Quiet Moments

[Butterfly Woman]

[From the book: Quiet Moments in the Presence of God]


A SPONGE IN THE OCEAN

God is actually not far from any one of us; as someone once has said, "in him we live and move and exist." ~Acts 17: 27-28

Attempting to communicate the extent and scope of God to people standing on an Athens hill, Peter gathered up the sentiment of ancient poets and spoke of living and moving and existing in God. There is no other context.

When you were a child, you may have thought God existed in space. It is truer, however, that space is in God. Everything i sin God. God holds all creation in his palm. God holds a the whole world and everthhing in it. That includes you. As a sponge is in the ocean, you are in God. Your truest and most authentic dwelling place is in God.

It is inside the love and providence of God that you live, move, and exist

The Lord looks at the world from his throne in heaven, and he watches us all. ~Psalm 33: 14 CEV

Dear God, thank you for including everyone in the reach of your embracing love. Amen

[Butterfly Woman]

[From the book: Quiet Moments in the Presence of God]

YOU ARE SPECIAL

He brought me forth also into a large place. He was delivering me because He was placed with me and delighted in me. ~Psalm 19:19 AMP
Take a minute to consider how much God thinks of you. Other people may put you down on occasion, but that’ll never happen with God. The people whom you work with, and perhaps even those you live with, may not always understand what you are trying to say or do, but God knows and understands.

You may give yourself a hard time on occasion, but you can count on God to affirm and applaud you. When God made you, he took particular care to create you as a unique individual and an outstanding person. Nothing God creates is ordinary. You make the world special simply by being in it.

God gave a lot of thought to you. God knows that you are worth it.

When Jesus saw Nathanael approaching, he said of him, “Here is a true Israelite, in whom there is nothing false. ~John 1:47 NIV

Dear God, thank you for valuing me the way you do. Thank You for making me feel important. Amen

[rusty zipper]

we are worth it, everyones worth it....

[Butterfly Woman]

[From the book: Quiet Moments in the Presence of God]

MASKS OFF

The Lord told him, “Samuel, don’t think Eliab is the one just because he’s tall and handsome…people judge others by what they look like, but I judge people by what is in their hearts.” ~1 Samuel 16:7 CEV

At the Mardi Gras Museum in New Orleans, a large glass case holds various masks used in past carnival celebrations over a time span of many years. A printed legend propped inside the case called The Power of the Mask offers this explanation: “A new face and different attire allows a masker to transcend everyday life and construct a new self, an altered psyche.”

God, however, invites you to do just the opposite. He invites you to take off your masks, both the public and private ones. He wants to see you as you are. He wants you to see yourself as you are.

There need be no hiding in the presence of God, for you can be real with him all the time.

He didn’t need any help in seeing right through them. ~John 2:25 The Message

Dear God, I know that when I try to hide I am lost, but when I come to you, I am found. Amen.

[Butterfly Woman]

[From the book: Quiet Moments in the Presence of God]

WHERE THE POWER IS

Be exalted, O Lord, in Your strength; we will sing and praise Your power. ~Psalm 21:13 NASB

After a destructive hurricane hit their city and there was n electrical power, people scurried to purchase generators that ran on diesel fuel. The various capacities of those generators were able to keep refrigerators and freezers going, provide lighting and air conditioning for houses, get businesses going, and perform other needed functions. The generators used an inordinate amount of fuel, however, and the fuel kept running out. After several days, electric power companies moved through the city connecting houses to a power source that was steady and constant.

The constant and steady power you need for your life comes from God. You do not find it in substitutes. You find it in the bedrock grace of almighty God. God is the source of your power for living.

They will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great (kingly) power and glory (majesty and splendor). ~Mark 13: 26 AMP

God of power and might, thank you for giving me the clout and strength I need for life every day. Amen

[Butterfly Woman]

[From the book: Quiet Moments in the Presence of God]

GOD’S PERFECT ATTENDANCE

You wisely and tenderly lead me, and then you bless me. ~Psalm 73:24 The Message

God is always with you. You can count on it. He is beside you in the reality of your life. You are always in his care. God takes no vacation from his care of you. He takes no holidays; he takes n no leaves of absence.

Old Faithful is one of the country’s most popular tourist attractions. Oddly enough, it isn’t the largest or most spectacular geyser in Yellowstone. What makes it so popular with so many is that it is uniquely regular in its eruptions. It is dependable. People can count on it to act like a geyser is supposed to act.

The faithfulness of God is particularized in your life by his steady and constant attention to who you are and what you do.

God is faithful, through whom you were called into fellowship with His Son, Jesus Chirst our Lord. 1 Corinthians 1:9 NASB

Dear God, thank you for your unquestionable faithfulness. Thank you for never taking your eyes off me. Amen.

[Butterfly Woman]

[From the book: Quiet Moments in the Presence of God]

CLAIM GOD’S PRESENCE

[The Lord] said, “My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” And [Moses] said to him, “If your presence will not go, do not carry up from here.” ~Exodus 33:14-15 NRSV

In speaking to God plainly and boldly, Moses set a precedent for how you can talk to God. Moses made it okay for you to let God know exactly where you stand on the issue of his presence. Moses knew he had a right to claim the presence of God, and so do you. It is a claim God expects you to make.

When God wanted the children of Israel to go forward toward a hold land, Moses made sure that God’s name was on the traveling list before he started out. Moses forthrightly told God that he wanted to be assured of his presence and that Moses could count him in.

Ask God to be with you wherever you go. He is waiting for your request.

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, nor shall the flame scorch you. ~Isaiah 43:2 NKIV

Dear God, I boldly and deliberately claim the promise and assurance of your presence. Amen

[Butterfly Woman]

[From the book: Quiet Moments in the Presence of God]

SOME REMINDERS

You must make this Tabernacle and its furnishings exactly according to the plans I will show you. ~Exodus 25:9 NLT

When God wanted his people to know he was with them, he chose to occupy a tent as the meeting place. In fact, it was called the tent of meeting. It was the place where God and his people got together. Inside the tent was an ark of specific dimensions and decoration that represented God’s glory. The imagery reminded the people that God was with them.

You need reminders of the presence of God in the place where you meet God. Have an open Bible as a reminder that God speaks to you. Light a votive candle to symbolize your continuing prayer. Place a cross prominently to indicate how much God loves you.

A symbol is a reminder of something much greater than itself. It points you to God.

I will meet the people of Israel there, and the Tabernacle will be sanctified by my glorious presence. ~Exodus 29:43 NLT

Dear God, as I consider holy symbols of your presence, may I know you intimately and joyfully. Amen

[Butterfly Woman]

[From the book: Quiet Moments in the Presence of God]

RIGHT WORD, RIGHT TIME

The Lord says, “I will make you wise and how you where to go. I will guide you and watch over you.” ~Psalm 32:8 NCV

Alice stood in line at a busy airport, waiting to check in with the reservation clerk. She was relocating across the country to begin a new job. It was a job she had long wanted, but Alice had many doubts about her ability to fulfill the job’s varied responsibilities. Is the job too much for me? she wondered. Have I made a big mistake?

Alice was second in line to check in when the elderly man in front of her got his ticket and turned back. He put a firm hand on Alice’s shoulder as he passed by and warmly said to her. “God bless you. I’m sure everything is going to be all right.”

God sends people with words of encouragement at the time you need them.

Your assistant, Joshua son of Nun, will enter it. Encourage him, because he will lead Israel to inherit it. ~Deuteronomy 1:38 NIV

Thank You, dear God, for the people you send to me with your word for my life. Amen

[Butterfly Woman]

[From the book: Quiet Moments in the Presence of God]

BACK TO YOU

Remember that the person who plants few seeds will have a small crop; the one who plants many seeds will have alarge crop. 2 Corinthians 9:6 GNT

When you give to God's people, God gives himself to you. The mroe the early church gave to those in need, the greater the blessings it received. When they gave to others, God gave to them.

Many years ago a limosine puled up to where a beggar sat. A well dressed man in the limosine asked the beggar to share his rice with him. The beggar was taken aback by the request and very grudingly gave the man three pieces of rice. That night, the beggar discovered three sparkling pieces of gold in his bowl. Shaking his head, he lamented, "If i had only given more."

You release the flow of God's blessings to you by letting the blessings you have through you.

Bring the full tithes into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to the test, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need. ~Malichi 3:10 ESN

Dear God, I receive every time I give. Your blessings know the way to me. Amen

[Butterfly Woman]

[From the book: Quiet Moments in the Presence of God]


ASK GOD FOR HELP

Rescue me from my enemies, O Lord, for I hide myself in you. Teach me to do your will, for you are my God. ~ Psalm 143:10 NIV

Asking is God's plan to get you to go to him for help. the Bible clearly emphasizes the importance of asking in order to receive. The repitition of this in word and story leaves no doubt as to how God wants you to act when you have a need. God wants you to ask. Charles Spurgeon said, "Whether we like it or not, asking is the rule of the kingdom."

There is always something to be gained when you ask God for help. Cry out your need to God. He will honor your request. He will strengthen you for your tasks, enlighten your mind, and fill your heart.

In the Lord's Prayer, you are encouraged six times to ask God for help.

Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you uwill find; knock, and it will be opened to you. ~ Matthew 7:7 NASB

Dear God, I am grateful that you are ready to give when I am ready to ask. Amen

[Butterfly Woman]

[From the book: Quiet Moments in the Presence of God]

REMEMBER OTHERS

I will certainly not sin against the Lord by ending my prayers for you. ~1 Samuel 12:23 NLT

Talk to God about other people. Talk to him about who is physically sick and the form of that sickenss. Tell God who is under emotional stress and the cause of theri anxiety. Tell God about the people you know who are financially strung out, unable to take care of their families as they want to. Tell God who is experiencing a shattered dream and can't seem to get up off the floor.

Talking to God and telling him about others is to intercede on their behalf. "Intercession," said Andrew Murray in his book A MINISTRY OF INTERCESSION, "is the most perfect form of prayer."

Lift the names and conditions of others to God. Let God know what they need.

He is able to save forever those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them. ~Hebrews 7:25 NASB

Dear God, I bring the needs of others to you in faith, confidence, and obedience. Amen

[Butterfly Woman]

[From the book: Quiet Moments in the Presence of God]

BELIEVE BIG

Jesus said to him, “Thomas, because you have seen Me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed." ~ John 29:29 NKJV

Believing big things about God is the beginning of a new and exciting life in God. When you believe big about God, a new and fresh spirit comes to you. Such a belief invigorates your daily walk. Your decisions are clearer. Your staying power more adequately matches your starting power.

When you believe big about God, you act on the promise of a capable and competent God. You hope more; you dream more. You dare more; you do more. To believe something is to act as if it is so. One person with a strong belief has a power equal to many people who have only interests.

Your belief about what God can do puts you in touch with the power of God to get it done.

Immediately the father of the child cried out, “I believe; help my unbelief!” ~ Mark 9:24 NRSV

Dear God, I believe you are able to do important work in me and significant work through me. Amen.

[rusty zipper]

belief, something i have finaly found...

just took over 50 years of searching...

and in the grand scheme of time, a gnat!

[Butterfly Woman]

[From the book: Quiet Moments in the Presence of God]

BEGIN AND END

The Lord is your protector, there at your right side to shade you from the sun. You won’t be harmed by the sun during the day or by the moon at night. ~Psalm 12:5-6 CEV
Psalm 121, sung by people going to Jerusalem for major festivals, speaks frequently of God’s ability to “keep” you. There are six direct references tot hat idea. God is able to keep you, the psalmist said, because he is always on the job for you.

God is present as you begin and end each day. He is there when the sun comes up, and he is there when it has gone down. As your day begins, God is there to guide and direct you. God wakes you in the morning and puts you to bed at night.

God begins and ends each day with you. He invites you to begin and end each day with him.

Blessed be the Lord, who daily bears our burden. ~Psalm 68:19 NASB

Dear God, thank you for being present to me with your love and encouragement all day long. Amen.

[Butterfly Woman]

[From the book: Quiet Moments in the Presence of God]

GOD GUIDES YOU

He scatters His bright clouds. And they swirl about, being turned by His guidance, that they may do whatever He commands them. ~Job 37:11-12 NKJV

Guidance is high on the list of what God likes to do for you. He likes to get you on the road, acquaint you with its twists and turns, warn you of soft shoulders and slippery surfaces, and put map and itinerary on your lap so you can reach your destination and fulfill your destiny. God gives you directions to follow. God points the way for you that he knows so well.

The Bible is filled with stories of divine guidance. Abraham was guided to a new land. Moses was guided back to it, Jesus was directed into the wilderness, and Paul was led to Macedonia to take the gospel to Europe. Nothing has changed.

Your story is one of God’s instruction and direction. God leads you each day.

You’re my cave to hide in, my cliff to climb. Be my safe leader, be my true mountain guide. ~ Psalm 31:3 The Message

Thank You, dear God, for knowing the way I should go and for showing it to me one step at a time. Amen.

[rusty zipper]

Happy New Year Dear Mare Darl'n!

[Butterfly Woman]

[From the book: Quiet Moments in the Presence of God]

IN THE MORNING

I tell you the truth, whoever believes has eternal life. ~John 6:47 NCV

Getting close to God and staying there gives you a sense of eternal destiny. Your time of prayer and moments of reflection have about them an eternal dimension. God speaks to you of forever/ he assures you of a life that never ends.

A man who was known for his deep faith found out he had a serious disease and would not live long. He sat down and wrote a letter to his best friend. He told his friend, “I learned today of my impending death. Before you read this, I may already be in heaven. Don’t bother to write, I’ll see you in the morning.”

You are assured of a home in heaven, where you will live with God forever.

I write this to you who believe in (adhere to, trust in, and rely on) the name of the Son of God [in the particular services and blessings conferred by Him on men], so that you may know [with settled and absolute knowledge] that you [already] have life, yes, eternal life. ~1 John 5:13 AMP

Dear God, thank you for giving me a life that will never end. Amen.

[Butterfly Woman]

[From the book: Quiet Moments in the Presence of God]

IT TAKES BOTH

Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this. ~ Psalm 37:3-5 NIV

When a fine artist takes the hand of a promising student and guides it on the canvas, the brushstroke is more the teacher’s than the student’s. The student holds the brush and makes a motion of the hand, but the teacher’s touch comes through to the painting. Much honor and praise belong to the teacher.

But there is honor and praise for the student as well. The student has put himself in the teacher’s capable hands, has made himself malleable to the teacher’s touch. The student has yielded to the motion and direction of the teacher. The surrender of the student to the teacher brings wonderful and beautiful results.

Your attitudes and actions are always better when you let God guide them with his hand and heart.

Teach me to follow you, and I will obey your truth. Always keep me faithful. ~Psalm 86:11 CEV

Dear God, I feel the inspiring and directing touch of your hand on mine. Amen.

[rusty zipper]

yey for the teachers!