These Bible Studies are presented free of charge to the public. If these Bible Studies feed you with
spiritual food, it would be a blessing for Rivkah Ministries to receive your tax-deductible donations. You
can send all contrubutions to: Rivkah Ministries; 445-C East Cheyenne Mountain Blvd #322; Colorado
Springs, CO 80906-4570 or you can go or clilck here-> http://www.rivkah.org/contribution.htm
Entering God’s Presence
“in thy presence is fulness of joy” (Ps 16:11)
We have recently studied how God spoke through Paul and said, “ I
will dwell in them , and walk in them; and I will be their God, and
they shall be my people” (2 Cor 6:16). Therefore, we comprehend
that Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to literally reside (or dwell) in our
human bodies.
There is no denying that God dwells in us; however, many of us lament
that we do not continually experience His presence. Why? We
understand where the Almighty dwells; perhaps we should reverse the
question and ask, “Where, and upon what are we dwelling?”
Adam and Eve dwelt in Eden the Garden of God Almighty, “the LORD God
planted a garden eastward in Eden ; and there he put the man” (Gen 2:8).
When we study that verse, the Hebrew word translated, “planted” means to
“strike in” or “to fix;” as a result, we get only a hint of what is intended by the
word “planted.” However, the very next Hebrew word translated, “garden”
embellishes the events a little better. “Garden” (gaw-n'), is a prime Hebrew
root meaning “to fence in” or “to hedge about.” As a final point of reference,
the word Eden means delicate, delight, or pleasure. Therefore, another way of
understanding the Gen 2:8, passage is as follows: Upon the earth, God
secureed (planted) a protected (garden) and pleasurable (Eden) region in
which the man would make his dwelling place. If we think about that truth
very long we become aware of the conclusion that God has likewise created a
secured, protected, and pleasurable place for regenerate humanity to dwell!
The Hebrews think about the environ known as the “Garden of Eden” as more of a
place where God’s presence resides. The concept being: Wherever God goes a holy
atmosphere escorts His presence! The Jews actually envision Eden as more of an
atmosphere of God’s presence than a specific location upon the earth!
In a previous Rivkah Ministries Bible Study entitled “ God’s Dwelling Place ” we learned
about God’s presence. The information formt that Bible Study may be helpful. You can
obtain a written copy and or sound file from http://Rivkah.org on the World Wide Web.
There is something powerful and important that we need to get informed about as regards
God’s presence. Perhaps we can best begin by learning something about the absence of
His Holy presence. Let’s consider what the Bible means as it describes that, “ Cain went
away from the presence ( paw-neem ' – the face) of the LORD, and dwelt in the land of
Nod, east of Eden” (Gen 4:16). Jude describes Cain’s disgraceful exit form the presence of
the Almighty as, “Woe unto them! for they have gone in the way of Cain ” (Jude 11).
Written by M. Larry Perrino 1 2/4/2008
ïŁ© 2002 by Rivkah Ministries Want to Provide Feedback? – Click http://www.rivkah.org/feedback.htm
These Bible Studies are presented free of charge to the public. If these Bible Studies feed you with
spiritual food, it would be a blessing for Rivkah Ministries to receive your tax-deductible donations. You
can send all contrubutions to: Rivkah Ministries; 445-C East Cheyenne Mountain Blvd #322; Colorado
Springs, CO 80906-4570 or you can go or clilck here-> http://www.rivkah.org/contribution.htm
Entering God’s Presence
“in thy presence is fulness of joy” (Ps 16:11)
Cain’s way was, “ away from the presence of the LORD!” There is a saying, “Familiarity
breeds contempt.” We need to realize that the only thing that Adam and Eve knew was
God’s presence. It is very plausible that they failed to realize that the Garden of Eden
actually became a location of God’s divine presence! In other words, they took the
presence of the Almighty God for granted and did not realize that He was the solution to
every problem they may encounter! Despite that magnificent dwelling presence of which
they had unlimited access, they chose to listen to another voice! As a result they sinned
and ended up hiding, “themselves from the presence of the LORD ” (Gen 3:8).
We have observed that the Bible describes the Garden of Eden as the environment or
secure protected and pleasurable region where God met with Adam and Eve; nevertheless
they chose to exit from that presence. Twenty Centuries later, King David wrote of his
desire to enter into God’s divine presence, “ How lovely is your dwelling place, O LORD
Almighty ! 2 My soul yearns, even faints , for the courts of the LORD ! ” (Ps 84:1-2) Here,
David described that he yearned for God’s dwelling presence and to enter into His courts.
We first need to realize from David’s words that God’s presence is directly tied to His
courts. God functions from within His courts as He performs His kingly duties! We learn
from the Bible that all kings function from within their courts; notice Solomon’s, “ house
where he dwelt had another court within the porch, which was of the like work. Solomon
made also an house for Pharaoh's daughter, whom he had taken to wife, like unto this
porch. 9 All these were of costly stones, according to the measures of hewed stones, sawed
with saws, within and without, even from the foundation unto the coping, and so on the
outside toward the great court ” (1 Kings 7:8-9). Here we find Solomon using multiple
courts. There were also courts associated with the temple, “And the great court round
about was with three rows of hewed stones, and a row of cedar beams, both for the inner
court of the house of the LORD, and for the porch of the house” (1 Kings 7:12).
We may think of a courtyard as a place enclosed by a wall; we would naturally think of the
court in our minds as a protected area. This idea should bring us back to concept in early
Genesis regarding a “garden” meaning “to fence in” or “to hedge about.” We will discover
the concept of why God chose, “to hedge about” Adam’s place of dwelling.
Let’s take careful notice how King David described God’s dwelling place as His courts. In
David’s mind he expected that God would function from within His courts as He performs
His kingly acts! Notice David’s description of God’s courts, “ How lovely is your dwelling
place, O LORD Almighty ! 2 My soul yearns, even faints, for the courts of the LORD ; my
heart and my flesh cry out for the living God. 3 Even the sparrow has found a home, and
the swallow a nest for herself, where she may have her young--a place near your altar, O
LORD Almighty, my King and my God. 4 Blessed are those who dwell in your house ;
(Notice that David talks about dwelling in God’s house!) they are ever praising you. Selah
5 Blessed are those whose strength is in you, who have set their hearts on pilgrimage. 6 As
they pass through the Valley of Baca, they make it a place of springs; the autumn rains also
cover it with pools. 7 They go from strength to strength, till each appears before God in
Zion. 8 Hear my prayer, O LORD God Almighty; listen to me, O God of Jacob. Selah 9
Written by M. Larry Perrino 2 2/4/2008
ïŁ© 2002 by Rivkah Ministries Want to Provide Feedback? – Click http://www.rivkah.org/feedback.htm
These Bible Studies are presented free of charge to the public. If these Bible Studies feed you with
spiritual food, it would be a blessing for Rivkah Ministries to receive your tax-deductible donations. You
can send all contrubutions to: Rivkah Ministries; 445-C East Cheyenne Mountain Blvd #322; Colorado
Springs, CO 80906-4570 or you can go or clilck here-> http://www.rivkah.org/contribution.htm
Entering God’s Presence
“in thy presence is fulness of joy” (Ps 16:11)
Look upon our shield, O God; look with favor on your anointed one. 10 Better is one day
in your courts than a thousand elsewhere ; I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of
my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked. 11 For the LORD God is a sun and shield;
the LORD bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those whose
walk is blameless. 12 O LORD Almighty, blessed is the man who trusts in you” (Ps 84)
NIV.
We who live in the United States of America are less fortunate than those who dwell within
a benevolent kingdom. Our republic form of government does not readily demonstrate the
virtues of a ruling kingdom. Therefore, let us carefully attempt to get a concept of what
kingdom living is all about. In order to get a proper understanding we need to discover
what the courts of a king are actually like. The most complete insight that we can acquire
about a kingdom would naturally come from the lips of a King! Let us endeavor to
understand these things from kings David, Solomon and Ahasuerus.
David would have naturally understood a kingdom as a king over his domain exercising his
governing influence (meaning his will, values, and purposes.) . The word, “ kingdom ”
would therefore be a shortened version of the words “ king” and “ domain! ” By definition,
the king must have a domain where he exercises his dominion! The kingdom then is a king
within his domain; every kingdom exhibits these characteristics: (1) a King; (2) a Territory;
(3) a Constitution; (4) Citizens, (5) Governing Laws; (6) Rights and Privileges of the
subjects; (7) an Army and Court Servants; and (8) a Commonwealth of the people. These
items are all characteristic of every true kingdom. We need to realize that Jesus came to
this earth with the good news message of a soon coming kingdom , “Jesus came into
Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God , 15 And saying, The time is fulfilled,
and the kingdom of God is at hand : repent ye, and believe the gospel” (Mark 1:14-15).
Even during the very last few moments of Jesus’ earthly ministry, His disciples anticipated
the establishment of that kingdom, “they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time
restore again the kingdom? ” (Acts 1:6).
Notice characteristic number eight listed above; every benevolent kingdom will have a
commonwealth. The concept embodied within commonwealth means that the king’s
wealth is common to everyone. The central idea is that the resources that come into the
kingdom from the outside territories enrich everyone in the kingdom. This is quite
different from how a president or prime minister governs in a republic. Nevertheless, this
is how the king rules his kingdom. In a kingdom, the king himself is responsible for the
prosperity of his subjects. When everyone prospers the king is considered to be a great
king! The king’s job is to acquire wealth for his citizens. A king whose citizens are poor is
considered a bad king! Solomon wrote that it is righteousness that causes any kingdom to
succeed and prosper, “Take away the wicked from before the king, and his throne shall be
established in righteousness ” (Prov 25:5). A great prophet went on to explain, “a king
shall reign in righteousness , and princes shall rule in judgment” (Isa 32:1). Another great
prophet saw the time when, “Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will raise unto
Written by M. Larry Perrino 3 2/4/2008
ïŁ© 2002 by Rivkah Ministries Want to Provide Feedback? – Click http://www.rivkah.org/feedback.htm
These Bible Studies are presented free of charge to the public. If these Bible Studies feed you with
spiritual food, it would be a blessing for Rivkah Ministries to receive your tax-deductible donations. You
can send all contrubutions to: Rivkah Ministries; 445-C East Cheyenne Mountain Blvd #322; Colorado
Springs, CO 80906-4570 or you can go or clilck here-> http://www.rivkah.org/contribution.htm
Entering God’s Presence
“in thy presence is fulness of joy” (Ps 16:11)
David a righteous Branch, and a King shall reign and prosper , and shall execute judgment
and justice in the earth” (Jer 23:5).
With these concepts in mind, let’s try to get an idea of why Jesus said, “Which of you
(subjects of the kingdom) by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature? 28 And why
take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not,
neither do they spin: 29 And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was
not arrayed like one of these . 30 Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which
to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you ,
(meaning the citizens of the kingdom) O ye of little faith? 31 Therefore take no thought,
saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?
32(For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that
ye have need of all these things. 33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his
righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you ” (Matt 6:27-33).
In a great kingdom, the king is so rich that you can tell just by observing his servants that
they too are rich! This was one of the very reasons that the queen of Sheba traveled such a
long distance to see King Solomon! “And when the queen of Sheba heard of the fame of
Solomon concerning the name of the LORD, she came to prove him with hard questions. 2
And she came to Jerusalem with a very great train, with camels that bare spices, and very
much gold, and precious stones: and when she was come to Solomon, she communed with
him of all that was in her heart. 3 And Solomon told her all her questions: there was not
any thing hid from the king, which he told her not. 4 And when the queen of Sheba had
seen all Solomon's wisdom, and the house that he had built, 5 And the meat of his table,
and the sitting of his servants, and the attendance of his ministers, and their apparel, and his
cupbearers, and his ascent by which he went up unto the house of the LORD; there was no
more spirit in her . (The grandeur of Solomon’s kingdom literally took the breath out of the
Queen of Sheba!) 6 And she said to the king, It was a true report that I heard in mine own
land of thy acts and of thy wisdom. 7 Howbeit I believed not the words, until I came, and
mine eyes had seen it: and, behold, the half was not told me: thy wisdom and prosperity
exceedeth the fame which I heard . 8 Happy are thy men, happy are these thy servants,
which stand continually before thee, and that hear thy wisdom. 9 Blessed be the LORD thy
God, which delighted in thee, to set thee on the throne of Israel: because the LORD loved
Israel for ever, therefore made he thee king, to do judgment and justice. 10 And she gave
the king an hundred and twenty talents of gold, and of spices very great store, and
precious stones:
there came no more
such abundance of
spices as these
which the queen of
Sheba gave to king
Solomon ” (1 Kings
10:1-10). We must
Written by M. Larry Perrino 4 2/4/2008
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Imagine the
court of the
women and
the court of
the gentiles
even beyond
this Eastern
entrance!
 
These Bible Studies are presented free of charge to the public. If these Bible Studies feed you with
spiritual food, it would be a blessing for Rivkah Ministries to receive your tax-deductible donations. You
can send all contrubutions to: Rivkah Ministries; 445-C East Cheyenne Mountain Blvd #322; Colorado
Springs, CO 80906-4570 or you can go or clilck here-> http://www.rivkah.org/contribution.htm
Entering God’s Presence
“in thy presence is fulness of joy” (Ps 16:11)
recognize that the Queen of Sheba understood exactly how to approach a king; it is
expected that in order to approach a king one must bring gifts! We can learn a great deal
from this queen.
As an individual draws near to a great king’s court they can tell they are getting closer by
simply observing the increasing glory of the things along the way! Are we beginning to get
a concept why the courts of the Almighty are so important?
David wrote that, “In Salem also is his tabernacle, and his dwelling place in Zion ” (Ps
76:2). We of the New Testament era understand that “ye are come unto mount Sion, and
unto the city of the living God , the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of
angels. 23 To the general assembly and church of the firstborn” (Heb 12:22-23). Since we
are come to Mount Sion, ( the city of the living God ,) when we approach God’s courts, we
don’t just want to stay in the outer areas of the King’s court. We have come into the Lord’s
domain. We are admonished to, “Enter into his gates (territory) with thanksgiving, and
into his courts (where the king sits and rules) with praise : be thankful unto him, and bless
his name” (Ps 100:4). We are actually, “a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy
nation” (1 Peter 2:9); unto our god. This means that as priests we are authorized to eat
bread from the King’s table, “thou shalt set upon the table shewbread before me always”
(Ex 25:30). Shewbread means (the bread of presence.) The Old Testament regulation was
that “it be eaten in the holy place; in the court of the tabernacle of the congregation they
shall eat it” (Lev 6:16). (See H last page).
We need to recognize that a king’s court is his personal and private environment. Every
king has various levels through which visitors are obliged to show evidence of their
authorization in order to advance to the next level! Christians are given unlimited access to
God, “Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace , that we may obtain mercy,
and find grace to help in time of need” (Heb 4:16); nevertheless , we need to reflect on
protocol before we enter his presence. Israel is our example, “all these things happened
unto them for ensamples : and they are written for our admonition ” (1 Cor 10:11). With
this in mind let’s consider that only the high priest could go into the holy of holies and even
then just once a year! Through this example God is clearly teaching us that we need to
contemplate protocol as we enter the Most Holy Place.
Written by M. Larry Perrino 5 2/4/2008
ïŁ© 2002 by Rivkah Ministries Want to Provide Feedback? – Click http://www.rivkah.org/feedback.htm
These Bible Studies are presented free of charge to the public. If these Bible Studies feed you with
spiritual food, it would be a blessing for Rivkah Ministries to receive your tax-deductible donations. You
can send all contrubutions to: Rivkah Ministries; 445-C East Cheyenne Mountain Blvd #322; Colorado
Springs, CO 80906-4570 or you can go or clilck here-> http://www.rivkah.org/contribution.htm
Entering God’s Presence
“in thy presence is fulness of joy” (Ps 16:11)
Most
Holy
Place
Inner Court
(Holy Place)
Outer
Court
(The three locations (above) represent the realms of Temple Worship.)
Throne Room
Table of Shew
V
E
Enter His gates
“with thanksgiving”
(Ps 100:4)
Enter His courts
“with praise”
(Ps 100:4)
Ark of the
Covenant
Altar of
Incense
Laver
Bronze
Altar
Menorah
Enter the Holy Place
through 5 (grace) Pillars
symbolic of 5 offices of the
church - door Holy Place.
Veil Two
Veil One
Notice Daniel’s use of protocol; he said, “unto the king, O king, live for ever ” (Dan 6:21).
Through those words Daniel employed a common protocol of his time. Even today the
British say, “Long live the Queen!”
When one enters into the court and comes before the throne, they have reached the king. In
this place one has: access to his presence; access to his favor; access to his wealth; access
to his protection; access to his pleasure; access to his blessing; and access to his goodwill!
Who wouldn’t want to get into the kings presence? Just like Solomon answered every
question of the Queen of Sheba, the sovereign glories in the fact that he has answers to all
of our problems. When someone gets into the kings presence their needs are taken care of
meticulously. Consider Esther. We will remember that Mordecai had been counseling
Esther to go unsolicited before the King even if it meant death! When Esther had fasted for
there days she decided to approach the king, “Now it came to pass on the third day, that
Esther put on her royal apparel, and stood in the inner court of the king's house, over
against the king's house: and the king sat upon his royal throne in the royal house, over
against the gate of the house. 2 And it was so, when the king saw Esther the queen standing
in the court, that she obtained favour in his sight: and the king held out to Esther the golden
sceptre that was in his hand. So Esther drew near, and touched the top of the sceptre . 3
Then said the king unto her, What wilt thou, queen Esther? and what is thy request? ” (Est
5:1-3). Even though Esther approached the king without an invitation she still was mindful
of protocol. In like fashion, Christians who have been given mercy to approach the Most
High God in His court should be mindful of the king’s court etiquette.
Written by M. Larry Perrino 6 2/4/2008
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Bread
These Bible Studies are presented free of charge to the public. If these Bible Studies feed you with
spiritual food, it would be a blessing for Rivkah Ministries to receive your tax-deductible donations. You
can send all contrubutions to: Rivkah Ministries; 445-C East Cheyenne Mountain Blvd #322; Colorado
Springs, CO 80906-4570 or you can go or clilck here-> http://www.rivkah.org/contribution.htm
Entering God’s Presence
“in thy presence is fulness of joy” (Ps 16:11)
We need to understand the proper protocol even before we get into His presence! Scripture
teaches that, “The arrogant cannot stand in your presence” (Ps 5:5) NIV. It also teaches
that those who seek to approach the King of Kings remain humble, “ Do not exalt yourself
in the king's presence , and do not claim a place among great men; 7 it is better for him to
say to you, "Come up here," than for him to humiliate you before a nobleman” (Prov 25:6-
7) NIV. Jesus Himself taught this basic court etiquette, “When thou art bidden of any man
to a wedding, sit not down in the highest room; lest a more honourable man than thou be
bidden of him; 9 And he that bade thee and him come and say to thee, Give this man place;
and thou begin with shame to take the lowest room. 10 But when thou art bidden, go and
sit down in the lowest room; that when he that bade thee cometh, he may say unto thee,
Friend, go up higher: then shalt thou have worship in the presence of them that sit at meat
with thee” (Luke 14:8-10).
God is concerned about etiquette and court protocol; God is a God of order. Order is the
root of the word “ordination;” notice the Psalmist’s words, “When I consider thy heavens,
the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained ” (Ps 8:3). The
word of God reveals that He establishes order!
Even earthly kings require order; if you were to somehow receive an initiation to see Queen
Elizabeth you would first need to go through the Royal Protocol Training ! No commoner
can see the queen without first receiving this training! In that training one learns: how to
act; how to curtsey; and how to extend their hand. They also learn when to speak, when to
leave!
God told Moses how to build a mobile sanctuary so he could dwell with the people. The
Tabernacle (habitation) of God needed to be setup! God wanted to be in the presence of
the people but he needed a special place first to be set up! True, God dwells everywhere
but He was establishing an earthly home! The point is that the tabernacle in the wilderness
had built in order and many strict rules were established to maintain its holiness!
We have learned about God’s dwelling places; but let’s call to mind our original questions,
“Where, and upon what are we dwelling?” The reason that we need to know where we
dwell is directly related to God’s court protocol!
Different from the Queen of England, King David wrote, “Blessed is the man whom thou
choosest, and causest to approach unto thee , that he may dwell in thy courts : we shall be
satisfied with the goodness of thy house , even of thy holy temple ” (Ps 65:4). David
understood the powerful concept that, “ Better is one day in your courts than a thousand
elsewhere” (Ps 84:10). We need to realize with David that one day in the presence of the
Almighty God has the potential of satisfying our every need!
All kings are sensitive about their courts! Don’t be surprised by this notion; you too have
rules of your own house! The court is the King’s personal and private environment! His
environment affects the proceedings that issue from His throne! See if you can understand
proper environment by the following: if a seed were to stay in a jar for 100 years it would
Written by M. Larry Perrino 7 2/4/2008
ïŁ© 2002 by Rivkah Ministries Want to Provide Feedback? – Click http://www.rivkah.org/feedback.htm
These Bible Studies are presented free of charge to the public. If these Bible Studies feed you with
spiritual food, it would be a blessing for Rivkah Ministries to receive your tax-deductible donations. You
can send all contrubutions to: Rivkah Ministries; 445-C East Cheyenne Mountain Blvd #322; Colorado
Springs, CO 80906-4570 or you can go or clilck here-> http://www.rivkah.org/contribution.htm
Entering God’s Presence
“in thy presence is fulness of joy” (Ps 16:11)
remain a seed! But change its environment to water or earth and the seed will begin to
change dramatically! Likewise, as long as you remain in an improper environment then
you will not experience any suitable changes. Our King is so holy that He does not allow
an improper environment to surround His throne!
If we are to enter into the presence of the king then our environment must reflect the king’s
environment! So how are we supposed to come before Him, “Enter into his gate s (plural)
with thanksgiving, and into his court s (plural) with praise” (Ps 100:4)? These courts are
various multiple locations within God’s dwelling; from time to time, we are allowed to
navigate from one place into another.
In the days of King David, a loyal servant named Uzzah reached out one day to steady the
Ark and to keep it from falling; instead of protecting the Ark, he died because he was not
carrying the Ark as had been prescribed by Moses. Further, Uzzah was not anointed with
blood on his ear, thumb and toe; this anointing was established to set apart the priests who
were the only ones that were allowed to bear the Ark, “And the anger of the LORD was
kindled against Uzzah; and God smote him there for his error; and there he died by the
ark of God ” (2 Sam 6:7). This all happened because protocol setup by the Lord was not
followed! He broke protocol and an angel of the Lord killed him! This is story is intended
to teach us something important.
Royal protocol is a requirement; the purpose of court protocol is to maintain the proper
environment for the King’s presence! The preferred position of the King while in His court
is for Him to be seated; on the other hand, if the King ever stands up, then everybody must
likewise stand up! We earlier read how Queen Esther violated the protocol of King
Ahasuerus’ court, “All the king's servants, and the people of the king's provinces, do know,
that whosoever, whether man or woman, shall come unto the king into the inner court,
who is not called, there is one law of his to put him to death, except such to whom the
king shall hold out the golden sceptre , that he may live ” (Est 4:11). Indeed, death was a
very real consequence for anyone failing to show proper respect to the King Ahasuerus’
protocol.
We might realize that when Adam sinned and subsequently hid himself from the presence
of the Lord, he essentially violated proper protocol with the King! As a result he was put
out of the garden, “Therefore the LORD God sent him forth from the garden of Eden ,
(Adam was banished from the unrestricted presence of the Lord) to till the ground from
whence he was taken. 24 So he drove out the man ; and he placed at the east of the garden
of Eden” (Gen 3:23-24).
We must learn to remain in the proper environment, “I will bless the LORD at all times :
his praise shall continually be in my mouth ” (Ps 34:1). Notice how often we are to speak
his praise. Continually! Why, because speaking his praise gives us joy and, “ the joy of the
LORD is your strength ” (Neh 8:10). We need to maintain the proper atmosphere in order
to delight the king. This sustains the King’s attitude. Nobody wants to be around a king
Written by M. Larry Perrino 8 2/4/2008
ïŁ© 2002 by Rivkah Ministries Want to Provide Feedback? – Click http://www.rivkah.org/feedback.htm
These Bible Studies are presented free of charge to the public. If these Bible Studies feed you with
spiritual food, it would be a blessing for Rivkah Ministries to receive your tax-deductible donations. You
can send all contrubutions to: Rivkah Ministries; 445-C East Cheyenne Mountain Blvd #322; Colorado
Springs, CO 80906-4570 or you can go or clilck here-> http://www.rivkah.org/contribution.htm
Entering God’s Presence
“in thy presence is fulness of joy” (Ps 16:11)
whose wrath has been stirred, “The fear of a king is as the roaring of a lion: whoso
provoketh him to anger sinneth against his own soul ” (Prov 20:2).
When I was an administrator with the Pueblo School District I had a relationship with the
man who eventually became Superintendent of Schools prior to the time that he obtained
that office. Because of our previous relationship, after he became superintendent I never
wanted him to feel that I was taking advantage of our friendship; however, I overreacted
and began to avoid his presence! To avoid the superintendent was a real mistake; instead
of appropriately taking advantage of his personal knowledge of my abilities, I avoided him!
The same situation can be true of our relationship with the King! We must continually
maintain our relationship with the King. We can also be careful to leave his presence only
when He is ready, “ Be not hasty to go out of his sight ” (Eccl 8:3). The point is that one
does not leave the King’s presence until the king is ready! If you visit a king you must stay
there until he indicates that it is time for you to leave. As long as the king is talking his
subjects must attentively listen to his words. Who or what do you allow to take you out of
the presence of the king?
There is a good reason for staying in the presence of the king! The king always sends you
away with gifts! The word benediction means a blessing: bene (means good) and diction
(means words) ! To receive good words is to receive a blessing! Let’s consider the King’s
presence in the life of David.
Notice the story from 1 st Samuel Chapter 21: “Then came David to Nob to Ahimelech the
priest: and Ahimelech was afraid at the meeting of David, and said unto him, Why art thou
alone, and no man with thee? 2 And David said unto Ahimelech the priest, The king hath
commanded me a business, and hath said unto me, Let no man know any thing of the
business whereabout I send thee, and what I have commanded thee: and I have appointed
my servants to such and such a place. 3 Now therefore what is under thine hand? give me
five loaves of bread in mine hand, or what there is present . 4 And the priest answered
David, and said, There is no common bread under mine hand, but there is hallowed bread;
(Receive this in the spirit: When King David went to the tabernacle in search of food, he
did not receive common bread but Holy Bread of presence!) if the young men have kept
themselves at least from women. 5 And David answered the priest, and said unto him, Of a
truth women have been kept from us about these three days, since I came out, and the
vessels of the young men are holy, and the bread is in a manner common, yea, though it
were sanctified this day in the vessel. 6 So the priest gave him hallowed bread: for there
was no bread there but the shewbread , (bread of presence) that was taken from before the
LORD, to put hot bread in the day when it was taken away. 7 Now a certain man of the
servants of Saul was there that day, detained before the LORD; and his name was Doeg, an
Edomite, the chiefest of the herdmen that belonged to Saul. 8 And David said unto
Ahimelech, And is there not here under thine hand spear or sword? for I have neither
brought my sword nor my weapons with me, because the king's business required haste. 9
And the priest said, The sword of Goliath the Philistine, whom thou slewest in the valley
of Elah , behold, it is here wrapped in a cloth behind the ephod : (Weapons from God’s are
Written by M. Larry Perrino 9 2/4/2008
ïŁ© 2002 by Rivkah Ministries Want to Provide Feedback? – Click http://www.rivkah.org/feedback.htm
These Bible Studies are presented free of charge to the public. If these Bible Studies feed you with
spiritual food, it would be a blessing for Rivkah Ministries to receive your tax-deductible donations. You
can send all contrubutions to: Rivkah Ministries; 445-C East Cheyenne Mountain Blvd #322; Colorado
Springs, CO 80906-4570 or you can go or clilck here-> http://www.rivkah.org/contribution.htm
Entering God’s Presence
“in thy presence is fulness of joy” (Ps 16:11)
always wrapped in holiness!) if thou wilt take that, take it: for there is no other save that
here. And David said, There is none like that; give it me. (Receive this also in the spirit:
When King David went to the tabernacle in search of weapons, he received the reminder of
his greatest victory!) 10 And David arose, and fled that day for fear of Saul, and went to
Achish the king of Gath” (1 Sam 21:1-10). Needless to say, David’s life circumstances
substantially changed after this event! Up to this point he had been constantly running
from Saul. Not long after this event David began to more thoroughly trust in the Lord and
to act more and more like a king! Notice David’s words, “One thing have I desired of the
LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my
life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to inquire in his temple . 5 For in the time of
trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he
shall set me up upon a rock” (Ps 27:4-5).
So we will ask the question, “LORD, who shall abide in thy tabernacle ? who shall dwell
in thy holy hill ? (Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion ” (Ps 2:6)) 2 He that
walketh uprightly , and worketh righteousness , and speaketh the truth in his heart . 3 He
that backbiteth not with his tongue , nor doeth evil to his neighbour , nor taketh up a
reproach (shame) against his neighbour. 4 In whose eyes a vile person is contemned
(despised) ; but he honoureth them that fear the LORD. He that sweareth to his own hurt,
and changeth not. 5 He that putteth not out his money to usury, nor taketh reward against
the innocent. He that doeth these things shall never be moved” (Ps 15).
So how are we supposed to approach Mount Zion or God’s Holy Hill? We cry out to the
Almighty, “ I cried unto the LORD with my voice , and he heard me out of his holy hill .
Selah ” (Ps 3:4). We ask Him, “O send out thy light and thy truth: let them lead me; let
them bring me unto thy holy hill , and to thy tabernacles” (Ps 43:3). However, and here is
a major key! We are to approach him with joy in our hearts ! God is the answer to
everything that could possibly be wrong in our lives! Therefore, we should never approach
him with sorrow and distress, “Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence
with singing ” (Ps 100:2).
The opposite of joy, gladness and singing is sorrow, distress and moaning! These latter
expressions of mood are completely improper in the presence of the Lord! Upon hearing
about Haman’s evil intensions against the Jews, Mordecai put on sackcloth as a sign of
sorrow fasting and mourning; nevertheless, he understood that “none might enter into the
king's gate clothed with sackcloth ” (Est 4:2). From this passage we learn that mourning is
entirely improper in the king’s court.
The point that we must realize is that the king’s court is representative of his attitude!
Therefore, the proper atmosphere must exude from the court. This ensures that the king’s
actions truly display his personal values.
Instead of crying tears of sorrow from a perspective of fear, we must cry out concerning
His Glory! You either choose fear-based prayer, “Oh God, Oh God, what am I going to
do? I am about to be evicted from my house! My eldest child is on drugs! My health is
Written by M. Larry Perrino 10 2/4/2008
ïŁ© 2002 by Rivkah Ministries Want to Provide Feedback? – Click http://www.rivkah.org/feedback.htm
These Bible Studies are presented free of charge to the public. If these Bible Studies feed you with
spiritual food, it would be a blessing for Rivkah Ministries to receive your tax-deductible donations. You
can send all contrubutions to: Rivkah Ministries; 445-C East Cheyenne Mountain Blvd #322; Colorado
Springs, CO 80906-4570 or you can go or clilck here-> http://www.rivkah.org/contribution.htm
Entering God’s Presence
“in thy presence is fulness of joy” (Ps 16:11)
failing! I have been told that I have only 6 months to live! Don’t you even care? Boo Hoo
Hoo!” Or we can faith-based prayer as we approach his court, “I thank you Lord God of
heaven and earth! I know that you completely understand all of my personal situations that
must look so puny in your sight! Father I know that you are always with me therefore, “I
shall fear none evil!” I thank you Father that you always “supply all my needs according to
his riches in glory! Therefore since we have a covenant, I will trust in the Lord!”
The king’s court reflects his atmosphere. The following things characterize the king’s
court: Dancing, singing, music, celebration and praise toward the king! The king looks
forward to this form of expression from his subjects. He wants his court to be splendorous!
“ Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name ; worship the LORD in the splendor of his
holiness ” (Ps 29:2) NIV; “ Splendor and majesty are before him ; strength and glory are in
his sanctuary” (Ps 96:6) NIV. We are to give voice to praising the Lord, “ O bless our God ,
ye people, and make the voice of his praise to be heard ” (Ps 66:8); “Come and hear , (they
can only hear if we give voice to our praise) all ye that fear God, and I will declare what he
hath done for my soul . (God is anxious to work mightily in our lives; the only thing we
need to do is praise Him!) 17 I cried unto him with my mouth , and he was extolled with
my tongue ” (Ps 66:16-17).
When God takes you to a new and wonderful place in His presence, He desires that you to
get your mind ready to live continually in that new place. Our problems are solved in His
presence; when the king is happy he naturally gives things away! Do not ever allow
yourself to be depressed in the presence of the Lord! He is a great king and he wants you
to be joyful in his presence, “ in thy presence is fulness of joy ” (Ps 16:11). We should
never come before the King and begin to moan and complain!
We are supposed to make the king happy; we are to tell Him how wonderful He is! We are
to exclaim what wonderful things the Lord does for his people! When you tell a king how
awesome he is, then the king will act to prove what you have just said! He will become
what your praise says he is! This is the reason that Jehovah God added many other
characteristics to His name! Notice those characteristics below:
1.
Gen 22:14
Jehovah Jireh
(My) Provider,
(My) Vision
14 And called Abraham the name of that place ‘Yahweh-
yir'eh’ Jehovah-jireh ”
2.
Ex 15:26
Jehovah Rophe
(My) Healer
“ I am ‘Yahweh ropÂȘ'ekaa’ the LORD that healeth thee.
3.
Ex 17:15
Jehovah Nissi
(My) Victory
“And built Moses an altar, and called the name of it
‘Yahweh-Niciy’ Jehovah-nissi ”
4.
Judg 6:24
Jehovah
Shalom
(My) Peace
“Then built there Gideon an altar unto the LORD, and
called it ‘YAHWEH-SHAALOWM’ Jehovah-shalom”
5.
Psalm 23:1
Jehovah Rohi
(My) Shepherd
“ The LORD ‘Yahweh ro`iy’ is my shepherd ; I shall not
want”
6.
Isa 44:24
Yahweh
Go'ÂȘlekaa
(My) redeemer
“Thus saith the LORD, thy redeemer ”
7.
Ezek 48:35
Jehovah
Shammah
Presence
He’s There
“And the name of that city shall be from that day
‘YAHWEH SHAAMAAH’ The LORD is there .
Written by M. Larry Perrino 11 2/4/2008
ïŁ© 2002 by Rivkah Ministries Want to Provide Feedback? – Click http://www.rivkah.org/feedback.htm
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
These Bible Studies are presented free of charge to the public. If these Bible Studies feed you with
spiritual food, it would be a blessing for Rivkah Ministries to receive your tax-deductible donations. You
can send all contrubutions to: Rivkah Ministries; 445-C East Cheyenne Mountain Blvd #322; Colorado
Springs, CO 80906-4570 or you can go or clilck here-> http://www.rivkah.org/contribution.htm
Entering God’s Presence
“in thy presence is fulness of joy” (Ps 16:11)
“His name whereby he shall be called, ‘Yahweh-
Tsidqeenuw’ THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS .”
God continually dwells in the Garden of Eden! That is the location of his presence. This
means that He has “hedged in” a secure and protected environment. We can never change
His dwelling place; rather, we must change ourselves to conform to the environment that
He has established! Come before his presence with praise and thanksgiving!
Paul teaches us, “let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually , that is, the fruit of
our lips giving thanks to his name ” (Heb 13:15). Our job is to, “Make a joyful noise unto
the LORD, all the earth: make a loud noise, and rejoice, and sing praise” (Ps 98:4). All of
His subjects enter into His courts, “To declare the name of the LORD in Zion, and his
praise in Jerusalem; 22 When the people are gathered together, and the kingdoms, to serve
the LORD ” (Ps 102:21-22). This then becomes our enduring future, “But I will declare
for ever ; I will sing praises to the God of Jacob” (Ps 75:9). What praises do we sing?
“Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the LORD JEHOVAH is
my strength and my song ; he also is become my salvation. 3 Therefore with joy shall ye
draw water out of the wells of salvation . 4 And in that day shall ye say, Praise the LORD,
call upon his name, declare his doings among the people, make mention that his name is
exalted . 5 Sing unto the LORD; for he hath done excellent things: this is known in all the
earth. 6 Cry out and shout, thou inhabitant of Zion: for great is the Holy One of Israel in
the midst of thee ” (Isa 12:2-6).
That is the Lord our God! To declare anything else would be utterly inappropriate!
Jer 23:5-6
Jehovah
Tsidqenuw
(My)
Righteousness
Written by M. Larry Perrino 12 2/4/2008
ïŁ© 2002 by Rivkah Ministries Want to Provide Feedback? – Click http://www.rivkah.org/feedback.htm
8.