Presence of Prayer

‘Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up.’ 

Luke 18:1 NIV

The presence of prayer - 

I had a discussion the other day

A dear friend was talking about his relationship;

He was noting how important communication was and how he and his girlfriend talk openly about everything - even difficult conversations. He noted how they made an agreement to be completely honest with one another - even if it might be hurtful at first glance.

Scripture notes that, ‘wounds from a sincere friend are better than many kisses from an enemy.’ Proverbs 27:6

It is all about relationship - 

Direct communication can be difficult 

Yet, those challenging discussion are eased when you are able to focus on trusting the intention of the one you are in relationship with.

Prayer is that simple

The presence of prayer is vital

It is vital in maintaining an open, honest and meaningful relationship with the LORD

And when you have a relationship like that, you will be surprised what you can endure - and what you can accomplish together.

‘Men ought always to pray and not to faint.’

Luke 18:1 KJB

Presence of Promise

 

“The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”

Deuteronomy 31:8

THE PRESENCE OF HIS PROMISE 

His promise to be with us is solid

His promise is more dependable than rocks of old

Even mountains can be blasted into rubble 

Yet, there is nothing … absolutely nothing… that can cause one of the LORD’ promises to fail.

Therefore, we can celebrate before we see it

We have assurance as soon as He speaks it

It will come to pass 

Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ.

II Corinthians 2:14

Presence of Peace

“Peace I leave with you; My peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”

John 14:27

Jehovah-Shalom 

The LORD is peace …

The LORD who is the embodiment of peace,

     He gives us a special gift -

He gives us the gift of peace, the gift of Himself 

Throughout history, there have been many who have strived for peace. Yet, there has only ever been One who actually is peace.

And that One promises to never leave you or forsake you.

That is a comforting thought …

“I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.”

John 14:27 NLT

Presence of Stillness

BE STILL

‘Be still and know that I AM God …’

‘Be still and know that I am God …’

‘Be still, and know that I am GOD …’ 

                                          Psalm 46:10

Be Still …

The Presence of Power

 

‘So will My word be which goes out of My mouth; It will not return to Me void (useless, without result), Without accomplishing what I desire, And without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it.’ Isaiah 55:11 AMP

‘ … not one thing has failed of all the good things which the LORD your God spoke concerning you…’ Joshua 23:14

The word of God is a mighty thing - 

     His spoken word is a surety;

Which is why it is vital to know what He had said concerning us

‘For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.’ Hebrews 4:12

The sword in today’s picture is in its sheath on the third floor of my home. Yet the Word, my Bible, in the picture with it is more powerful and more useful in guarding and protecting my life. That is a thought to truly ponder … and to be in wonder.

The Word is listed as the one offensive weapon when discussing the full-armor of God in Ephesians chapter six.

There is power in the word of God!

The Presence of Power - Found in the Word of God

It is simply amazing …

‘All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.’ II Timothy 3:16-17

The Presence of Process

‘I know the plans I have for you’, declares the LORD;

‘Plans to prosper you and not to harm you,

Plans to give you a hope and a future.’

Jeremiah 29:11

The purpose and the plans of God are an awe-inspiring thing 

We are all born with potential - 

Yet, our potential and the plans of God for our lives generally involve a process before they come to fruition.

I was listening to an old message yesterday and started with this quote:

‘Potential can only be revealed if process is embraced’ 

Bishop Tony Miller

Jesus was born as a man with the potential to be Savior of the world. Yet even He had to embrace the process.

He had to embrace the process of His walk through life, the process of betrayal and/or abandonment from those closest to Him, the process of public humiliation and crucifixion, the process of separation from the Father, the process of death and ultimate resurrection to life in order for His potential to be realized and actualized.

It has been my experience that the LORD will never initiate a plan for my life which does not require my involvement and participation.

It is in submission to His plan and His process that His purpose is revealed in my life.

The great thing is I have the opportunity to choose - 

We have the opportunity to choose.

‘If you are willing and obedient,

          you will eat the best of the land.’ Isaiah 1:19

‘I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live.’ Deuteronomy 30:19

Have a Blessed Day!

The Presence of Purpose

 

‘I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction.’ 

Isaiah 48:10

‘I know the plans I have for you’, declares the LORD;

‘Plans to prosper you and not to harm you,

Plans to give you a hope and a future.’

Jeremiah 29:11

Jesus looked at them and said, ‘With man this is impossible; But with God, all things are possible’ 

Matthew 19:26

He has a plan and a purpose for your life;

It was designed before you were ever a thought in the hearts and minds of your parents

He loves you with an everlasting love …

Trust His plans & purpose for your life

Presence of Praise

 

PSALMS 150

Let All Things Praise the Lord

Praise the Lord!

Praise God in His sanctuary;

Praise Him in His mighty firmament!

Praise Him for His mighty acts;

Praise Him according to His excellent greatness!

Praise Him with the sound of the trumpet;

Praise Him with the lute and harp!

Praise Him with the timbrel and dance;

Praise Him with stringed instruments and flutes!

Praise Him with loud cymbals;

Praise Him with clashing cymbals!

Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.

Praise the Lord!

Wonder of His Presence

 

“You are worthy, our Lord and God,

    to receive glory and honor and power,

for you created all things,

    and by your will they were created

    and have their being.” 

Revelation 4:11

His Daily Presence …

 

In the newness of the morning, great is your faithfulness , LORD JEHOVAH! Lamentations 3:23

The LORD can always be trusted to show mercy each morning. 

Presence

Psalm 101

A psalm of David.

I will sing of your love and justice, Lord.
    I will praise you with songs.

I will be careful to live a blameless life—
    when will you come to help me?
I will lead a life of integrity
    in my own home.

I will refuse to look at
    anything vile and vulgar.
I hate all who deal crookedly;
    I will have nothing to do with them.

I will reject perverse ideas
    and stay away from every evil.

I will not tolerate people who slander their neighbors.
    I will not endure conceit and pride.

I will search for faithful people
    to be my companions.
Only those who are above reproach
    will be allowed to serve me.

I will not allow deceivers to serve in my house,
    and liars will not stay in my presence.

My daily task will be to ferret out the wicked
    and free the city of the Lord from their grip.