In addition to His Holy Word, God still speaks to us through writings, songs and experiences of others. One such person through whom God has spoken is Nicolas Herman also known as Brother Lawrence. Brother Lawrence's writings date back to the seventeenth century and can be found in the book called Practice of the Presence of God which was rewritten by Harold J. Chadwick.
In Psalms 16:11, David said in reference to the Lord, "Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore." Similarly, when Brother Lawrence's soul was firmly fixed upon God, "[i]t is then his soul's joy is full--what he calls the actual presence of God..." (p. 132). "The presence of God is thus the life and nourishment of the soul" (p. 133).
Clearly the Comforter abided with Brother Lawrence (John 14:16). It was through love that the Lord manifested Himself. Love toward the Son resulted in love received from the Father and Son (John 14:21). Brother Lawrence said, "...God's love is truly a consuming fire, burning to ashes all that is contrary to His will. The soul that is thus kindled cannot live except in the presence of God. This presence also works within the heart a consecrated zeal, a holy ardor, a violent passion to see this God become known and loved and served and worshiped by all His creatures" (p. 135).
The Christian music group Third Day relates to the experience of the presence of the Lord in their song "Consuming Fire" with music and lyrics written by band member Mac Powell. Amen! Here are the words to their song:
Set this place on fire
Send Your Spirit, Savior
Rescue from the mire
Show Your servant favor
Yesterday was the day that I was alone
Now I'm in the presence of Almighty God
And yes, our God, He is a consuming fire
And the flames burn down deep in my soul
Yes, our God, He is a consuming fire
He reaches inside and He melts down this cold heart of stone
Set this place on fire
Send Your Spirit, Savior
Rescue from the mire
Show Your servant favor
Yesterday was the day that I was alone
Now I'm in the presence of Almight God
Did you realize that inside of you there is a flame?
Did you ever try to let it burn, let it burn, let it burn?
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