Practicing the Presence of God

Brother Lawrence penned the following words in his book The Practice of the Presence of God:

"Brother Lawrence told how to form the habit of talking with God all the time, referring all we do to Him. The secret: Ask God in a spirit of genuine diligence. After a little care and after a little time, we will discover that His love excites us to continual conversation with God with no difficulty."

Session Four: Me, Myself & Lies

Siesta Summer Bible Study (Weeks 5 and 6) from LPV on Vimeo.

Let's Get Our Worship On...

Coming Home to the Heart of Our Desires from LWEvents on Vimeo.

An Important Message from Beth Moore from LWEvents on Vimeo.

Guess who is coming to town???? Well not really OUR town, but the great city of Green Bay, Wisconsin.... Beth Moore! And guess who is simulcasting the LIVE event but our very neighbors at First Baptist Church Grapevine. Here's the scoop:

Date: Friday & Saturday, August 28-29th

Times: Friday night 7-9:30 pm & Saturday from 8:30-noon

Theme of Weekend: Coming Home to the Heart of our Desires

Cost: $25

Register online at http://www.fbcgrapevine.com/event/2009-08-28-beth-moore-simulcast/

Are We Obsessed?

Obsession: To have the mind excessively preoccupied with a single emotion or topic.

In Francis Chan's book Crazy Love he spends a chapter discussing the profile of the obsessed. He says:

"The idea of holding back certainly didn't come from Scripture. The Bible teaches us to be consumed with Christ and to faithfully live out His words. The Holy Spirit stirs in us a joy and peace when we are fixated on Jesus, living by faith and focused on the life to come (eternity). While (the following) descriptions combined don't necessarily answer the question of what it looks like to be wholly surrendered to God, they represent important pieces of the puzzle. Hopefully you can begin to imagine and pray about what this looks like in your own life."

*People who are obsessed with Jesus aren't consumed with their personal safety and comfort above all else. Obsessed people care more about God's kingdom coming to this earth than their own lives being shielded from pain or distress.

*People who are obsessed with Jesus live lives that connect them with the poor in some way or another. Obsessed people believe that Jesus talked about money and the poor so often because it was really important to Him. (1 John 2:4-6; Matt. 16:24-26)

*Obsessed people are more concerned with obeying "God than doing what is expected or fulfilling the status quo. A person who is obsessed with Jesus will do things that don't always make sense to unbelievers.

*A person who is obsessed with Jesus knows that the sin of pride is always a battle. Obsessed people know that you can never be "humble enough", and so they seek to make themselves less known and Christ more known.

*People who are obsessed with Jesus do not consider service a burden. Obsessed people take joy in loving God and loving His people.

*People who are obsessed with God are known as givers, not takers. Obsessed people genuinely think that others matter as much as they do, and they are particularly aware of those who are poor around the world (James 2:14-26).

*A person who is obsessed thinks about heaven frequently. Obsessed people orient their lives around eternity; they are not fixed only on what is here in front of them.

*A person who is obsessed is characterized by committed, settled, passionate love for god, above and before every other thing and every other being.

*People who are obsessed are raw with God; they do not attempt to mask the ugliness of their sins or their failures. Obsessed people don't put it on for God; He is their safe place, where they can be at peace.

*People who are obsessed with God have an intimate relationship with Him. They are nourished by God's word throughout the day because they know that forty minutes on Sunday is not enough to sustain them for a whole week, especially when they will encounter so many distractions and alternative messages.

*A person who is obsessed with Jesus is more concerned with his or her character then comfort. Obsessed people know that true joy doesn't depend on circumstances or environment. It is a gift that must be chosen and cultivated; a gift ultimately from God (James 1:2-4).

*A person is who is obsessed with God knows that the best thing he can do is be faithful to His Savior in every aspect of life, continually saying, "Thank You!" to God. An obsessed person knows that their can never be intimacy if he is always trying to pay God back or work hard enough to be worthy. He revels in his role as a child and friend of God.

May we cease living as the status quo and begin living the profile of the obsessed. There is only One worthy and safe enough of our obsession... May we fix our hearts and minds on you Lord.

"Praise the Lord, O my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name.

Praise the Lord, O my soul, and forget none of His benefits-

Who forgives all your sins

and heals all your diseases,

Who redeems your life from the pit

and crowns you with love and compassion,

Who satisfies your desires with good things..."

Psalm 103: 1-5

As with all God-breathed and inspired scripture, these verses are so beautifully written in the perfect and most gracious order that our God works. We cannot come to Jesus without realizing our need for a Savior, without recognizing our sin & complete wretchedness apart from Him. But then comes the beauty of His working power. There is a process of healing, growth and sanctification that begins to take place as we place ourselves under the authority of God's love & grace. David portrays it magnificently in Psalm verses 3-5:

He forgives us all our sins... Praise you Jesus that there is now no condemnation in Christ. Your life paid the debt and your blood washed us clean.

He heals us... Oh the healing we are in need of! Thank you Lord that your love & grace bring the healing balm our hearts desperately need.

He redeems us... Thank you that what satan intended for harm, You can turn to good- for our full redemption:

"Our willingness to place ourselves in God's holy hands leads to full redemption. Full redemption is when the pain is treated and turned around so thoroughly that it not only loses it's power to do you harm but also gain the power to do some good." (Beth Moore- I don't know where I found this quote. I've had it in my Bible for years)

He crowns us... Girls we have been made royalty and are loved by the King. The scarlet letter has been removed and a crown of rubies placed upon our heads. He is so worthy of praise.

He satisfies our desires... In order to keep us healthy and whole, God in His sovereignty knows that He must be our greatest delight and satisfaction.

"We were created to treasure Christ will all of our hearts. One reason lust (and unhealthy addictions) reign in so many is that Christ has so little appeal. We default to deceit because we have little delight in Christ...Look, look, look at the most magnificent Person in the universe until you see Him the way He is." (John Piper- Pierced by the Word)

Lord satisfy us today in you. For you alone complete, bring joy, satisfy and quench our thirsty souls.

The Law of Disintegration: Guarding our Marriages

In a recent article by Dr. James Dobson, he had the following insight to give regarding marriage and the law of disintegration:

"The natural tendency of everything in the universe is to move from order to disorder. If you buy a car, it will steadily deteriorate. Your body is slowly aging and dying. Your house has to be repainted and repaired. A business that is not managed carefully will unravel and collapse. ..


The principle that governs this drift from order to disorder might be called "the law of disintegration". The only way to postpone or temporarily combat its influence is to invest creative energy and intelligent design into that which is to be preserved.

Not so surprisingly, human relationships conform to this principle. The natural tendency is for husbands and wives to drift away from each other unless they work at staying together. To provide another analogy, it is as though they were sitting in separate rowboats on a choppy lake. If they don't paddle vigorously to stay in the same neighborhood, one will drift to the north of the lake and the other to the south. That is exactly that happens when marital partners get too busy or distracted to maintain their love. If they don't take the time for romantic activities and experiences that draw them together, something precious begins to slip away. It doesn't have to be that way of course, but the currents of life will separate them unless efforts are made to remain together.

I wish every married couple knew about the law of disintegration and actively protected their relationship from it."

(From the Complete Marriage & Family Home Reference Guide by Dr. James Dobson)

Lord guard our marriages. You designed marriage & families for your glory- which is why the enemy is on a clear mission to destroy this central core of Your design. Help us wise up against the distractions and schemes of the enemy. Fortify our homes. Your word says "the angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear Him" (Ps. 34:7). May you have complete Lordship and supremacy in our homes and our marriages- and may you literally encamp around our families. Give us the creativity and love to intentionally pursue our spouse- that our hearts and lives would remain sealed as one.

Be Anxious for Nothing...

"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God." Philippians 4:6

"So often we pray and then fret anxiously, waiting for God to hurry up and do something. All the while God is waiting for us to calm down, so He can do something through us."

-Corrie Ten Boom

More about the life of Corrie Ten Boom: http://www.corrietenboom.com/history.htm

Praying God's Word

Praying God's Word by Beth Moore. This is a must have. Order it today. Give it as birthday gifts. Put it in every bathroom. It's a must read. As we seek to develop the mind of Christ, this book is a helpful tool in demonstrating HOW to pray scripture. Be prepared: This will rock your world!


Here is an excerpt from her book:

In reference to 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 Beth says that how we learn to "take captive every thought" is "we make our thoughts obedient to Christ every time we choose to to think Christ's thoughts about any situation or stronghold instead of Satan's or our own.What are Christ's thoughts? The Word of God revealed to us. I finally learned that the way we make our exalted, overpowering thoughts bow down in obedience to Jesus Christ is to choose to think His thoughts about the matter rather than my own or those influenced by the enemy. In this book I am sharing with you exactly how I began to think God's thoughts over controlling strongholds in my life....In praying scripture I not only find myself in intimate communication with God, but my mind is being retrained or renewed (Romans 12:20) to think His thoughts about my situation rather than my own. Ultimately, He resumes His proper place in my thoughts and life as huge & indomitable, and my obstacles shrink."
-Praying God's Word (pg. 7-8)

"Father, I desire to become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. Then I will no longer be an infant, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here & there by every wind of teaching. Instead, please teach me to speak truth in love, growing up in Him who is the head, Christ."

(Ephesians 4:13-15)

Lord I once lived in darkness but now you have called me into the light & into relationship with You. "Help me to live now as a child of light for the fruit of living in the light consists of goodness, righteousness & truth. Help me to seek You and find out what pleases You." (Ephesians 5:8-10)

"Father, please never allow me to be one who is always learning but never able to acknowledge the truth. (2 Tim. 3:7) Your word says that she who trusts in herself is a fool, but she who walks in wisdom is kept safe (Prov. 28:26). Lord I have come to realize that I cannot trust in myself. My safety is in learning to trust in You. Please help me!"

Session Three: Me, Myself & Lies

Siesta Summer Bible Study (Weeks 3 and 4) -Part 1 from LPV on Vimeo.

Siesta Summer Bible Study (Weeks 3 and 4) -Part 2 from LPV on Vimeo.

I Think You Will Enjoy This

This excerpt part of Beth Moore's blog written today for her daughter Melissa. Today is Melissa's birthday and this is part of her birthday cheer from Beth. I found myself in tears as I love her attitude of submission to Christ and hope even through a painful health battle. Oh Lord increase my faith that even as I walk through the fire I would praise your holy Name...

From Beth:
We sang “Before the Throne of God Above” yesterday in the worship service. Knowing how much you love it, I could hardly get the words to come out of my mouth. I kept thinking of the lyrics in reference to the genuine trial by fire you’ve had this year with health issues attacking that little frame. Persevere, my sweet, sweet Child. I pray with all my heart that this is only a season and that God is going to bring you out of it twice the warrior that entered it. Please hasten to the finish, Lord Jesus. Restore Your young servant completely and bear such a harvest that she will one day look back on it as a gift in disguise from Your faithful hand.

Just in case you’ve forgotten any of the words:

Before the throne of God above
I have a strong, a perfect plea:
A great High Priest, whose name is Love,
Who ever lives and pleads for me.

My name is graven on his hands,
My name is written on his heart;
I know that while in heaven he stands
No tongue can bid me thence depart
No tongue can bid me thence depart.

When Satan tempts me to despair,
And tells me of the guilt within,
Upward I look,
and see him there
Who made an end of all my sin.

Because a sinless Savior died,
My sinful soul is counted free;
For God, the Just, is satisfied
To look on Him and pardon me
To look on Him and pardon me

Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
Praise the One, Risen Son of God!

Behold him there, the risen Lamb
My perfect, spotless righteousness,
The great unchangeable I am,
The King of glory and of grace!
One in himself, I cannot die
My soul is purchased by his blood
My life is hid with Christ on high,
With Christ, my Savior and my God
With Christ, my Savior and my God

May We Be Bold Women of the Lord

Nice Girls Don't Change the World, by Lynne Hybels

May we be dangerous women.
May we be women who acknowledge our power to change, and grow, and be radically alive for God.
May we be healers of wounds and righters of wrongs.
May we weep with those who weep and speak for those who cannot speak for themselves.
May we cherish children, embrace the elderly, and empower the poor.
May we pray deeply and teach wisely.
May we be strong and gentle leaders.
May we sing songs of joy and talk down fear.
May we never hesitate to let passion push us, conviction compel us, and righteous anger energize us.
May we strike fear into all that is unjust and evil in the world.
May we dismantle abusive systems and silence lies with truth.
May we shine like stars in a darkened generation.
May we overflow with goodness in the name of God and by the power of Jesus.
And in that name, and by that power, may we change the world.
Dear God, Please make us dangerous women. Amen.
-Lynne Hybels

Lord take us past complacency and apathy. May we be bold in our pursuit of YOU and out of that, make us dangerous women who seek your glory more than the safety of the shores of mediocrity. Let us dive in and get our feet wet instead of fearing stirring up the waters. For no one ever rescued a drowning friend by sitting on the waters edge. We were never meant for the shoreline. Make us dangerous.

"The wisdom of the prudent is to give thought to their ways,

but the folly of fools is deception."

Proverbs 14:8

July Summer Series

With the summer well under way, some twenty-five (ish) women have joined together for a July summer series: Me, Myself & Lies by Jennifer Rothschild. God has blessed us with an amazing group of women who are hungry to grow & study His word. Open our hearts Lord that we may receive all that you have for us... For the praise & glory of your name.

"Set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things... Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly...And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father." Colossians 3: 1-2,15-17

Looking For a New Routine??

God where am I playing it safe and hugging the beam? Take me on from this place of safety & complacency Lord... give me a crazy love that is willing to live boldly for your glory.

The First Lie

From C.S. Lewis's brilliant Mere Christianity:

"That was the very fall of Satan: and that was the sin he taught the human race. What Satan put into the heads of our remote ancestors was the idea that they could 'be like gods'. That they could set up on their own as if they had created themselves, be their own masters- invent some sort of happiness for themselves outside God, apart from God. And out of that hopeless attempt has come nearly all that we call human history. Money, poverty, ambition, war, prostitution, classes, empires, slaves- the long terrible story of man trying to find something other than God which will make him happy.

The reason why it can never succeed is this. God made us: Invented us as a man invents an engine. A car is made to run on petrol, and it would not run properly on anything else. Now God designed the human machine to run on Him. He Himself is the fuel our spirits were designed to burn, or the food our spirits were designed to feed on. There is no other. That is why it is just no good asking God to make us happy in our own way without bothering about Him. God cannot give us a happiness and peace apart from Himself, because it is not there. There is no such thing."

-C.S. Lewis