Good morning! I don’t know if you were able to come to our Women’s Ministry get-together, Sweet Connections, last night or not. But if you didn’t, don’t worry; over the next few weeks we will expand on some of the truths we discovered. And if you did, you’ll be doubly blessed!
As I explained last night, our guiding verse for the Women’s Ministry at Warren is
Psalm 16:11 which says …
You make known to me the path of life;
in your presence there is fullness of joy;
at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
Many years ago the Lord spoke that verse to my heart, and it had an amazing impact on my life. It came at a time when I was just really learning how to make God an “every moment” part of my life. What I desired was to learn how to live fully ALIVE in Him.
Living in Jesus’ presence is a gift I will never fully attain here on earth, but one I have grown in and seek to do each day. And it’s my heart’s desire for every woman I come in contact with. The Lord began to show me many years ago that part of my calling and passion is to help women learn to find joy in Jesus’ presence as they seek to know God and serve Him with their life. That’s why He led me to make that our Women of Warren mission statement.
I believe it’s an absolute waste for us to have all these amazing things like joy and peace available to us and not tap into them as a part of everyday life. And really all we must do is learn to live in the light of Jesus’ presence.
So how do we live fully ALIVE in Jesus‘ presence? And what are the benefits of living in Jesus’ presence anyway?
For this week, let’s start with the benefits …
Read Psalm 103:1-5
Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me,
bless his holy name! Bless the Lord, O my soul,
and forget not all his benefits,who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases,who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy,who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.
According to this passage, the Lord‘s presence brings …
- Forgiveness from sin
- Healing
- Redemption from bondage and destructive paths
- Steadfast love and mercy
- Satisfaction and renewal
Read Isaiah 41:10
Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
According to this passage, God‘s presence brings …
- Freedom from fear
- Strength in your struggles
- Help in weakness
- Stability to withstand and be victorious in the battles you face
You can boldly proclaim that Jesus’ presence …
- Brings comfort – 2 Corinthians 1:3
- Is a guide – John 16:13
- Shines light – John 8:12
- Imparts wisdom – Ephesians 1:15-17
- Ushers in joy – Jude 1:24-25
- Fills us with hope – Romans 15:13
- Gives grace – John 1:14,16
- Blesses us with assurance – Hebrews 10:19-22
- Renews life – John 4:13-15
- Assures love – John 15:10
So knowing all of that, why wouldn’t you want to learn how to live in Jesus‘ presence as a way of life?
Join me over the next few weeks and learn some very practical ways you can live fully ALIVE in Him!
With joy & blessings!
Jacqueline C. Heider
Director of Discipleship & Women’s Ministry