In His Presence

A friend recently told me about a song entitled, "In the Presence of Jehovah" sung by The Martins . As I listened to this song, my mind went back to the first Dragonfly Ministries retreats that were held in 2003-2005 and the quiet time of those retreats. (The Lord called us into the retreat ministry so that we could provide a place for women to "come to Him" with a block of time devoted to HIM of 4-5 hours.) The Lord did a great work in preparing my heart for those retreats because by the time quiet time came, I was ready to sit with Him for 4-5 hours and pour out my heart, my life, my will to God. These were such sweet times alone with the Lord. He says, "Be still and know that I am God", and so I would sit still, calm my thoughts from worries and distractions and focus on Him. Of course, it took me about half of the quiet time to calm my thoughts! But the moment I was able to focus my thoughts on spiritual things - reading scripture, praying, singing, giving thanks - then my spirit was vividly aware that I was not alone.

Our first two retreats were times of great healing in my life - not because of the speakers, music, location, food or other women that was there, but because of the quiet time that I spent with my creator and Father! He worked in my life to point me towards Him! The closer I draw to Him, the closer to Him I desire to be.

I look back at pictures taken during those first years of retreats and my eyes were swollen from the tears I cried to the Lord - but my countenance glowed because I had time alone with the Lord.

These days, I find that the Lord uses my quiet time at retreats to pray for the women in attendance; that they will receive the same healing and love from the Lord that will heal their brokenness and insecurities and make them whole. God is faithful. With each reatreat, we see the power of God as He restores and renews the hearts of His daughters during their quiet time.

I look forward to seeing you at a Dragonfly Ministries retreat weekend soon. Together we will enjoy being 'in the presence of Jehovah where all troubles vanish and worries flee.'

Be still, allow God to speak to you and respond, "Speak Lord, for your servant is listening."
2 Samuel 3:9.

March 23 , 2010
For more articles written by Mary, check out:
Archive Files - "Insight" written by Mary Hamrick
January 2010- God's Provision

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"Daily Victory"

Anyone, achieved a sinless life? Well, not me either. Oh, but we strive against those powers that trip us up and keep us bound daily. The enemy is ever at hand. Reminding us of past failures and present failures and even things that have not occurred. Blinding us to the Truth about who God is and the precious gift of His Son Jesus Christ. Dead and buried and raised to sit at the right hand of the Father. Our sin died on Him that horrible wonderful day. Redemption came. Not so we would take advantage of the free gift but that we would lavish in the love of God. Faithful promise keeping God. Amazing God. We are amazed by Him. We struggle to forgive the minutest things in our relationships and God forgave them all. Our days are spent running from and resisting the devil while dwelling on our God. As long as we belong to God satan is our enemy. Forever trying to steal our hearts away from the One who Loves us. He is the Everlasting Father. The Holy One. The King of Kings. The One who sees all and knows all. The One who is everywhere. Our God who hears us. Our God who touches us. Our God who never leaves us. Our God who is on our side. I smile when I think of Him. He loves us so much. I could go on and on…Thank him with me for the great “I AM”. He is enough. The enemy has been defeated. We must stand firm and do not allow Him to move us. We live in victory because of what Jesus did on the cross for you and for me. Hallelujah.

"At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life."
Titus 3:3-7

January 30, 2010
for more articles written by Martha, check out:
Archive Files - "Joy to You" written by Martha Shipman
January 2010-Daily Victory

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