Slow Down!!
What more could you ask for!!
A beautiful day, a cup of coffee, Starbucks, of course
And the Word of God!!
To be able to sit here in the little Oasis, as I call the little park down the street from the house.
To sit here at my portable desk and chair and enjoy God’s creation is such an awesome thing. It is something we need to do at times.
To slow down and enjoy that which is around us. To enjoy the presence of the Lord that surrounds us, even as the storms of life rage on, in the midst of it all, our Father gives us a harbor, a place that we can come into His presence.
As I sat here this afternoon, listening to the breeze blowing through the tall pine tree’s, to feel the heat of the sun, listening to the brook as the water flows by and sensing the presence of the Lord, that the Father and I are having a time of fellowship, knowing that the Lord is speaking and saying, “Be still and know that I am God!”
As I took time to be still, as I observe the things around me, it made me aware of the love that the Father has for me, for us, when we come into His presence, no matter where we are.
Here in the park, in our study, at Starbucks, no matter where we are His presence is with us if we will but allow Him to make Himself know to us, in the stillness of His presence.
He takes delight when we enter into His presence, when we are in a heart-attitude towards Him, with a heart of thanksgiving, yes even in the storms, the battles, when we “don’t feel anything” we know that He is with us.
That during this time, it is a sacrifice of praise, of worship, that it becomes a matter of faith, trading our weakness for His strength, at that moment we are made strong, for then that seed that was planted within, begins to blossom even more and we begin to reflect the work that He is doing within.
He is truly a Father, that loves to hear the voice of His children. That He takes delight when we come into His presence, no matter where we are, for it brings rejoicing to His heart. He rejoices over us, He takes delight in us.
There is a healing that comes when we take time to enjoy the things around us, of being in His presence, in a park, having a cup of coffee, that in the midst of everything going on around us, He is ever present with us. He is just a prayer away, a heart attitude away from us and when we think upon Him, He fills our thoughts with His presence.
It is a time that we learn to listen, to hear, to open the word, to get directions, to pray, for those that He brings to our hearts, knowing that we can be in an attitude of prayer at all times and we can practice the presence of the Lord no matter where we are.
There is such a healing that takes place when we take time to just be in His presence, no matter where we are, knowing that we are becoming one with the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ. We are learning to daily hear the heartbeat of the Father!
Are you listening, have you slowed down a little, even in the midst of all that is going on around you, to find a place in your heart, to be still and know that He is God, a Father that loves you, cares for you and desires to hear your voice, to just be one with Him and He, with you, allowing Him to minister to the deep wounds of the Heart.
For in His presence is healing, that touches the deepest wounds, the balm of Gilead. Allow the Spirit of the Lord, to touch your heart today, for indeed in His presence is Healing!!
January 26th, 2006 at 21:11
Oh brother Paul, I am hearing this message over and over. Great post! I personally need to enter my prayer closet, to find a place to be alone with my Lord and enter His presence on a daily basis. Thanks for sharing.
Blessings,
January 26th, 2006 at 22:29
It is often hard to slow down for me. Most of what I do is good… but…
I sometimes tell the Lord that I could be much more spiritual if I could sit on a hillside and count sheep like David, Moses, and Abraham did.
But… I think I have found that I can slow down for a little bit each day anyway. I walk for a half hour each day and pray.
January 27th, 2006 at 01:19
Love your post. It sounds like you have discovered the joy of the discipline of solitude. God bless you in your walk with Him.
January 27th, 2006 at 17:24
oh boy did I ever need this lesson today
January 27th, 2006 at 20:26
ill have a nice plate of the word of god & a side mug of the holy spirit
seriously… love your commitment!
January 28th, 2006 at 07:51
Great article. You’re featured in my GodlyCreative Roundup at Bloggin’ Outloud. Lyn
http://blogginoutloud.blogspot.com/2006/01/godly-creative-roundup.html
January 28th, 2006 at 14:32
What an awesome message. I can relate with you. Since we have been living in our new house, I spend a lot of time talking to God in my quiet times that I have quite a bit of. I go out in the mornings when I take my 3 mini schnauzers out and I take a deep breath and look all around and the amazing beauty that God has created all around. I see Him everywhere. I notice so much more things now, and feel such a presence of God when I just sit out back, looking out across our creek, into the woods, and hear the beautiful birds singing, and sometimes a deer walking through the woods. It is such an amazing time. I love everyday that I can be out amongst his creations. I talk to Him, I sing and it is good. It has given me a whole new look on my life and my life in Christ.
January 29th, 2006 at 16:44
As always I am blessed each time I visit Paul. I pray for you and your ministry and hope that you are reaching out and touching many who need the Lord in their lives. I pray your doing well. Sound like you are busy and happy. God Bless and ~hugs~
January 30th, 2006 at 06:52
January 30th, 2006 at 06:58
January 30th, 2006 at 07:00
January 30th, 2006 at 07:03
January 30th, 2006 at 07:04
January 30th, 2006 at 07:05
January 30th, 2006 at 07:06
January 30th, 2006 at 07:06
January 31st, 2006 at 09:40
Oh Paul, as I read the words you’ve posted, I could actually feel the presence of the Holy Spirit calming my soul…calling me into a place of rest and peace. Than you so much for your servant’s heart and for always sharing what the Lord is teaching you. God bless you my brother in Christ!
January 31st, 2006 at 15:03
I see your sillouette in the photo, that is too cool. I remember the day that Paula met you, and ever since I think of you as Starbucks Paul. Thank you for the comment at Paula’s blog. And yes, you can add me to your reads. I was surprised to find that you weren’t on my blogroll. I thought I had added you months ago, but I goofed us somewhere. I ensured that you were added today.