Thursday, March 9, 2017

Reflection - God's presence, purpose and promises - 2

Source (book): "Faithful to the end", Chapter 13, Question 1, Page 188.
By Robert M. Solomon, Bishop of the Methodist Church in Singapore from 2000 - 2012
Posted by Cindi McMenamin on 5 July 2012
Source Website: http://www.crosswalk.com/faith/women/seven-ways-to-sense-god-s-presence.html


Scripture says without faith it is impossible to please God (Hebrews 11:6).
PHOTO: Scripture says without faith it is impossible to please God (Hebrews 11:6). We shouldn't have to feel God to know He's there.
God has promised He will never leave us or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5). We can be assured of His constant presence whether we are struggling with a painful situation or just too busy to notice He is near.
Sometimes we can't sense God's presence because there's something blocking the communication between us. He hasn't left, but our sensitivity to His presence might be affected by unconfessed sin in our life. Come Clean with Him.
When we audibly speak God's inspired Word,  we will sense its power and His presence. So read the Scripture Aloud. We will be aware of its weight or prick our heart through conviction, inspiration, or determination.
Sometimes we feel closer to God when we're in a church service,  singing hymns or praise songs. Sing Him a Love Song and we'll  sense His presence, probably because we're no longer focused on ourself, but on Him.
Scripture says there is power in the name of Jesus. Say His Name, because "Salvation  is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved" (Acts 4:12). As the Source calm our soul, we will sense the power of His presence and His peace.
Say a Breath Prayer because the simplest of cries are the ones that penetrate His heart -- and ours -- the quickest.
Exercise brings our body, mind and heart to life. Get outside. Take a Walk. Move around, confess to Him what's on our heart and let Him waken us up, spiritually.
Sometimes we can't sense God's presence because there's too much of everything else going on. Too much noise, traffic, confusion and anxiety. Center our mind on Him and start to Breathe Deeply. Exhale the distracting thoughts. Inhale a desire to sense His presence. "Be still and know that I am God" (Psalms 46:10).
Artist: th-art aka *RHADS - Wind [2]
Picture posted by Kurnosaya Skoda on 28 August 2012

https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fZpP3DcVds4/WMD5YdZI8tI/AAAAAAAAmP0/zHHsbYvmvJY-0Ty3lmH2bvvfQa3anb2BgCLcB/s1600/veter-unes-teplo.jpg
http://lovestih.ru/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/veter-unes-teplo.jpg
https://sites.google.com/site/kurnosayashkoda/home/i/2/277
https://sites.google.com/site/kurnosayashkoda/home/i/2



How can we develop a deep sense of God's presence?
7 Ways to Sense God's Presence [1]
Do you ever feel like God just isn't there?

Although our feelings tell us that at times, we shouldn't be driven by our emotions when it comes to our trust in God. Because Scripture says the "righteous shall live by faith" (Romans 1:17)  and "without faith it is impossible to please God" (
Hebrews 11:6), we shouldn't have to feel God to know He's there. But I know how you feel if you find yourself discouraged at times, because it seems like God just isn't around.


Scripture says the 'righteous shall live by faith' (Romans 1:17)  and 'without faith it is impossible to please God' (Hebrews 11:6), we shouldn't have to feel God to know He's there.
PHOTO: Scripture says the "righteous shall live by faith" (Romans 1:17)  and "without faith it is impossible to please God" (Hebrews 11:6), we shouldn't have to feel God to know He's there. But when we are discouraged at times, it seems like God just isn't around.
Picture posted by Sandeep Poonen  (2012) - God Speaks Through Animals (Chapter 19, Snakes And Lambs)
https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EPcePkQKCv0/WMD5WmAHvuI/AAAAAAAAmPc/0qEH9pBHTJkmUIl8ReYhP9UoeEVbpHbZQCLcB/s1600/ch19-snakes-and-lambs%2B-%2B1.png
http://cfcindia.org/resources/en/books/images/god-speaks-through-animals/ch19-snakes-and-lambs.jpg
http://www.cfcindia.com/books/god-speaks-through-animals



Unanswered prayer, a series of disappointing events, or a betrayal by someone close to you can cause you to think that God has checked out of your life. Other times we get so busy with our day-to-day lives that we feel guilty that we're not doing enough for Him to want to be around us. But because God has promised He will never leave us or forsake us (
Hebrews 13:5),  we can be assured of His constant presence whether we are struggling with a painful situation or just too busy to notice He is near.


God has promised He will never leave us or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5),  we can be assured of His constant presence whether we are struggling with a painful situation or just too busy to notice He is near.
PHOTO: God has promised He will never leave us or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5),  we can be assured of His constant presence whether we are struggling with a painful situation or just too busy to notice He is near.
"Choose to believe even when you can’t sense God how God is working in your situation. During the times when you don’t notice any evidence of God’s work in your crisis, let your mind be the place that clings to God by reminding yourself of His promise to always be with you – and trusting that he is faithful to fulfill that promise, even when you’re not faithful to him or can’t sense him with you." [3]
Posted by Whitney Hopler on 30 April 2014
https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xz1XZy12H6Y/WMD5V2SYeUI/AAAAAAAAmPQ/IVdEPsPpF2kpamdZJfHBnvVzCQZVacoLQCLcB/s1600/33311-feet-on-beach-1200.1200w.tn.jpg
http://media.salemwebnetwork.com/cms/CW/faith/33311-feet-on-beach-1200.1200w.tn.jpg
http://www.crosswalk.com/family/finances/how-to-discover-god-s-abundance-when-you-re-broke.html



Here are seven ways to focus on Him and sense His presence in the midst of  your struggle or your chaotic schedule:
1. Come Clean with Him. Sometimes you can't sense God's presence because there's something blocking the communication between the two of you. He hasn't left, but your sensitivity to His presence might be affected by unconfessed sin in your life. David, the Psalmist, said, "When I kept silent (about his sin) my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. For day and night your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was sapped as in the heat of summer. Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity (immoral or grossly unfair behaviour). I said, "I will confess my transgressions to the Lord" -- and you forgave the guilt of my sin" (Psalms 32:3-5).  If you feel God isn't around because the two of you haven't talked in awhile, or because you've avoided the thought of Him for so long,  confess to God what's on your heart and mind and ask Him to give you an ear to hear His voice again. 1 John 1:9 tells us: "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."  When your fellowship with Him is restored, the communication can flow again. So get clean (through the forgiveness of Christ) and let it flow.



Come Clean with Him
PHOTO: Come Clean with Him
David, the Psalmist, said, "When I kept silent (about his sin) my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. For day and night your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was sapped as in the heat of summer. Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity (immoral or grossly unfair behaviour). I said, "I will confess my transgressions to the Lord" -- and you forgave the guilt of my sin" (
Psalms 32:3-5).
Picture posted by wikiHow
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http://www.wikihow.com/Honor-God#/Image:Honor-God-Step-1-Version-2.jpg
http://www.wikihow.com/Honor-God



2. Read Scripture Aloud. When you audibly speak God's inspired Word,  you will sense its power and His presence. The Bible says God's Word is "living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword" (Hebrews 4:12). That sharp sword will either make you aware of its weight or prick your heart through conviction, inspiration, or determination. A pricked heart is better than a dull heart any day, wouldn't you agree?



Read Scripture Aloud
PHOTO: Read Scripture Aloud
When we audibly speak God's inspired Word,  we will sense its power and His presence. Reading the Scripture aloud and we will be aware of its weight or prick our heart through conviction, inspiration, or determination.
"Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near" (Revelation 1:3).
https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YnYKxJpyamo/WMD5V-De62I/AAAAAAAAmPM/YLPJ7E0k7u02KuAZLlL9L5eI5rOPwHLYQCLcB/s1600/BlessedIsHeWhoReadsAloud.jpg
http://www.biblenook.com/WhyReadTheBible/images/BlessedIsHeWhoReadsAloud.jpg
http://www.biblenook.com/WhyReadTheBible/



 3. Sing Him a Love Song. God inhabits the praises of His people. Ever wondered why you sometimes feel closer to God when you're in a church service,  singing hymns or praise songs?  Could be because that's where worship tends to take place. When you start praising Him, regardless of where you are, you'll  sense His presence, probably because you're no longer focused on yourself, but on Him. When we open the door of our hearts to love Him, He will meet us there.



Sing Him a Love Song
Sing Him a Love Song
PHOTO: Sing Him a Love Song
We sometimes feel closer to God when we're in a church service,  singing hymns or praise songs. When we start praising Him, regardless of where we are, we'll  sense His presence, probably because we're no longer focused on ourself, but on Him.
Picture posted by favim.com on August 2012
https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fL6bBXyhIEE/WMD5XneCWPI/AAAAAAAAmP4/qCWR3DAXH5Ur1QOwtnIfSCT53M60PSYVgCLcB/s1600/music-guitar-grass-girl-Favim.com-485218%2B-1.png
https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jt9oWVFfTRw/WMD5XuOVrII/AAAAAAAAmPw/L-kU8gwEb1YgjOfyKVasX4SC6epEykk6ACLcB/s1600/music-guitar-grass-girl-Favim.com-485218%2B-11.png
http://s5.favim.com/orig/51/music-guitar-grass-girl-Favim.com-485218.jpg
http://favim.com/image/485218/original/



4. Say His Name. People around you may be using God's name right and left (as a swear word in anger, or  as a thoughtless expression). But Scripture says there is power in the name of Jesus because "Salvation  is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved" (Acts 4:12). Say His name aloud -- as the Answer to all you seek, as the Source to calm your soul, as the One whose presence you long for and you will sense the power of His presence...and His peace.



Say His Name

PHOTO: Say His Name
Scripture says there is power in the name of Jesus because "Salvation  is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved" (
Acts 4:12). The Source calm our soul, as we seek the One whose presence we long for, and we will sense the power of His presence...and His peace.
Picture posted by Lygia Marcia Cavalcanti da Silva - Footprints in the sand ...
https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-X8joZxAXALo/WMD5Xp7GWKI/AAAAAAAAmPs/wFTd2yGyr-AwjWjIFY3vnmmR7WUNTGrlACLcB/s1600/pegadas-na-areia.gif
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mT951JUfi_k/U-UOia8_2GI/AAAAAAAAHS0/Z2V7mITVpJc/s1600/pegadas-na-areia.gif
http://umaflorparacadamulherdomundo.blogspot.sg/2014/08/pegadas-na-areia.html
http://umaflorparacadamulherdomundo.blogspot.sg/2014_08_01_archive.html



5. Say a Breath Prayer. There are times we need Him but we just don't know what to say or where to start. Start by saying His name and then speak your heart's cry. For me, often times it's just "Jesus, I need You" or "Jesus, give me a heart for You." I believe the simplest of cries are the ones that penetrate His heart -- and ours -- the quickest.



Say a Breath Prayer.
PHOTO: Say a Breath Prayer. The simplest of cries are the ones that penetrate His heart -- and ours -- the quickest.
"I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.
Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame.
This poor man called, and the Lord heard him; he saved him out of all his troubles.
The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them."
(Psalm 34:4-7)
Picture posted by Sandeep Poonen  (2012) - God Speaks Through Animals (Chapter 3, Musk Oxen)
https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-O44dTOBr_MY/WMD5W62QB2I/AAAAAAAAmPg/-jJX03Ng0SoFNrwKybnBQAE_cPUu29m3gCLcB/s1600/ch3-god-angles-man%2B-%2B1.png
http://cfcindia.org/resources/en/books/images/god-speaks-through-animals/ch3-god-angles-man.jpg
http://www.cfcindia.com/books/god-speaks-through-animals



 6. Take a Walk. Exercise brings your body, mind and heart to life. Feel spiritually dead? Get outside, move around, confess to Him what's on your heart and let Him waken you up, spiritually. My best times with God are when I'm walking while I pour out my heart to Him.



Take a Walk
PHOTO: Take a Walk
Exercise brings our body, mind and heart to life. Get outside, move around, confess to Him what's on our heart and let Him waken us up, spiritually.
Picture posted by Cowboy, Pixdaus - Great Wall of China
https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-G82s0Czp33M/WMD5V8HSZ9I/AAAAAAAAmPI/A79CsN_qilgbpMa7Ozeb90ar7Nq_sKNEwCLcB/s1600/504632_b0011f6d7a53b491961712c18f89550b_large.jpg
http://pixdaus.com/files/items/pics/6/32/504632_b0011f6d7a53b491961712c18f89550b_large.jpg
http://pixdaus.com/great-wall-of-china-landsc/items/view/504632/



7. Breathe Deeply. Sometimes we can't sense God's presence because there's too much of everything else going on. Too much noise. Too much traffic. Too much confusion. Too many thoughts running rampant in our minds. Too much anxiety. Center your mind on Him and start to breathe deeply.  Try it. Exhale the distracting thoughts. Inhale a desire to sense His presence. Exhale your pre-occupation with self. Inhale a desire to know Him more completely. Exhale the worries of the moment. Inhale His peace. Now, don't you feel better already?



Breathe Deeply
PHOTO: Breathe Deeply
Sometimes we can't sense God's presence because there's too much of everything else going on. Too much noise, traffic, confusion, thoughts and anxiety. Focus our mind on Him, exhale the distracting thoughts and inhale a desire to sense His presence.
"When the people saw the thunder and lightning and heard the trumpet and saw the mountain in smoke, they trembled with fear. They stayed at a distance" (Exodus 20:18).
"Be still and know that I am God" (
Psalms 46:10).
Picture posted by Walmir Teles on Saturday, 18 October 2014 at 11:18 PM
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http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_98Lp2dvqd9U/TBgKWD5jWGI/AAAAAAAABK0/KN9hNMpXi20/s1600/Monte+Sinai+000.jpg
http://adventistashistoricositauna.blogspot.sg/2014_10_01_archive.html


Can you begin to sense that you're in His arms? There's a reason His Word says "Be still and know that I am God" (
Psalms 46:10). [1]



Dear Lord, Please help us to have faith in You even if we could not sense Your presence.
PHOTO: "Dear Lord, Please help us to have faith in You even if we could not sense Your presence. We shouldn't have to feel God to know He's there. You have promised You will never leave us or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5). We can be assured of Your constant presence whether we are struggling with a painful situation or just too busy to notice You are near. Through Lord Jesus Christ we pray. Amen!"

"In comparing the Gospel passages that relate how the women went to the tomb and met Jesus, St. Augustine wondered why in all of them St. Mary Magdalene played such a prominent role. In this account according to Saint John, in particular, she has an encounter alone with the risen Jesus, who entrusts to her the mission of going to announce, making her an apostle, a sent one. And St. Augustine concludes by saying that she deserved this outstanding place because, among all the disciples, she was "the most fervent in love" (St. Augustine, Concordance of the Gospels, III, 69).
Picture posted by Lupin on Tuesday, 22 April 2014 at 9:58 AM
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http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ujjiPspVlYE/U1afoWc7t7I/AAAAAAAAE5U/HReObETMtgA/s1600/jesus_in_the_sky.jpg
http://amidiosgracias.blogspot.sg/2014_04_01_archive.html



Dear Lord, Please forgive my sins so that there is nothing blocking the communication between us.
PHOTO: "Dear Lord, Please forgive my sins so that there is nothing blocking the communication between us.
We pray for Your help to remember to read the Scripture aloud so that we will be aware of its weight or prick our heart through conviction, inspiration, or determination.
Help us to sing to You a love song so that we can feel closer to You, and feel Your presence. Also by singing to You we're no longer focused on ourself, but on You. 
Scripture says there is power in the name of Jesus. As our Source of calming our soul, we pray that we will sense the power of Your presence and Your peace when we say Your name.
Let our prayers penetrate Your heart and ours quickly.
Please enable us to exercise to bring our body, mind and heart to life. Make us get outside to take a walk and confess to You what's on our heart so that You would waken us up, spiritually.
We pray that we led a healthy holistic life that is quiet and pleasing to You without too much noise, traffic, confusion and anxiety. Help us to center our mind on You by breathing deeply. To exhale the distracting thoughts and inhale a desire to develop a deep sense of Your presence.
Through Lord Jesus Christ we pray. Amen!"
Picture is saved by Grace Bloomquist, Pinterest
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https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/f3/91/df/f391dfae1c62601963e7fc33a0bfaef7.jpg
https://www.pinterest.com/anna0490/gods-word-is-true/


Posted by Cindi McMenamin on 5 July 2012
Reflection - God's presence, purpose and promises
By Robert M. Solomon, Bishop of the Methodist Church in Singapore from 2000 - 2012



Reference

[1] Cindi McMenamin, 7 Ways to Sense God's Presence, Publication on 5 July 2012, http://www.crosswalk.com/faith/women/seven-ways-to-sense-god-s-presence.html
Cindi McMenamin is a national speaker and author of several books that help women develop intimacy with God.  For more on sensing God's presence, see her books  When Women Long for Rest, Letting God Meet Your Emotional Needs or When God Pursues a Woman's Heart. You can find out more about her books, ministry, and free resources to strengthen your soul and marriage at www.StrengthForTheSoul.com

[2] Artist of the Day: th-art aka *RHADS, posted by The Dancing Rest on 21 January 2013, https://thedancingrest.com/2013/01/21/artist-of-the-day-th-art-aka-rhads/

[3] Whitney Hopler, Crosswalk.com Contributing Writer, How to Discover God’s Abundance When You’re Broke, posted bon 30 April 2014, http://www.crosswalk.com/family/finances/how-to-discover-god-s-abundance-when-you-re-broke.html

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1 John 1:9 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+John+1%3A9&version=NIV

Acts 4:12 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+4%3A12&version=NIV

Exodus 20:18 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Exodus+20%3A18&version=NIV

Hebrews 4:12 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews+4%3A12&version=NIV

Hebrews 11:6 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews+11%3A6&version=NIV

Hebrews 13:5 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews+13%3A5&version=NIV

Psalms 32:3-5 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalms+32%3A3-5&version=NIV

Psalm 34:4-7 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+34%3A4-7&version=NIV

Psalms 46:10 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalms+46%3A10&version=NIV

Revelation 1:3 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=rev+1%3A3&version=NIV

Romans 1:17 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+1%3A17&version=NIV