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November 14, 2016
Glorious Morning Princesses!
Peace Be With You....
This week are moving into Week 4 of Session 5, David, Seeking A Heart Like His. (=> Study Information). Our online team will begin on November 22nd (promise not to send any spoiler alerts!) Here we go...
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1. Your Presence is a Present-- Continued...
Based on some feedback last week, I wanted to send all of you a link to Living Prook Live in Youngstown, Ohio on November 4-5. Take a look at the clip. Over 4,000 women attended the event and it was blessing to be present for God's present.
Speaking of Presents in His Presence, let's continue with the conversation this week with some food for thought. Below is a quick recap...
THE QUESTION?
Are you present for God's present?
WHAT'S IN A DEFINTION- Present?
The word "present" is a homograph (two or more words spelled the same, but not necessarily pronounced the same and have different meanings). For example- bow (tie a bow) or bow (bow and arrow).
PRESENT
- a gift (noun 1) -the now (noun 2)
-to give formally or officially (verb) - here (adjective)
THE ANSWER?
As Christians, we have the Holy Spirit of God within us, we just "have to receive the relevation that He is here". (Oswald Chambers, My Utmost for His Highest, 1927, 1935 and 1963)
The Present is in His Presence
If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!" Luke 1:13
The Present is in the Here and Now
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1
The Present is Eternity
Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy... Jude 1:24
"The baptism of the Holy Ghost does not make you think of Time or Eternity, it is one amazing glorious NOW. "This is life eternal, that they might know Thee." Begin to Know Him now, and finish never."
(Oswald Chambers, My Utmost for His Highest, 1927, 1935 and 1963)
With "Present" as our backdrop, here are three questions to think about this week...
1. Think about a time when you received a reminder of God's presence?
2. Think about a time you longed for God's presence, what did you do? A time you felt like no one was there to be a refuge in your time of need.
3. Who did you share your feelings with?
2. What's In A Prayer?
In 1 Samuel 22, David was in his early twenties and on the run from King Saul, who clearly has not minced words about his woeful dislike, insecurity and burning wish for David's death to secure his kingdom.
Now, while we may not have a King Saul on our heels, we may have or be dealing with a situation where we have found ourselves longing for God's presene. Like David, we may have felt all alone. Similar to David, if we want to become women after Gods' own heart like David, there is one thing we can do at at all times and at anytime. In fact, David was known for pinning several verses in the book of Psalm; this was his response during his times of need and at all times.
PRAYER
Quick Bible Trivia??- Was David the author of the Book of Psalms? If not, how many verses did he write? The book of Psalms includes more authors than any other book in the Bible. David wrote a total of 73-75 out of the150 psalms.
As we learned in Session 3, The Armor of God, prayer is the "linchpin that holds our armor together". In fact, Priscilla Shirer used one acronym for prayer to help us remember the power of prayer, take a look:
(P) Prayer
(R) Releases
(A) All
(Y) Your
(E) Eternal
(R) Resources
Priscilla Shirer, Fervent: A Woman's Battle Plan to Serious, Specific and Strategic Prayer (2015) and The Armor of God (2015)
David not only prayed, but he cried aloud, poured out his complaints to God and confessed his need for God. He longed for God's presence. He was not ashamed to tell God how he felt. He was not shy about stating the obvious, "when my spirit grows faint within me, it is you who know my way". (Psalm 142:3) His prayers demonstrate a complete reliance on God.
As Christians we battle daily, not "against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places". (Ephesians 6:12) We need God's full and holy armor of protection. However, the armor is not effective without prayer. We cannot be at peace to be fulfill our ministry. As found in Philippians 4:6-7,
...do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanks giving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
So, dear Princesses, to fulfill your ministry, to become a woman after God's own heart, it starts with prayer. An act that demonstrates our yielding and surrender to the one and only I AM, our Father. This tender act is humbling and recognizes whose we are and who keeps us each day.
3. The Prayer Challenge...
Take some time this week to pray, not just the quickie prayer that you say before you eat or head out the door, but take some time to really talk to God. Meet Him in prayer. Yes, just talk to Him, pour out your feelings so that He can pour into you and you can pour forth into this world. We will continue to talk more about praying next week.
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Prayer “empowers and ‘charges up’ every other piece so they can be used effectively against the enemy. Without prayer…your armor, cannot, will not, be infused with the power that only God’s-Spirit can give.”
Closing Thought-
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Gracious Father, thank you for your presence, thank you for your holy armor. During my prayer time, help me to quiet all that is around me to recognize and humble myself in your presence.
Help me to pour out so that you can pour in and I can pour forth into this world in your name.
Fill me so that I live a life that demonstrates your Spirit. Holy Spirit move on me. In your mighty and holy name. Amen
Know that through the Holy Spirit you can:
do things you couldn't;feel things you didn't; andknow things you wouldn't.
For your praise and worship:
God Is My Refuge- F. Hammond
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Housekeeping:
Our Next Study?- It's not to late to join us for Session 5, David- Seeking a Heart Like His. Please forward to a friend. See the link for registration details => David- Seeking a Heart Like His
Remember, each day is an opportunity for us to...
Lead, Serve and GO!
Krista
Each day we have an opportunity to be the light and salt God has called us to be to others. Matthew 5:13-16 (NIV)
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