Show notes

n this episode of Words of Wisdom, Josh emphasizes the profound impact of prioritizing time in God's presence, particularly by waking early to connect with Him. He argues that this practice can significantly enhance one's life by fostering inner peace and spiritual strength. Key points include the importance of presence before power, the focus on making God famous over personal fame, and the pursuit of worship over pleasure. The episode also features quotes from Saint Seraphim of Seraph and A. W. Tozer, and includes reflective questions to help integrate these practices into daily life.

00:00 Introduction: The Power of Presence

00:05 Morning Routine: Wake Early

00:18 Prioritizing God's Presence

00:51 Pursue Presence Over Power

01:19 Becoming a Peacemaker

01:42 Inspirational Quotes

02:08 Reflective Questions

02:54 Conclusion: The Value of Presence

About Josh Kalsbeek, LMFT

• As a Psychoherapist Josh helps people overcome their greatest struggles.

•Founder and CEO of Great Oaks Collective, and it's flagship program Overcome, a 10-Week virtual Intensive Outpatient Program for Christian couples experiencing sexual betrayal and addiction. www.greatoakscollective.com. 

• Sign up to receive Josh's weekly email newsletter, Words of Wisdom. ​

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Words of Wisdom 138 On the power of presence.

2

Wake early.

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Get up before the sun rises

to give yourself extended

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time to connect with God.

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This single practice will have a

compounding impact on your life.

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Presence comes before power.

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If you don't prioritize sitting in

God's presence and connecting with

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Him, you will limit how you experience

His power and will limit seeing God's

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cooperation in answering your prayers.

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If you don't learn to sit with others

in deep presence, you won't be able

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to influence others with power.

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If you can't or don't yet prioritize

sitting in silence and solitude with God,

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you have the potential for significantly

more breakthroughs in your life.

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Don't focus on pursuing

power, pursue God's presence.

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Don't focus on pursuing fame,

pursue making God famous.

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Don't focus on pursuing

pleasure, pursue worshiping God.

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Don't focus on avoiding suffering, pursue

the highest purpose that you can dare.

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Don't focus on pleasing others.

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Pursue serving them.

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The more you can sit in peace, the more

you can give peace to those around you.

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Be a peacemaker first in your own

soul, and then you have the chance

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to be a peacemaker with others.

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Peace doesn't grow absent

of chaos or struggle.

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Peace comes when you carry the peace of

God with you in the midst of the storm.

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Quotes.

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"Acquire a peaceful spirit and thousands

around you will find salvation."

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By Saint Seraphim of Seraph.

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As quoted in the Acquisition

of the Holy Spirit.

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"We must never settle

for harmony with God.

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We must have intimacy."

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As attributed to A.

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W.

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Tozer.

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Questions.

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What practical steps can you

take to prioritize spending

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time in God's presence each day?

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How can you make this a consistent habit?

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In what areas of your life are you

currently pursuing power, fame,

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pleasure, or the approval of others?

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How can you shift your focus to

pursuing God's presence instead?

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Consider the quote by

Saint Seraphim of Seraph.

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How have you seen the impact of your

own inner peace on those around you?

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How can you cultivate

a more peaceful spirit?

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Use these questions as journal prompts

and to guide your prayers this week.

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End note.

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It's not always obvious how sitting in

God's presence can impact your life, but

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it is arguably your most valuable pursuit.

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Live wisely, Josh.