Enjoying the Presence of God and His Strength – Weekly Devotional: Luke 4:8

It seems to me that one of the most important Spiritual Exercises that we can engage in is to Spend Time in God’s Presence. When I am aware that I am connected to God, I have peace, hope and the spiritual strength that I need for whatever the day brings me.

For me, to be in God’s presence usually begins with intention.  I make a decision deep in my spirit to become connected to God. I remind myself of his special qualities and of his faithfulness. I often remember the scripture “Draw near to God and he will draw near to you.” Luke 4:8  This is a promise that God gives us in his Word.

I frequently listen to music.  Sometimes I turn on my iPod or tune in to a Christian radio station or pull up a website that plays soft Christian music so that it plays in the background.  This is soothing to my soul and is a reminder of the loving nature of God. When I listen to this type of music I am inspired by the melodies.

Being in a beautiful place is another way in which I make a special connection with God. My wife and I are at a North Carolina beach for a week. As I am seated comfortably in a chair looking out at the ocean waves, I’m reminded of how God has gifted us with the beauty found in nature. I feel extra close to him in this setting.

And, maybe most of all, as I read scripture I am reminded of his nature and goodness and love. When I take time for an extended devotional and linger in the Bible I hear God speak to me softly through his Holy Spirit. He reminds me of his truths.

During these difficult times of high unemployment rates, financial stresses and other associated challenges, many people are looking for the inner strength needed to make it through the day, or the week. The best Source of strength I can think of is the strength that comes from being in the presence of God.

I hope that you are able to experience his presence regularly.

Scriptures Related to Spending Time in God’s Presence

“If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me. I will be found by you,” says the Lord. “I will end your captivity and restore your fortunes. I will gather you out of the nations where I sent you and will bring you home again to your own land.” Jerimiah 29:13-14

“Be still, and know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world.” Psalm 46:10

“The LORD replied, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” Exodus 33:14

“Do not banish me from your presence, and don’t take your Holy Spirit from me.” Psalm 51:11

Questions to Reflect On

How are you intentional in being inGod’s presense? Do you have a favorite location you go to in your home or outside your house or in your neighborhood to sit quietly?

Do you have a favorite devotional that you read that connects you to God?

Do you have any special music that you listen to that helps you to quiet your soul and opens your heart in a bigger way to the Lord?

Related Resources

Read more about Spiritual Exercises for a Healthier Life

Inspirational Song of the Week – Heart of Worship

“Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.” Psalm 100:2

The Heart of Worship,Michael W. Smith on YouTube

False Beliefs and Unhealthy Thinking

Last week our church began a 7-part series titled “Be Our Biggest Loser“. The series is about the things we want to lose in our lives – not just extra weight. A few of the topics we will address will be low self esteem, helplessness, anxiety, addictions and bitterness. I had the privilege of presenting the first teaching on “False Beliefs and Destructive Thinking.”

One of the key verses I based the teaching on is

“For as a man thinks within himself, so he is.”  Proverbs 23:7

In the teaching I briefly covered the following topics:

• Satan is the deceiver
• Our defense- the Word of God
• Our identity
• We are all children of God
• The value of meditation and affirmations
• It’s all about the heart

One of the main points I made was the importance of renewing one’s mind according to Romans 12:2.  My appreciation for this scripture is that Paul was not just referring to the process of thinking positive, heavenly thoughts.  He was also encouraging the Romans to embrace the entire gospel. He was urging them to consider what Christ did for them on the cross and for them to live out the new life that they were given to them by Christ.

Based upon the feedback I received afterward, I thought I’d make my five pages of notes I referred to available here as a resource. Included in the notes are 20 relevant scriptures. To read and/or download a copy of the notes, visit the link below.

False Beliefs & Destructive Thinking

Hope that you have an awesome day!

A Prayer for You

It’s the National Day of Prayer and I sense God asking me to send out a prayer to all of you who subscribe to this blog.

I  pray that God will woo you to spend daily time with him – quietly.  In that one-on-one time with him, I pray that you will recognize his gentle voice as he speaks to you.  As you spend more time with God, I pray that he empowers you, through his Holy Spirit, to do the things you sense him asking you to do.

May you have great hope knowing that God is there for you and knowing that some day you’ll be in heaven.

May you be experiencing peace deep in your heart because you trust him and you do not worry.

As you depend more and more on God, not on your own strength, may you be able to change any health-related behavior that you desire to change.

And finally, because you are asking in a humble and dependent way for God to be involved in your life, may you know his will and may your life bring glory to him.

I pray this in Jesus’ name.  Amen.