These Quiet Moments...

It's shortly after 11am as I begin to write this and I can assuredly say the presence of God is here with me right now.

To some, that may sound like an odd statement or perhaps it may be one you're unfamiliar with. But there is a stillness here in our home that just breathes of God. I am here, sitting in this presence now, not wanting it to end, just enjoying being near Him. This happens every once in a while and it's an amazing thing to me, personally and spiritually.

I'm a member of a group at our church called "Warriors on the Wall". We are each assigned a specific hour of the week where we turn everything off, don't answer phones and just go before God with our prayers and intercessions. Mine is each Tuesday from 10-11am. Now I will admit before each and every one of you...there are times when I get "busy" or "distracted" and I am strongly tempted to disregard this time to do my own thing. Go play golf. Get groceries. Mow the yard. Paint the bathroom. Whatever...

But there is always a still, small voice that speaks to me and says "I want to spend some time with you". I've found that when I listen to that voice and totally block out everything around me, I can truly hear it...I can sense it's presence...I can feel it.

And it's often overwhelming.

As the Bible says in James, when we draw near to Him, He will draw near to us. (James 4:8) I stand on this promise today and claim it as true! When I humble myself and quiet myself before Him, especially during this prayer time, there is a Spirit of peace and everlasting joy that falls upon our home. Today, in the midst of the hustle and bustle of getting the kids to school and controlling my blood sugar and all the other "stuff" I need to do today, I put everything aside and asked God to draw near to me...to speak to me and to fill me with His Holy Spirit.

I have to say that after I've been with God in an intimate time of prayer and worship, I'm filled with a power that can't be described!! It's not anything that I want to improve my standing or what people think of me either that gives me such a boost of energy and life. I want all who see me and interact with me to see the love and light of Jesus Christ shining brighter than any star in the sky.

In fact, I've told many people that the reason I wanted to do this blog was so that I could (hopefully) reach others for Christ. Seeing as how I'm no longer on the radio, I tend to not really have much contact with a lot of people in the workplace. But I know that many people surf the 'net and I pray that they'll find this blog and be encouraged by what they read, not for my benefit, but for the glory and honor of our Heavenly Father.

There is a dynamic, powerful song called "The Prayer". There are several versions of it out there. A couple at our church in Rogers, Josh & Angela Stanbury, sang it at the recent cross raising at the Church at Pinnacle Hills. If you could imagine them singing this hymn as the top of this massive cross was lifted slowly and deliberately into the Northwest Arkansas sky that Good Friday morning, wow. It was truly one of the most poignant moments in my life. Realizing what the cross stands for and how it's gift is ready and available for ALL people...

I'm having church here as I write this. LOL

My sister Angela and her husband Greg sing this song as well and it gives me chills. I'm of course proud to hear my baby sister singing this song so beautifully but couple that with it's essence and there's a definite blessing right there.

The song has really encouraged and touched me in the past couple days. I hope if you have a chance to listen it, you'll truly hear the words and make them your prayer today.

"I pray You'll be our eyes,
and watch us where we go
Help us to be wise
In times when we don't know.
Let this be our prayer
when we lose our way,
Lead us to a place,
guide us with Your grace,
to a place where we'll be safe."