Saturday, December 12, 2009

Benefiting from the Gift of His Presence

I had a plan for this next post. But one thing the Lord always asks of me is to be "available". He wants me and you to be available to hear Him and then do what He asks us to do.

We just happened to watch the movie "Yes Man" last night with Jim Carrey. I'm not saying run out and rent it. It had some questionable language, and a few other things that were, well, maybe not Bible Study material. The reason I even make mention of it, is because when God calls us and then asks things of us, I have learned that He wants a willing heart and an attitude of  "Yes". So today when I planned on another post that I still feel He wants, He asked me to write this instead.


God wants to talk about benefiting us
with His presence,
 and all that "Gift" really means.




Please don't be turned off by the amount of scripture that's here today. Each one of these passages God gave me specifically. That was one of the things I want to stress here in this blog, it is A Bible Study. I can talk all day, and maybe say some things that are interesting and even beneficial, but there is nothing better than God's Word to get to the heart of the matter. So that is why there is so much scripture to read. He can say it better than I can. The Word of God supernaturally informs, reveals, convicts, heals and permeates our being. There are some people out there that He wants to reach today. So ask God if you are one of them. (I think we all are). Then let Him bring to your mind and heart what He is wanting to say to you.

Version: NAS
Psalm 103:1-18


1. [A Psalm of David]. Bless the LORD, O my soul; And all that is within me, [bless] His holy name. 2. Bless the LORD, O my soul, And forget none of His benefits; 3. Who pardons all your iniquities; Who heals all your diseases; 4. Who redeems your life from the pit; Who crowns you with lovingkindness and compassion; 5. Who satisfies your years with good things, [So that] your youth is renewed like the eagle. 6. The LORD performs righteous deeds, And judgments for all who are oppressed. 7. He made known His ways to Moses, His acts to the sons of Israel. 8. The LORD is compassionate and gracious, Slow to anger and abounding in lovingkindness. 9. He will not always strive [with us]; Nor will He keep [His anger] forever. 10. He has not dealt with us according to our sins, Nor rewarded us according to our iniquities. 11. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, So great is His lovingkindness toward those who fear Him. 12. As far as the east is from the west, So far has He removed our transgressions from us. 13. Just as a father has compassion on [his] children, So the LORD has compassion on those who fear Him. 14. For He Himself knows our frame; He is mindful that we are [but] dust. 15. As for man, his days are like grass; As a flower of the field, so he flourishes. 16. When the wind has passed over it, it is no more; And its place acknowledges it no longer. 17. But the lovingkindness of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear Him, And His righteousness to children's children, 18. To those who keep His covenant, And who remember His precepts to do them.

God is giving us an opportunity for good things in our lives. If you don't know that or believe that, please do. He is not harsh or mean spirited. He is not angry with us. No matter how many times we mess up or fall down, He is right there, reaching out His hand, taking ahold of us and wrapping us in His arms. We cannot compare His love for and to us with any earthly parent. He is above and beyond any love that we have ever known.


Version NAS
Jeremiah 29:11-13


11. 'For I know the plans that I have for you,' declares the LORD, 'plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope. 12. 'Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. 13. 'And you will seek Me and find [Me], when you search for Me with all your heart. 14. 'And I will be found by you,' declares the LORD,

Version: NAS
Matthew 12:15-21


15. "... And many followed Him, and He healed them all, 16. and warned them not to make Him known, 17. in order that what was spoken through Isaiah the prophet, might be fulfilled, saying, 18. "Behold, My Servant whom I have chosen; My Beloved in whom My soul is well-pleased; I will put My Spirit upon Him, And He shall proclaim justice to the Gentiles. 19. "He will not quarrel, nor cry out; Nor will anyone hear His voice in the streets. 20. "A battered reed He will not break off, And a smoldering wick He will not put out, Until He leads justice to victory. 21. "And in His name the Gentiles will hope."

Not only do these scripture verses talk about Jesus healing physical disease and illness, He is reminding us today of His great love for us. Somewhere due to circumstances in our lives we tend to forget that God Really Loves Us.
In verse 20 it says that He will not break off a battered reed or put out a smoldering wick. What does that mean? God loves us so much He will not do anything to harm us. He sees when we are downtrodden, depressed, and feeling without hope. He sees when there is only the slightest spark in our spiritual life and relationship with Him. Is He going to stomp on you and crush you when you are down or "in the pit"? Does He refuse us because we may not feel worthy? NO! Just the opposite, He will do whatever He can to pull us up. Just let Him. Just give Him the attitude of "yes". Trust Him and give the Lord the permission to help you. He is right there waiting to help you whatever your need...physically, mentally, emotionally, and relationally. He is ready to step in and let you FEEL and Know His benefits.

Remember the scripture from last post?

Version: NAS

John 15:9-13

9. "Just as the Father has loved Me, I have also loved you; abide in My love. 10. "If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love; just as I have kept My Father's commandments, and abide in His love. 11. "These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may be in you, and [that] your joy may be made full. 12. "This is My commandment, that you love one another, just as I have loved you. 13. "Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends.

Jesus laid down His life for us. For salvation, yes, but for other benefits from His great love. I love the verse about "Joy", that His joy may be placed in our hearts. No matter what we are going through we can still have the "joy" that comes from knowing Jesus.

Let His love put you in a place where you can receive His Benefits. After all they are right there waiting for us. It's a complete package. You get Him and you get His Benefits. I think realizing that could be the best Christmas gift we could ever receive.

Love to all you,
my "friends".
Debra

16 comments:

  1. Oh my Debra!
    Thank you for your obedience. I for one, needed this today. I could just camp out at Psalm 103 forever. It contains forgiveness, healing, provision and restoration. And then Jeremiah 29! Oh what a Plan! Oh what a Planner!
    Thanks again, Miss Debra for a timely Bible study.
    Lisa

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  2. How many times have I inadvertantly left a comment "unpublished" then it is lost. Well, I've found a way to retreive them via the email that comes through. So here is Anne's comment. Thank you dear Anne, for your sweet comment and great friedship.

    Anne~fiona and twig has left a new comment on your post "...just a little help from our friends":

    I am certainly here, but I confess that I'm one of those who have been reading and yet have been lax on commenting. That's not true fellowship, if I'm taking and taking and giving nothing back, so here I am!

    What an incredible group of folks you're assembling here, wow! But than, we know it's not you that called us, right Deb? ;-)

    I am an only child, so I can relate to feeling quite content with my own company. But too much navel gazing does little to soften my rough edges and suppress my selfish tendencies...I *need* all of you! I belong to an amazing Church with good, devout people, but I need what I find here amongst all of you, too.

    I love you, Debra, I hope you know that!
    Sweet dreams,
    Anne



    Posted by Anne~fiona and twig to a day in the life at December 12, 2009 10:56 PM

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  3. Ms.Debra,
    You have no idea how I needed this. AS always, your lessons speak DIRECTLY to me. This one truly did. Thank you so very much. Be blessed ,
    Misty

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  4. Hello All-

    Sometimes what comes to mind in writing a comment on the lesson dear Debra has posted seems 'off topic'.

    What comes to mind this morning for me is how God has come to me through my willingness to do something, to try something, to follow something.

    I will admit that the word obedience has not been a favorite of mine. I am after all someone who wants ALL of their options left open.

    I wonder why?

    My rebellion is in what the world would consider to be little things- socially acceptable things:

    wanting my way
    needing to control-even with a smile
    procrastinating
    valuing my time a little too much
    saying what I think to family members
    all of the overs:
    over-compensating
    over-eating
    over-spending
    over-searching

    Please know that this is not, for me a negative awareness.

    It is when I deal with the issues of life, the overs, and following God's nudges and directions, that His voice is loud and clear.

    Love to you all,

    Laura

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  5. Hello Debra
    Thank you for your word today... I believe also that it was for me. I being the oldest and coming from somewhat of a strict German background tend to read the word and use it as a rod on myself... and yesterday was a rough day as I had gotten a word from a friend from the Lord that was rather harsh-concerning some things in the shop.
    I know the Lord is love but sometimes it is hard to feel that.
    I think as parents we (at least I do), tend to admonish my older children more because you want to save them from unforseen pitfalls and mistakes, but encouragement goes so much further. They know that I love them but when I admonish it doesn't feel that way as when I encourage. I am going to be more aware of what I say and how I say it and encourage more.
    Thanks Debra
    Blessings
    Rebecca

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  6. I'm going to do what I ask all you to do, and that is leave a comment concerning what God is speaking to you concerning the scripture in this last post. A little peek into the "real me".
    Seven years ago, before my heart attacks I had been full of life and energetic, youthful in appearance and outlook. I could pass for someone 10 years younger. But after the heart attacks "AHA" I felt like my life had been stolen away. I aged 15 years in just 1 yr. I felt like an old woman in every sense of the word. It' been hard for me. Some days are worse than others that make me feel really down, depressed, and then looking in the mirror and seeing my Dad, but with lipstick on. So the scripture from this post really hit home for me.
    "Renew our youth like the eagles" and a reminder to have "Joy", no matter what. Gives me hope and a way to believe God for good things; a good plan for my life.
    See, I told you this Bible Study is for me!
    love you all,
    Debra

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  7. Debra,

    Thank you for stopping by my blog and for asking for prayer for me, the kindness of stranger friends always catch me off gaurd for some reason and then leaves sprinkles on my face to think that some one who doesn't know me would care about my life...Thank you for your ministry, I loved this post and the scriptures you shared, I actually think I really needed to hear it, I've actually been feeling a little like God has given up on me lately as no matter how I try to face each day with as much grace and strength I can muster it seems to go with out notice, and every day just so hard and full of challenge, less my heart turn bitter and hardened, I was speaking with my daughter today about not letting that happen and to try to be true to yourself and as God intended for the sake of that alone...as I struggle to live as normally as possible and stay loving and giving, I sometimes just want to be selfish and not do that...sounds terrible I know, but it's weariness, I do believe in a loving God, not a harsh punishing God, I just need to have faith that he is preparing the way for me... Blessings to you, I'll be visiting again...
    XO Keke

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  8. Debra,
    My time is short this morning, but I did want to tell you that your sharing these scriptures mean so much. As I go about my tasks today I feel "renewed" and I so just got a shot of "joy" into my heart from reading the precious word of God. Keke, be encouraged, I am praying for you as are so many others.
    Kitt

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  9. Debra,
    I have to be totally honest and say I know God has a plan in motion for me right now...as to what that plan is, I have no idea. I've just heard Him whisper to me to "continue plowing the field" and so that is what I am doing. I want to have things ready when He is ready for me. I can't explain it, but I feel it all around me like a small breeze, urging me this way and then that way. There is no rhyme or reason in my eyes, but all I can do is see with my heart and obey.
    I do have one question and I hope I don't sound silly asking it, but you could explain to me verse 16 of Matthew 12? Again, I feel I'm suppossed to ask.
    Debbie
    P.S. Oh and Hear!

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  10. His joy is my strength...without it I am lost...then He refreshes me, because He is faithful even when I am not.
    Lee

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  11. Debbie, wow, I love hearing what you just commented about. God gives us a "word" that He continually uses, sort of like a "theme" for the season that we are in. God said a similar thing to me for awhile a few years back and it was "break up your unplowed ground" from Hosea 10:12. He's asking you to continue "working" and preparing. He has seed to sow in your field, that will bring fruit and harvest. That's so exciting to hear!
    And Matthew 12:16 about Jesus warning them not to tell who He was, I think is because He didn't want to be known "just" for His miracles, and felt that if there was too much "talk" about them that that would be all the focus, and He would not be able to preach and speak about salvation and the kingdom. Just like today. He does miracles, but we don't want to get caught up in just "miracles", but we need to know the gospel of Jesus Christ in fullness. Also I think He felt that if He became too much of a "topic" He would be under too close scrutiny of the religious leaders.
    I just loved hearing this today, really awesome, Debbie! I'm so glad you're here!

    To Keke, Having a continuous physical situation can and does cause such weariness in mind, spirit and body. I'm so glad you came by, we will lift you up in prayer and believe for improvement everyday. God is Jehovah Rapha, our Healer. I am praying Keke, that God will take away the pain you feel and replace it with Joy in your heart. Knowing Jesus and His great love and healing hand can overcome any thing or obstacle in your life. We are here for you.

    Rebecca, I hear you. Having 5 daughters you must continually still be having to be "mom". I have a tendency to be "bossy" without meaning to. Your right, we just want our kids to avoid the pitfalls that we have experienced. Not try to control or run their lives but to nurture and direct them. I have to remember that when I was my girl's ages I didn't particularly love hearing everything my mom had to say either. We never quit being a parent, and like you said "encouragement" goes a lot further than criticism. I know your life is hectic and busy, but I so appreciate that you take the time to come here and share with us. We all look at you with admiration and awe at your amazing gift of talent! Beauty just exudes from everything you touch!

    Laura, that's the beauty of God's Word, it hits the mark. What God says to each of us is just what we need. I think it's wonderful how a passage of scripture can speak to so many different people in so many ways. Recognizing and hearing what God is saying to us is critical for us. That's the beginning of making the changes in our lives that we are looking for. Thank you for your amazing transparency with us. You being open and honest about what's happeing in your life is just amazing. God speaks to our heart and then says to us, "Now go find friends that you can share with and who will share with you." We are a sounding board for you. You have our complete support, Laura. You are such a dear and amazing friend, yes, and a very deep introspective "thinker"! Love you.

    Misty, I know you are a listener. You are open and hearing Him speak. I'm so glad that these posts are feeding your spirit. God is good and He's working in your life. just know I am praying for you everyday, you and your sis. Don't let dispair try to get ahold of you. Stick close to God ahd He will lead you out of where you have been. I'm giving you a big hug right now!

    Anne, whose comment I accidently deleted. Fellowship can fill a void that we sometimes don't even know we have. We are busy in our lives, and then when God starts pouring on the "water" we didn't even realize that we had been thirsty. I for one, need to have you around.

    And Lisa, what a blessing you are! I need to be reminded everyday of all God's benefits. That He's not stingy or miserly or neglectful. Hearing Psalm 103 for the first time was an earthshaking experience for me, and it changed my thinking about God completely!

    Love you all, thanks for your "voices". you all bless me continuously!
    Debra

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  12. I just love Psalm 103! So encouraging. I think we all fall into the trap of believing the Lie from Satan that somehow we still have to "earn" Gods love or that we can never live up to His standard. You are so right Deb - we just need to keep saying Yes to the Lord and believing His Word. I am going to print this out and put it on my fridge so I can read it over and over until it really gets deep into my heart. Rebecca

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  13. this morning i read your post and cried. later today, the Lord answered a prayer i felt "in the pits" about. thank you for listening and OBEYING the Lord.

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  14. Thank you for sharing what God lays on your heart. I have been hearing about JOY so much lately and really need to think about it more.

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  15. Hi Debra. I printed the post like I always do and took it to bed with me. I've enjoyed reading the scriptures you given us. I'm working with them daily.

    I'm so glad to see so many people stopping by and being touched by Gods grace. It was nice to see that Keke joined us, she is such a good and caring soul.

    I can't say I've found my path but am not without hope. I hope you don't think I'm throwing myself a pity party but my heart hurts, I feel alone and the spirit of Christmas got lost this year. I am thankful for the true reason for the season. I do miss doing the Christmas thing, having people to share with and to do for and feeling loved. I'm thankful for so many wonderful blog friends, I don't know what I'd do with you/ya'll leaving me little messages.

    I know you're praying for me, may I please ask you to continue. I feel selfish knowing there are so many people with such terrible problems that make mine seem so petty. I just hurt so much right now, like my heart is crushed. I know this too shall pass. Sorry to dribble on but appreciate you so much for allowing me to.

    Hugs and love, Tracy :)

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  16. Hi Debra,
    I found your group today and was drawn to join in. I see some familiar blog friends which I have come to know over the last few months. I look forward to following along and sharing this journey of faith and life we are all a part of!
    Cathy

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