I don't always feel His presence. But God's promises do not depend upon my feelings; they rest upon His integrity.

Sin is cosmic treason

As the fear of God is the beginning of wisdom, so the denial of God is the height of foolishness.

By His life, death, and resurrection, our Savior has conquered our enemies, and by His Spirit He has granted us to share in the victory.

But the blessing Christ promised, the blessing of great reward, is a reward of grace. The blessing is promised even though it is not earned. Augustine said it this way: Our rewards in heaven are a result of God's crowning His own gifts.

We do not segment our lives, giving some time to God, some to our business or schooling, while keeping parts to ourselves. The idea is to live all of our lives in the presence of God, under the authority of God, and for the honor and glory of God. That is what the Christian life is all about.

God's graciousness is not totally removed from any individual during this lifetime. In hell, it is.