs, having coffee. It's showing up consistently and allowing the Holy Spirit within you to work through natural relationship. Jesus is already in you—you simply need to be present with people.
Reflection: What hobby or routine activity could become a vehicle for carrying Christ's presence to others?
6 February 2026: Sent With His Presence
Reading: Matthew 28:16-20
Devotional: Jesus concludes the Great Commission with a profound promise: "Surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." He doesn't send us out alone. Our competence doesn't come from our abilities, language skills, or cultural knowledge—it comes from God working through us. This should comfort and embolden us. Whether you're called across the ocean or across the street, you carry the same presence. The Holy Spirit who empowered the early church empowers you today. You may feel inadequate, foolish, or weak—but that's precisely when God's strength shines brightest.
Reflection: Where is God calling you to carry His presence? Don't wait until you feel ready. Step forward in obedience, knowing that His presence goes with you, His goodness and love follow you, and you will dwell with Him forever.