In The Stillness!
Often it is in the silence that the Lord speaks the loudest and reveals Himself in ways that will touch our inner most being and bring forth a healing!
A closing of wounds and restoration of our heart, our mind, our spirit, as we come into His presence.
This morning, the silence was in the music, that I was listening too.
No words, just music, music that was played in the presence of the Lord, to glorify the creator of heaven and earth. As I was listening I began to understand even more the importance of this time, of daily focusing on the Lord, with a heart of adoration and appreciation.
A time of simply as it were, soaking and breathing in His presence and letting healing come. In the silence of the music I heard as it where the Spirit of the Lord saying, “Peace, be still and know, be acquated with me and embrace my presence and dwell with me this day in the secret place.”
With tears welling up, I began to allow Him to open my heart and touch the hidden areas and began to apply the healing balm of His presence to my heart and I began to understand the true meaning of love.
Are you wounded, hurting, wondering?
It is during these times, that He welcomes us, takes pleasure of walking with us, of learning to know each other, of truly becoming one with Him, with our Lord.
It is during this time, that we are changed, to learn to be still and know, that He is Father, that we can come running into His presence and embrace Him.
That we can put our head on His shoulder and let our tears flow.
As our tears soak His shoulder, He embraces us even more and lets us know, that through it all, He has, He will and has always been there!
September 6th, 2006 at 11:32
Brother Paul,
Loved this post.For me something about the silence and stillness allows the tears to fall.Thankfully there is Someone to catch them when they fall.I recall a really stressful time in our lives about 2-3 years ago.Husband Steve and I just had to get away for a few days so we did.Drove over to Central Oregon and stayed in a deluxe cabin at Prineville Reservoir.One morning while Steve napped I went out onto the porch.I sat in the sun just embracing the quiet.Not a sound but wind in the pines and water gently lapping the shore below me.The tears almost immediately flowed.In that silence I sensed the Father’s nearness.I will most likely never forget that experience.I think God is found more often in silence and especially when accompanied by being out in His creation.In closing let me say that I found it sad that I had to drive 300 miles away from home to find that place of healing and release but I know God was in it.He was there in the stillness just waiting for us to arrive.:-)Great post.Blessings brother Paul…
Your sister in Christ,Sharon:-)
September 6th, 2006 at 19:19
As a mom of 2 special needs children its not often that I find the time for peace and quiet at least not for long periods….but God has a way of speaking through me during those times ..it was during one of those times I had a dream or a vision that literally changed my life and my nearly failed marriage 1 yr ago this month.
I have such a peace and joy in my heart even through the daily stress of caring for 2 autistic blessings and having health problems that sometimes cripple me for a while but, I also find that at my most crippling times the presence of God is stronger and more powerful and gives me the strength to reach out to others who are hurting.
Our God is awsome !
September 7th, 2006 at 06:50
A beautiful post, Paul. Thank you for sharing. It seems that our enemy is working overtime to keep us from the stillness ~ too much busy-ness. Blessings to you this week.
September 7th, 2006 at 09:50
What a beautiful post and reminder of the necessity of spending time alone with the Lord.
September 7th, 2006 at 19:32
September 7th, 2006 at 19:38
September 7th, 2006 at 19:48
September 7th, 2006 at 19:49
September 8th, 2006 at 07:09
Wonderful encouragment for those hurting. He is the only one who knows our deepest needs because sometimes we don’t.
“…it is in the silence that the Lord speaks the loudest”
Yes! His Spirit will bear witness to our spirit that He’s speaking with us. He will never point away from or instruct contrary to the Word.
September 8th, 2006 at 07:13
Well, the LORD came through for me once again…helped me make it through my wayward daughter’s wedding and without being emotional (which is what I asked HIM to do as I was quite tearful earlier in that day before we left our hotel to attend). No, nothing much has changed in how my daughter looks at me, she seems bound to let me know that, one way or another. But still the LORD was with me all the way and that is no small thing in such matters!! I am indeed grateful!! I hope someway we accomplished what all HE had planned for us in this difficult trip! Not easy to fly cross country etc. even on a good day, you know! Am so grateful too for traveling mercies and also some unexpected and unplanned good times that were also part of the trip. Nice of HIM to tuck in some serendipities too!!
September 9th, 2006 at 12:27
Sept 2, 2006
“All things written shall be accomplished. ” (Lk 18:31)
Think of it! What if the prophets refused to write? What if their
circumstances became too volatile and they fell short of the goal?
What if they just wouldn’t make time, set a schedule, or discipline
themselves to write what they saw in a book? What if they
complained, “I don’t have a computer, a mentor, the internet,
resources?” Could you possibly want me to write on the dried hide of
a dead animal? What if they thought someone else could do it better?
What if there was no urgency, no cherishing the thoughts enough to
leave a stain on parchment? What then would Jesus have done? What
would He have to accomplish had the Father not moved on a man to
write?
What will be accomplished if you don’t write? Whose life will suffer
from the lack of direction? If Jesus accomplished it because it was
written what can He accomplish if you don’t write? What will Jesus
do then? He went to Jerusalem because it was written. It was
specific. What if it had not been written?
What are you writing today?
Sept 7, 2006
“As touching the ministering to the saints”
Paul, when addressing the Corinthian church on the importance of
ministering to the saints, used the medium of writing. It was not a
sermon but a letter to bring understanding. You, like the
Corinthians, may have glossed over the gentle rebuke he brought
through the written word. “Achaia was ready a year ago.” What was he
saying? Simple, you’ve been putting off what you decided to do last
year.
When I got that message this morning as I studied this passage it
caused me to reach for last year’s journal and daily planner. I was
looking for one thing. What did I make a decision to do last year
that I have not done? The discovery brought conviction. The Holy
Spirit led me to the truth. I had made a decision to write but
circumstances knocked me off balance and diverted me off course.
He even goes on to say, “your zeal has provoked many”. Achaia made a
decision. The repercussions impacted many others. That’s
good….but….you have not yet completed what you started. Do you think
Paul had some extrasensory perception that he saw into our own
writing life way back then and identified the cause for our dilemma
today?
Are you saying “ouch” in chorus with me today? Am I the only one
whose focus he has targeted to adjust?
What was Paul’s solution to the problem? The problem being…you’ve
fallen short in completing what was started a year ago. It was a
letter….a written notice, reminder if you will, that he and others
were positioning themselves as accountability partners for the
endeavors the Corinthian church determined to complete.
Is that not a double edged sword? Is it not a bitter-sweet
revelation. Is it not bitter tasting to be reminded you have not
done what you said you would do? Yet, at the same time he applauds
them. Doesn’t his letter cause you to hear his own confidence in
their integrity? Is that not sweet? Paul readily saw the enemy’s
device. They made a decision but for what ever reason it was de-
railed. Paul wrote to get the decision train back on track. Isn’t
that what you’ve been waiting for as well? Someone to help you see
where you’ve missed it?
Paul admonished them to get back on track. Stay the course. Finish
the work. It’s in you.
Based on Paul’s actions I have to believe he knew the root of the
problem. Many people see the problem but offer no relief in seeing
it resolved. Paul was not one of those. He backed up his letter and
support of those in Achaia with substance. “I have sent the
brethren……that you may be ready.” (vs3)
Paul identified the problem, wrote it, then sent reinforcements.
Isn’t that exactly what you have been needing? Isn’t that the real
reason why it’s not finished? There’s been no coach, no mentor, no
one to bounce things off of. Isn’t the reason you gradually lost
interest in the project was it was so lonely being on the cutting
edge. Doing what others never thought about doing. Haven’t you often
cried in secret, “I just need to know someone on this planet
believes I can finish this.”
We watch others lead normal lives. But writers lead a life that is
far from normal. It requires huge blocks of time carved out of
normality. It requires focus, sharp focus and the ability to touch
the hearts of many. How can you expect to touch the hearts of the
masses when your own heart needs a touch? Paul seemed to have a
handle on the dilemma. He first sent a written letter then he sent
brethren, someone who could identify with the intent.
“I thought it necessary to exhort the brethren.” Wouldn’t you just
love to receive a letter from someone who has identified the cause
of procrastination and was willing, of his own accord, to help you
over the bumps in the road? Isn’t that what each of us as writers
really need? Someone who can help us stay focused. Someone who will
remind us…..people are waiting, in urgent need, of that which you
started last year.
Paul realized the need of the recipient and the donor (in your case
the reader and the writer). He volunteered a two-fold solution. He
sent a personal letter then he sent out personal trainers.
My prayer for you as writers today. Heavenly Father we acknowledge
our failures to complete that which we told you last year we would
do. We make no excuses for the delay. Our hearts embrace the
conviction. We look now to the hills from whence cometh our help. We
have tried so tirelessly to finish this project in our own strength,
with our own resources and determination. But the truth is we need
encouragement. We who write to impact others need others to come
along side us and hold up our hands. Send the brethren to us Lord
that you know can help us adjust focus, get back on track and finish
the work. As Paul commissioned laborers into this field specifically
for bringing closure to a project that was overdue send us the help
we need to meet the deadlines. Send those whose very presence
reminds us, “I was sent to you….to help you complete the work…
fulfill your assignment and to see that those in dire need of your
ministry receive it.
In closing. Have you considered the cause in the delay could be that
you…like those in Achaia….lost sight of the urgency of need?
Writer’s who intend to speak into the lives of others can not afford
to become complacent. There is an urgent need at hand. Complete the
work and send it. Find someone who is struggling today and write to
them. Know that your written words like Paul’s will bring a speedy
solution. Make a difference in someone’s life today. Write a letter.
Write an article. Write a note. Then send it and expect the
miraculous.
Sept 8, 06
A matter of bounty. (II Cor 9:4-6)
Paul, in straight forward vernacular, pressed towards the mark. In
simple terms he wrote, “It’s a matter of bounty.” Strong’s
concordance helps us receive the full impact. “Blessing. Language
artfully adapted to captivate the hearer.”
Does that cause the writer in you to stand at attention and do a
double take? Does it make you rub your eyes and look again asking
yourself, “Did I read that right?” It did me! Paul is appealing for
resources……desperately needed resources for the Body of Christ. He
told them…it’s a matter of bounty. “Make your writing (offering)
SPEAK. Package it in such a way it causes people to stop in their
tracks. Give this offering in the same fashion the Father bestows
his blessing. Gather it…package it…present it…send it with one
deadly intent, to destroy the works of the evil one. Write it so
that those who read it can run unhindered declaring the message they
received……”God loves me”"
…not as of covetousness. ” Two motives are brought to light in Paul’s
letter. Bounty and covetousness (a greedy desire to have more.) Paul
makes it clear, “You have to make a choice in the matter.” He leaves
us to the make the decision with this declaration. “I want you to
have all the time you need to make the offering (WRITE) in your own
way. I don’t want anything forced or hurried at the last minute.” II
Cor 9: 5) CEV
Can Paul be for real? This is an overdue project! People’s lives are
hanging in the balance…..and He’s not screaming…..” HURRY UP!” Please
excuse me while I confront the resident critic in my mind. Can Paul
really be saying what I thought he said, “I want you to have the
time you need…nothing forced or hurried”? Can his words captivate my
own hearing to such an extent that I no longer hear the incessant
ticking of Deadline’s clock? Do you mean I can unplug that recording
and listen only to the words of a good shepherd as he reassures
me…..”Take the time you need. Make it speak the message, artfully
crafted, designed to captivate the reader.
“If you sow sparingly you will reap sparingly.” (vs 6) In other
words “if you write in a hurry they will read in a hurry. Is that
what you’re after? Books that sell…but no one reads them. Published
articles, credits, awards for literary genius…or changed lives? What
do you want your reader’s response to be? What harvest are you
expecting from the soil of their lives?
Paul articulates his own desire, “I want you to have the time YOU
need. Nothing forced or hurried.” The one who’s holding me
accountable…the one who just reminded me of the need…has captivated
my own hearing. This is as much about your needs as it is about
theirs. Take your time…but finish the work.
Pressure is needed to cause your pen to leave a trail of words on
paper. Too much, however, stops the flow. Paul obviously uncovered
the key to writer’s block himself. He exposed the enemy’s cleverly
devised trap. “Take your time. Nothing forced or hurried.” You will
finish the race!
In the words of the Psalmist….”Relax. The Lord takes care of you.”
It’s a matter of bounty.
September 9th, 2006 at 16:25
Just checking on you, Paul. I’ve shed my own share of tears this week. Your post ministers to the hurting heart.
keep writing!
V.
September 9th, 2006 at 16:57
A moving, touching post Paul….so good to be reading you again…
Please stop over to my site, as I am participating with 2996 other bloggers paying tribute to the 911 victims…..
God’s blessings to you, my friend
Donna
September 13th, 2006 at 16:48
just found this place
i’m amazed
wow
September 13th, 2006 at 23:31
Hi Paul, what a blessing to see your visit to me. I have been busy with work and the grand children so don’t get around as much as I would like, but you never fail to uplift and encourage me by your visits and your posts. As I see God working in your life it brings it clearer to me as to how He is working in mine. You’ve had quite a few changes lately in your life and as always you take them with humbleness and thankfulness to our God. Without Him our live would seem to be a swirling mess. It’s so soothing and comforting to read how life affects us all and yet we know with God our Father we are in safe and able hands. Love and ~hugs~ my precious brother and friend.
September 14th, 2006 at 10:49
Hi Georgia Cowboy! long time no visit my end! I just watched the best movie last night called “Broken Trail” with Robert Duval, Steve and I really loved that movie it was so good. Love the scenery. My ebay store is at this address http://stores.ebay.com/Krystal-Kats
I am having a great time making jewelry and suncatchers! Be blessed my friend. Later Gator!
September 15th, 2006 at 22:13
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