January 2025

Being In His Presence - Always!

How is 2025 going to be any different than any other year for You?   Each quarter that the newsletter rolls around, I wonder …” What can I write that will spring open new doors for people; inspire transformational thinking; or spark a fire of interest great enough to burn at least a few logs of Spiritual curiosity.”

            For me, I am inspired by writings of others who seem to speak to my soul, heart, and mind because they are led by God’s Spirit in their life and what they write. One such author is a woman named Sarah Young, who has several publications out there and one in particular is a daily devotional book called “Jesus Calling” – Enjoying Peace in His Presence. She is excellent at folding scripture in with common sense like making dough for superb, morning biscuits. Laying out a morning buffet of spiritual nourishment that one’s imagination can immerse oneself into and walk hand in hand with God’s Holy Spirit!

Before you read the remaining part of this message, I ask for one very special favor from and for YOU!

 Please pray the following paragraph as a solemn, heartfelt, and full request unto the Lord prior to reading the remainder of this message. 

            Most gracious and loving Lord God, I bow before you in awe and reverence seeking and asking Your Divine guidance and power of Your Holy Spirit. If there was ever a time, I need You the most in fullness of my life, it is now! May the message You have specifically for me within the words that follow, may Your Holy Spirit line my inner heart and mind, like a balm that brings total presence and peace from You, Lord God! I surrender my heart, mind, and soul unto You, that I may truly be, the disciple and child of Yours, that You so richly have sacrificed to give to me! I ask this in the name of Jesus Christ, my Lord, Savior, and Master, in and through the power of His Holy Spirit! Amen!

            In the Old Testament, God spoke to and through Jeremiah many times. It was a dark time for God, for the believers of Jehovah had falling into apostasy and idol worshiping.  God even told Jeremiah, that if he could find just one true believer in Him, that He would not allow the Babylonians to take Jerusalem…. The city of God’s own heart and love. Yet, Jeremiah writes in 29:11 – “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to proper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

            Young writes: Come to Me with a teachable spirit, eager to be changed. A close walk with Me is a life of continual newness. Do not cling to the old ways as you step into a new year. Instead, seek My Face with an open mind, knowing that your journey with Me involves being transformed by the renewing of your mind. As you focus your thoughts on Me, be aware that I am fully attentive to you. I see you with a steady eye because My attention span is infinite. I know and understand you completely; My thoughts embrace you in everlasting Love. I also know the plans I have for you; plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Give yourself fully to this adventure of increasing attentiveness to My Presence.

You have said, “Seek my face.” My heart says to you, “Your face, Lord, do I seek.”

                                                                                                            Psalm 27:8 ESV

Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. 

Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – His good, pleasing and perfect will.

                                                                                                            Romans 12:2

            Relax in My Healing Presence. As you spend time with Me, your thoughts tend to jump ahead to today’s plans and problems. Bring your mind back to Me for refreshment and renewal. Let the Light of My Presence soak into you as you focus your thoughts on Me. Thus, I equip you to face whatever the day brings. This sacrifice of time pleases Me and strengthens you. Do not skimp on our time together. Resist the clamor of tasks waiting to be done. You have chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from you.

Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you, who walk in the light of your presence, O Lord.

                                                                                                            Psalm 89:15

 May You Live in the Glory and Presence of God, here, now…. Always and Forever!

Happiest New Year! – Pastor David