Today I would like to share some of the many things I gained in my quiet time with the Lord this morning.

I could have hit the floor running from store to store trying to finish my gift shopping. I thank God that instead, I stayed focused on the Gift of His Son who has already been given. Jesus is the One whom Christmas is about. He also gave me the gift of this day. I have a choice of how I will use this gift. Suddenly shopping didn’t seem so appealing or a priority. If you have read my poems and narratives in Inspire Me and Blue Skies, Butterflies, and Battlegrounds, I point out that He even gives us ideas, talents, and resources for the gifts we want to give to others. My writing poetry began as a gift. So I will write and count on Him to help with my Christmas list. You know, first things first, right?

 Therefore, I began with some praise and worship songs. This is the place to start. As it says in Psalm 100:4 KJV “Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise: be thankful unto Him and bless His name.” I have much to thank Him for far beyond any material things I may or may not have.

Being still before God, entering His gates and courts with thanksgiving and praise, He is present. This brings me to the purpose of sharing this blog.

My first song of choice was “Be Still and Know” by CeCe Winans. The lyrics bring to our attention that we all “ Face many mountains, have been through trials, and shed many tears.” Sometimes I need to hear these words from someone as gifted, beautiful, and famous as CeCe. Do you ever think “those” people don’t have the same struggles we do?

I also viewed her short video about the Lord’s inspiration for her to write this song. I felt inspired to share her video and write this on Facebook “He gave her this song in the middle of the night, as so with many of the things I write. She also says she has to walk out the things she tells others…hmm, my experience as well. And I know that she and I are not alone in this! Can somebody say amen?” In the comments, I got some Amens!

The Lord says we are all more alike than we realize. He shows no favoritism toward His children. For God so loved the world that He gave to us…that’s to all of us. He continues to give to us. And we are to share what He has given. That’s why I am eager to share this with you today.

As I sat still and came into His presence with the song “Be Still and Know”, He revealed more of who He is and who we are in Him. When we look at how big our God is, the creator of the mountains, the mountains grow small.

In my lap, I had my  Evidence Bible and a notebook for my Bible study notes that were gifts from our daughter, Andrea, and her husband, Jared.

 Interesting title for my notebook, right? I opened both and continued my study “A Better Way to Pray” by Andrew Wommack. Today was lesson number 12. Andrew starts with Matthew 6:28 “So why do you worry?” He cares for us more than these things mentioned in V28-30 (lilies and clothing of the grass of the field).  V33 has the solution to worry. “But seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you”. Like the words to CeCe’s song, “When I look around and it all seems hopeless, I won’t fear, I won’t fear. I’ll be still and know, know You are God. You’re right here with me through all my troubles. Be still and know.” The lyrics in the song get better as she goes on. God speaks to my heart through songs. How about you? Did you know that most songs are poetry set to music, and the Bible is one-third poetry?

Andrew continues in the study… Seek first and foremost our relationship with God. He supplies all of our needs. Make God the center and focus of my life. My primary reason for prayer should be to praise, worship, and fellowship with Him! Psalm 16:11 NKJV “You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” Did you notice the “is” and the “are” are in italics? This emphasizes two words that indicate a “state of being”.

The true Gospel of Jesus is to bring us into a close relationship with God. A state of being in the fullness of joy and pleasures forevermore. Our Lord desires this more than we do! Andrew stated there is a Hebrew word for prayer/praise that means “Kiss the face.” Just imagine kissing the face of God! Incredible wouldn’t you agree? As in a few verses of “Intimacy (Into Me See)” in my first book Inspire Me…He beckons us draw nearer Helps us see our Father clearer. As into Him we see THE INTIMACY He has for you and me!

As I continued reading my Bible, I came across a profound comment that I will take the liberty to share. This comment is about using the Law in evangelism specifically in America. By Paris Reidhead “If I had my way, I would declare a moratorium on public preaching of “the plan of salvation” in America for one to two years. Then I would call on everyone who has use of the airwaves and the pulpits to preach the holiness of God, the righteousness of God, and the Law of God until sinners would cry out, “What must we do to be saved?” Then I would take them off in a corner and whisper the gospel to them. Don’t use Joh 3:16. Such drastic action is needed because we have gospel-hardened a generation by telling them how to be saved before they have any understanding of why they need to be saved.” Emphasis mine.

We Americans lose sight of why we need a Savior. Pretty prideful I would say! And the Lord says, Proverbs 16:18 NKJV “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” This is a warning about arrogance that can be interpreted in both physical and spiritual ways. I will point out the spiritual warning. Pride can lead to spiritual ruin: For example, assuming one does not need God’s forgiveness is an attitude of spiritual pride that can lead to ruin. Does anyone else notice the increase in Americans who believe they do not need God’s forgiveness? There again, they have been told how to be saved before they have any understanding of why they need to be saved!

 Living like this has caused many to turn from the history of our nation being founded on Godly principles. I believe the disasters we are facing are being used by God to turn us back to Him. 2nd Chronicles 7:14 NKJV “If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” I pray that it is so. Then there will always be those who decide not only do they not need forgiveness, but they don’t need God’s Word either. They say pridefully “I can do this by myself in my way, and my time. I live by my own moral compass. Who is God to tell me how to live?” Or I just don’t have time. And on and on…

Suddenly I remembered several poems that I wrote on this topic.  Beginning with “Peace Be Still” on page 18 of my first book. Then picking back up on page 20 there is a series of six poems that carry the same theme. My second book has more, but I would like to point out the bullet points on the back cover of it.

• Understand why God created you and that He has a purpose for your life.
• Know that He desires an intimate relationship with you.
• Come to know His never-ending love for you.
• Gain confidence in His provision for everything you need in life.
• Build your faith in Him through His Word.
• Discover He does have good plans for your life!

As my thoughts process through the day, while multitasking including meals and laundry, 😊 I know there is much more to gain from my experience. Yes, these times in His presence are causing an eagerness in me to get out of bed early each day, spend intimate time with Him through praise, worship, prayer, and His Word, and share my experience with you.  The excitement of celebrating His birth is ever-increasing, also.

I hope as you read through my books and blogs that it will increase your desire to be still and know that He is God. Enjoy the intimacy with our God like you’ve never known before. As Andrew says, “Get addicted to it by making it your primary reason for praying.”

And if you need a gift to share, please consider giving one of my books. Or maybe even both. They make great gifts any time of the year, but especially this season.

I appreciate as always that you have spent some time to still yourself in the hustle of the season to read what I desire to share. I love your comments also.

God bless you and keep you,

Reba