The Power of His Presence

Daily Devotions

From the Writings of Ray Stedman

Introduction

Most yearly devotional books are like eating in a school cafeteria day after day—you never know what will show up on your plate next. One day, a light meal may be provided from the gospels; the next day's offering may be something more substantial from the Old Testament prophets. Readers may experience a degree of satisfaction but still feel a nagging hunger for a more systematic and integrated approach to balance their spiritual health.

Ray C. Stedman (1917-1992) believed in biblical exposition. As pastor of Peninsula Bible Church, Palo Alto, California, for forty years, he was committed to preaching through entire books of the Bible, or at least major portions of them. He believed that by presenting the whole counsel of God in this way, his congregation would receive truth in balance and grow into mature saints, as God intended.

This book of daily readings seeks to be true to Stedman's commitment to book-by-book exposition. Each month a different book, or major portion of a book, is explored from beginning to end in bite-sized pieces, alternating from month to month between New and Old Testament books. Each selection is designed to be accompanied with an open Bible, as it includes a portion of Scripture to be read along with an excerpt from one of Stedman's sermons on the same passage. Additionally, at the beginning of each selection is a printed verse from the passage that serves as the focal point of Stedman's comments. A prayer at the end of each selection helps readers apply the lessons they have learned from that passage to their lives.

The Power of His Presence captures well the theme that runs through these selections and all of Stedman's messages. Ray called it the New Covenant, by which he meant that believers are totally dependent on the power of the indwelling Christ to live the Christian life. Second Corinthians 3:5 summarizes this idea well: "Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God. He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant—not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life."

It is my hope that this book will provide a yearly spiritual diet for growing believers who desire to know more of the power of His presence in their lives.

Mark S. Mitchell