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    A Good Life: A Daily Walk in God's Presence
    A Good Life: A Daily Walk in God's Presence
    A Good Life: A Daily Walk in God's Presence
    Ebook234 pages3 hours

    A Good Life: A Daily Walk in God's Presence

    By Suzanne D. Williams

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    About this ebook

    "There is no better portrait of God than in His Word. Though many men held the brush over thousands of years, God directed each stroke, never altering in His purpose."

     

    We have access to God on a personal level. He desires to spend time with us, for us to know Him so well that we think like Him and talk like Him, react like Him. Such a close relationship with Almighty God comes only through obedience.

     

    Obedience paints such a negative picture in our mind. We see ourselves having to do something we dread and hate. But obedience is how a child of God will grow to maturity. Through obedience, we come to know our loving heavenly Father intimately, and in knowing Him, we find true joy and success.

     

    In these pages, author Suzanne D. Williams paints WHO GOD IS from the image He has drawn in His Word of a GOOD God, a LOVING God. Speaking from her personal experience, she shares an image of the Father and Friend, who lifted her from a dark place of fear and panic to one full of peace and love and heavenly light.

     

    To a beautiful life, a joyful life, a good life exceeding anything we can ever imagine.

    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherSuzanne D. Williams
    Release dateMay 11, 2020
    ISBN9780983278368
    A Good Life: A Daily Walk in God's Presence
    Author

    Suzanne D. Williams

    Best-selling author, Suzanne D. Williams, is a native Floridian, wife, mother, and photographer. She is the author of both nonfiction and fiction books. She writes a monthly column for Steves-Digicams.com on the subject of digital photography, as well as devotionals and instructional articles for various blogs. She also does graphic design for self-publishing authors. She is co-founder of THE EDGE. To learn more about what she’s doing and check out her extensive catalogue of stories, visit http://suzanne-williams-photography.blogspot.com/ or link with her on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/suzannedwilliamsauthor.

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      Book preview

      A Good Life - Suzanne D. Williams

      Suzanne D. Williams

      © 2020 A GOOD LIFE: A Daily Walk In God’s Presence

      by Suzanne D. Williams

      www.suzannedwilliams.com

      Published by Becky Combee Ministries, Inc.

      www.beckycombeeministries.com

      ISBN:  978-0-9832783-6-8

      All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without written permission from the publisher.

      All CAPTILIZED words are at the author’s discretion and are meant to bring attention to certain words and phrases.

      Any footnotes written in parenthesis with either G + number or H + number (ex.: G25) are references to the Greek or Hebrew definitions of a word or phrase as given in Strong’s Hebrew and Greek Dictionary, as it is provided through e-sword Bible software. www.e-sword.net

      Similarly, any references to commentaries such as Vincent’s Word Studies and Thayer’s Greek Definitions, or any other named work is taken from e-sword Bible software.

      The New Interpreter’s Bible quote was taken from the noted text source.

      All scriptures are in King James Version unless otherwise noted as follows.

      (AMP) or (AMPC) Amplified Bible, Amplified Bible Classic Copyright © 2015 by The Lockman Foundation, La Habra, CA 90631. All rights reserved. http://www.lockman.org/

      (CEV) Contemporary English Version®

      Copyright © 1995 American Bible Society. All rights reserved.

      (ERV) Easy-To-Read Version. Copyright © 2006 by Bible League international

      (GW) Scripture is taken from GOD’S WORD®, © 1995 God’s Word to the Nations. Used by permission of God's Word Mission Society.

      (ISV) The Holy Bible: International Standard Version. Release 2.0, Build 2015.02.09. Copyright © 1995-2014 by ISV Foundation. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED INTERNATIONALLY. Used by permission of Davidson Press, LLC.

      (PHILLIPS) The New Testament in Modern English by J.B Phillips copyright © 1960, 1972 J. B. Phillips. Administered by The Archbishops’ Council of the Church of England. Used by Permission.

      (TLB) The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved. The Living Bible, TLB, and the The Living Bible logo are registered trademarks of Tyndale House Publishers.

      (MSG) All Scripture quotations are taken from THE MESSAGE, copyright © 1993, 2002, 2018 by Eugene H. Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress. All rights reserved. Represented by Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.

      (NIRV) Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL READER'S VERSION®.Copyright © 1996, 1998 Biblica. All rights reserved throughout the world. Used by permission of Biblica.

      (NIV) THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

      (NKJV) Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

      (NLT) Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

      (TPT) Scripture quotations marked TPT are from The Passion Translation®. Copyright © 2017, 2018 by Passion & Fire Ministries, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. ThePassionTranslation.com.

      (VOICE) Scripture taken from The Voice™. Copyright © 2008 by Ecclesia Bible Society. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

      (YLT) Young’s Literal Translation. Public Domain.

      Read Suzanne’s testimonial book. Pick up your copy of FEARLESS, wherever ebooks are sold. Also in paperback, large print paperback, and author-narrated audiobook.

      A picture containing game Description automatically generated

      What does it mean to be fearless? And how do I get there? Where is the way out from hopelessness and despair?

      Crippled by fear, Suzanne Williams found herself unable to leave home. In her testimonial book, Fearless, she shares her personal walk out of the darkness and bondage of fear into the health, peace, freedom and hope promised in God's Word.

      My soul overflows with satisfaction, as when I feast on foods rich in marrow and fat; with excitement in my heart and joy on my lips, I offer You praise. Often at night I lie in bed and remember You, meditating on Your greatness till morning smiles through my window. (Psalm 63:5-6 VOICE)

      Foreword

      This is a good life—my heart is glad, my soul is full of joy, and my body is at rest. Who could want for more? (Psalm 16:9 VOICE)

      It is uncertain when King David penned this psalm, yet a study of his life shows both celebrations and mourning, great sin and sincere repentance. He defeated a giant, but also ran from King Saul. He fought valiantly in battle but had a man killed to take his wife for his own. He mourned the death of two of his sons. He dedicated another as king. His life was no smooth path.

      Yet, viewing it, he called it good.

      The apostle Paul did the same and referred to the hardships he’d suffered, as well as the advantages he’d been given, as dung and loss, then said, But I have all, and abound: I am full. (Php 3:7-8; Php 4:18)

      These thoughts stir in me a comparison of my own. I had occasion recently to see my life anew and realized, particularly in the last 12 years, how much my perspective has changed. I saw a pattern of growth from where I’d been, miserable and full of fear, to where I am today. There is no pride in that statement, but instead that I focus now on the strength God has formed in me through steps of obedience.

      Obedience is the heart of this book, but don’t let that scare you away.

      We have had a negative view of obedience. We’ve seen it as a chore, a list of things we don’t want to do and will probably dislike. However, the Word of God reveals that freedom, blessing, and peace come only through faithful obedience. Even greater, our obedience to the things of God brings us closer to Him. We hear Him speaking and recognize His voice. We listen, and He teaches us who He is, what His character is like, that He is good and merciful and abundant in blessing. Hearing Him, we know how and where to walk each day. Our intimate relationship with Him increases our faith in His promises. We hunger to obey. We desire it and strong in the Lord, we can face, with victory, whatever comes.

      I don’t know what you’ve lost, what’s hurt you, or what you’ve struggled with. I don’t know your personality, your physical or mental strengths and weaknesses, but I know who God is. He has shown Himself to me in His Word and in His rescue, and I can state without hesitation, He desires amazing, wonderful things for us.

      He wishes for you and me to have peace, hope, and a blessed future. (Jer 29:11 KJV, NIV)

      A good life. A beautiful life. One filled with the joy of His amazing salvation. (Is 12:3)

      Pause here and pray for Him to show Himself to you in these pages, then as you read, take the time to mediate on the truths and listen. He is speaking. Can you hear Him?

      You direct me on the path that leads to a beautiful life. As I walk with You, the pleasures are never-ending, and I know true joy and contentment. (Psalm 16:11 VOICE)

      Chapter 1

      God is Relationship

      The hymn written by C. Austin Miles in 1912 sings its moving words in my soul: And He walks with me, and He talks with me / And He tells me I am His own / And the joy we share as we tarry there / None other has ever known. (I Come To The Garden Alone)

      How amazing that image is. The Lord and I strolling together through a bountiful garden, sharing our thoughts. I tell Him what’s on my heart, and He tells me what’s on His, the two of us bonded by His agape love for mankind. (G25)

      That sounds far-fetched, but to walk with God is the deepest wish of the heart of every sincere believer. We long to hear from Him throughout the day and know the direction of our path. Most believe that is impossible to attain, either through guilt over personal faults, an incorrect view of our relationship with God, or an erroneous image of who God is.

      But open your vision of Him and gaze with me at the magnificent portrait given in His Word. Allow the truths He’s provided to push you deeper and to seek Him more.

      He has promised those who seek Him will find Him. (Mt 7:7-8)

      And I promise that what you discover about Him will alter your life forever. You cannot spend time in His presence and be the same. He’s infectious. We all know people like that, who make us feel better simply by being around them. I can think of several people who affect me in this manner.

      How much more should our heavenly Father influence us? (Mt 7:11)

      In Him is safety and strength. (Ps 28:7; Ps 91:2)

      In Him is hope. (Lam 3:24; 1Pe 1:21)

      In Him is fulness of joy and pleasures for evermore. (Ps 16:11)

      In Him is a well of water springing up into everlasting life. (Jn 4:14)

      In Him, we have righteousness (Php 3:9) and a firm foundation. (Col 2:7)

      As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, SO WALK YE IN HIM. (Colossians 2:6)

      Walking implies forward motion. Therefore, walking as we have received Christ is a forward walk of faith. It is no casual stroll to be forgotten but a journey of eternal proportion.

      The Voice Translation gives this verse a more personal perspective: Now that you have welcomed the Anointed One, Jesus the Lord, into your lives, continue to journey with Him and ALLOW HIM TO SHAPE YOUR LIVES.

      How moving that is. But if He is to shape our lives, if He is to be a part of our journey, to guide us and form His image in us, then we must know Him on a personal level.

      1 Peter 1:18 in the Message Bible says, "Your life is a journey you must travel with a DEEP CONSCIOUSNESS of God."

      Here it is plainly stated. We must become aware of God in everything we do. There, in that place, in the shadow of His wings (Ps 9:1), we will find everything we seek – peace, prosperity, success, clarity, wisdom, and joy. Safety, protection, defense. Hope, faith, patience, kindness. Grace. In unity with Him, the Source of all things, we will find complete satisfaction. Renewal. Healing. Forgiveness.

      It isn’t enough to simply live day-to-day. He isn’t a rule book we consult to be sure we haven’t stepped out of line. No, He would alight in us a desire for Him, a longing, a hunger that cannot be satisfied. His words are our delight (Ps 1:2), and who we delight in we will seek opportunities to serve. Greater, we will tell everyone else how marvelous they are.

      This should be our relationship with God. His magnificence fills the heavens, His praises fill our soul. We shout, Come, look, at Him who has changed me. Come look at what God will do.

      Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies; Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's. (Psalm 103:2-5)

      A walk with God

      Something in our human mind balks at the thought of walking with God as more than a subservient, fawning creature. We picture ourselves bent over, staring at our feet, but this is not who God wants us to be.

      For the LORD shall be thy confidence, it says in Proverbs 3:26.

      Then in the New Testament we read, Let us therefore COME BOLDLY unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. (Heb 4:16) Our confidence in God enables us to come to Him with our needs, our chin up and steps assured.

      In fact, Ephesians 6 describes the man and woman of God as a soldier armed for battle and ready to be victorious. This is no weak-willed, namby-pamby Christian, but believers armed and standing strong against the devil’s forces. (Eph 6:14) As such believers, we can walk confidently with God into a place of victory. We can know Him personally.

      We have many examples of this in other believers throughout God’s Word.

      Genesis 5:24 says, And Enoch WALKED WITH GOD: and he was not; for God took him. His is the most startling example, but the Word of God also says in Genesis 6:9, Noah was a just man and perfect in his generations, and Noah WALKED WITH GOD.

      Fast forward now to Moses. In Exodus 33, we read a dialogue he had with God. Verse 11 says, And the LORD spake unto Moses face to face, as a man speaketh UNTO HIS FRIEND. Then in verse 17, it says, For thou hast found grace in my sight, and I KNOW THEE BY NAME.

      Wow. That is an incredible thought—God knew Moses by name. If we reverse a few verses in this passage, we discover the depth of their relationship. Verse 9 says, The LORD TALKED with Moses. They talked together, Moses to God and God to Moses. As friends.

      God made this same statement to Aaron the Levite and Aaron’s sister, Miriam, at a later date. He said, "With him [Moses] I communicate FACE-TO-FACE. We speak DIRECTLY and without riddles. He can EVEN SEE THE VERY FORM OF THE ETERNAL." (Num 12:7 VOICE)

      This last remark refers to an incident recorded back in Exodus 33. Moses made a request of God. He asked for a physical sighting. We can’t miss God’s response.

      And the LORD said, Behold, THERE IS A PLACE BY ME, and thou shalt stand upon a rock: And it shall come to pass, while my glory passeth by, that I will put thee in a clift of the rock, and will cover thee with my hand while I pass by: And I will take away mine hand, and thou shalt see my back parts: but my face shall not be seen. (Exodus 33:21-23)

      Stand here beside me, the Lord said, and I will reveal myself to you.

      This was no small thing.

      God said, Thou canst not see my face: for there shall no man see me, and live. (Ex 33:20)

      Not in judgment. We have to shake this idea that every word from God is meant to put us in our place. We must approach God with fear and reverence, yes. (1Pe 2:17) But God covered Moses to protect him because His glory, the light of His presence, is that magnificent. The physical body can’t handle it, and Moses was His friend. He mattered to God.

      But let’s not let the idea of friendship put God in small terms. We cannot afford to picture Him as weak and powerless. Or uncaring and unkind. We cannot be nonchalant about our relationship with our heavenly Father, either as unimportant to us or on an equal status.

      No, we must create a new image in our heart.

      The prophet Samuel sought Israel’s new king to replace Saul, and God sent him to the house of Jesse. Samuel, in his human mind, picked Eliab. He looked like a king.

      But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but THE LORD LOOKETH ON THE HEART. (1 Samuel 16:7)

      God saw Eliab’s heart and similarly, He saw David’s.

      God says of David, through the voice of the apostle Paul, I have found David the son of Jesse, A MAN AFTER MINE OWN HEART, which shall fulfil all my will. (Acts 13:22)

      What about David caused God to make such an incredible statement?

      David wasn’t a perfect man. He made mistakes. Instead, it was that he was a willing man who placed his confidence in God. (1Sa 17:26) He loved God with his entire being and was submitted to God. David never went into battle without calling on God first, except at the moment of his greatest sin. (2Sa 11:15) And even then, He had great repentance. (2Sa 12:13)

      God’s love for David was so great that He forever protected his ancestral line, over thousands of years, to keep His promise that the Savior would be of David’s lineage. (Jer 33:17; Lk 2:4)

      Now, consider Abraham. In three places, he is called a "friend of God." (2 Chr 20:7; Is 41:8; Jas 2:23) Here again, this seems unfathomable to us.

      What does it mean to be God’s friend? How could we ever attain such an appellation if it were possible? But here is the truth—We already have.

      Read Jesus’ own words.

      YE ARE MY FRIENDS, if ye do whatsoever I command you. Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: BUT I HAVE CALLED YOU FRIENDS; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you. (John 15:14-15)

      We have a friendship with God, but notice, it based on our obedience. We do His will, and He reveals His plans to us.

      Let’s read Jesus’ words again, this time in the Voice translation.

      I don’t call you servants any longer; servants don’t know what the master is doing, but I have told you EVERYTHING the Father has said to Me. I CALL YOU FRIENDS. (John 15:15 VOICE)

      I tell my best friend things I don’t tell others. We have a relationship based on trust. She knows she can rely on me, and I know I can rely on her. This is how it should be with Almighty God. He sees in us a willing heart of obedience, so He shares with us, deep, inner truths. We have proven we can be trusted.

      Lest you still have doubts, Jesus spoke of Himself as the Vine, drawing an image of those

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