The Realised Presence of the Lord 

With the dawning of a new Lords' Day, as is our wont, my wife Bernice and I gathered to the name of the Lord Jesus, claiming His presence in the midst. As ever in His infinite grace and faithfulness, He did not disappoint us. Moreover as on every occasion, since our local Assembly closed the doors to the Gospel Hall immediately upon the introduction of the first lock-down, we knew the wonderful help and ministry of the Holy Spirit in our expressions of worship, both audible (mine) and silent (Bernices'); He indited the words addressed to the Father concerning the Son of His love, as we told Him of "all His glory," and "announced His death" once more ere "He come." 

I know that many of my fellow believers will be unhappy with our "custom," but I have felt more and more assured that we have acted aright. If the Lord Jesus has so graced us with His presence and the Spirit of God composed our worship how can it be otherwise?

We make no boast in this matter, but approach this sublime provision for the "twos and threes" who gather thus to His name; always endeavouring to come with our hands full as consecrated, and our baskets full in thanksgiving; if He will never "empty."

I would appeal to every believer, everyone who loves Christ, to seize "every favourable opportunity" to worship Him and serve to Him, that He may be rejoiced and glorified.