Week #1 Daily Dates with God: July 9-15th

Daily Dates With God

July 9-15, 2007 - Monday through Sunday

Before starting:

Please read the Introduciton Blog for directions.

Theme: Reunite

Reunite: to unite (to join, combine, or incorporate so as to form a single whole or unit) again, as after separation

MONDAY – July 9th: The heart of the matter…Since today is the beginning of your spiritual dating devotional; we will veer away from the normal devotional routine you will soon become accustomed to. Today, make a journal entry with your thoughts on “reuniting”. Pour out your fears, emotions, anxiety, joys, and hopes. Share what you are anticipating from this journey.

Now you never just jump into a Date with God. First, find your get away place where you will go daily…sitting outside in a private area where you can enjoy nature; maybe a part of your house not often frequented by others; perhaps a place near your job or at a park…but designate a location that becomes “the place” for you and your invisible Lover. Second, after spending time in silence, use a song to fill your heart to explain what simple words could never say. Melodies have a way of speaking for your soul. You can play it on your computer as you prepare for your online devotional, or you can hum softly to yourself and to Him. I personally like to listen to CeCe Winans’ worship music to set the tone for my Dates.

Words of love: Psalm 139:23-24 – today read the Message Bible version online via the link on the blog spot home page. “…get a clear picture of what I’m about…”

Talking to my Lover:
This section is where you write directly to Him. This portion is personal and no one else will experience the private intimacy you and the Lord will share. A question or statement may be given to spark your conversation with Him; nevertheless, this is the time of joining and forming a single whole or unit between the two of you. You must get lost in Him, don’t become a couple…become a single unit where there’s no division. Review the verse from the “Words of Love”. How does the Message version speak to your relationship? Which specific part of this Word is what you want to tell him the most?

If you’ve been away from the Lord, then talk to him about the spark to “Reunite” with Him. Maybe you haven’t been gone or apart, but you want to give this time to build another facet of your love affair. You may want to develop your inner vision to care for Him deeper and strengthen your communication. Whatever your motivation to begin this journey, share it in a private message through journaling.

Talking about my Lover:
What do you feel you’ve missed by avoiding, forgetting or negating daily time spent with Him? What are you “coming back” to? Do you feel there’s been a separation? Talk to your sisters and be transparent with where you are in your walk with the Lord Jesus Christ. Tell us on the blog comments why you think you have hesitated on building your relationship with Him?

Dating Tip: get prepared for your daily and weekly interaction. Secure space on your computer or buy a beautiful journal. Decide if you’ll do your Date in the morning, afternoon or evening. Pick your special place.


TUESDAY– July 10th: The heart of the matter…Remember in the introduction I posed a very challenging question: How are you motivated to love an invisible presence? Some may consider this a dangerous question as though it doubts God’s power or existence; however, it is very honest. For many a people, the relationship with an invisible God is knocked out of its place of importance when a visible lover appears. Needing to see the one my soul loves and my spirit connects to is very superficial actually, because I can see neither my soul nor my spirit, but I’m very aware of their existence.

For today’s date, before you go any further in the week, it’s all about seeing with inner vision. As Andrew Davidson stated on our conference call, get an Eye Exam! Look deeper my sister… God is all around you! Allow your soul & spirit to do the looking.

Words of love: Hebrews 11:27 – today read the Amplified Bible version online via the link on the blog spot home page. “…endured steadfastly as one who gazed on Him who is invisible …”

Talking to my Lover:
Compliments are very powerful. I believe this is so, because they have power to drive out the false assessments we often make. In addition, it reminds the one giving the compliment why they are enamored. God loves compliments, this is why He tells us to worship and praise Him. Worship defines who He is and praise speaks of what He’s done. You need to share with the Lord how you are able to see what no one can see. Yes, He is invisible…but not to you when you are in love. Can you see the one who is invisible? If so, tell him how and why. If you cannot, tell Him what you need him to show you…ask for an Eye Exam!

Talking about my Lover:
Today you are to write to other people compliments to your Lover. These compliments are actually the reason why you gaze on Him. Write out statements of worship, and then write out statements of praise. Who is He that keeps you gazing and seeing what others can’t? What is it about Him that strengthens your inner vision?

Dating tip: make a list of valuable invisible things that you take for granted, like trust.


Wednesday – July 11th: The heart of the matter…Coming back together after a separation can at first feel awkward enhancing insecurities. You become so adjusted to being apart that coming back together takes some getting used to. To “reunite” is to do it again. If you are inclined to embark upon Daily Dates with God, then perhaps your former time with Him spent on a daily basis was so good, that you’ve been inspired to “reunite”. The most major thing you must do this week is to disregard feeling ashamed for the distance or the time away from the Lord. Most importantly, you are here now and ready to embark upon a journey of love and intimacy. And guess what… He’s so happy you’re here ready to love on Him! Tell those whispering, hissing devils that you are welcomed and invited to be in God’s presence!

Words of love: Hebrews 4:16 – today read the King James Version online via the link on the blog spot home page. “…come boldly…”

Talking to my Lover:
You’ve come boldly to spend some precious time with the Lord. Jesus destroyed and conquered intimidation on Calvary. Now just sit and savor the moment. Allow your mind to stop…calm down… and focus. Just be blessed by the power of being around Him. Linger and enjoy. Close your eyes and just meditate on an attribute of his glory. Yesterday’s date you complimented Him, so let your mind recount why he’s so worthy of those accolades you gave the day before. Now as you prepare to write to Him, remind him of a past moment you shared that was better than your favorite ice cream. What did He do that made you come running back for more?

Talking about my Lover:
Usually when you’ve gone on a date that was amazing, you just have to share some of those special highlights…not everything, but some of the special moments. Now that you’ve told Him, can you tell just a segment of it to your sisters? Share on the blog something He did that increased your awareness of His power and your ability to see the one who is invisible.

Dating Tip: mail the Lord a card of love to your house and read it to Him as one of your weekend love notes.


Thursday – July 12th: The heart of the matter…nothing is more hurtful than a lover that lacks passion. Sometimes it needs to be displayed to our love interest how our hearts beat towards them. How you feel when you “reunite” is even more critical! You cannot come into his space full of pride, entitlement or coldness expecting for them to believe you are ready for love to be restored. The beautiful thing about the Lord is that He wants you close, He wants this date today, and He wants your heart to beat for him. So will you show Him this brokenness? Will you allow Him to see how deeply you want to be close? Are you willing to be passionate with prayer? Do you cry, weep and rock at the thought of almost going another day without the one that loves and created you?

Words of love: Joel 2:13 – today read the New Living Translation online via the link on the blog spot home page. “…tear your hearts instead…”

Talking to my Lover:
You cannot force passion to rise to the surface. Don’t fear you don’t have to become an actress on this date and try to cry in order to prove your love! Nevertheless, this doesn’t mean that you sit in your special place emotionless just clicking or writing away to fulfill a daily ritual. Remember that this is a date! So on today’s date you will imagine or remember a time without Him when you really needed him, but your pride or sin kept you in a state of separation. Close your eyes and visualize the emotion of the moment. Recall the emptiness. Once you arrive to that cold place, now you feel the breaking all around you. Isn’t it good to be back in His bosom? Don’t you feel safe with Him? It’s so precious being near Him…and it’s even more spectacular that He’s invisible! How unique is the one we love! …write about it…

Talking about my Lover:
Today on your date you will become a teacher. Instead of just telling or sharing, you will teach by testimony. Go on the blog spot and encourage your sister to pour out her heart to the Lord. Sometimes when we’re in a relationship, a sister can come and encourage us to love better and stronger. Now as you teach her, she’ll teach you. This will create Sisters Inspiring Sisters! Teach and then you must become teachable. In today’s Words of love, his personality is explained in detail. Help your sister tear open her heart before a gracious and compassionate Lover!

Dating Tip: write on an index card or on print out on the computer the 5 traits of God found in today’s Words of love.


Friday – July 13th: The heart of the matter…you’ve complimented Him this week and came boldly into His presence regardless of how awkward it felt. The goal was to “reunite”. What better way to end the week than to hear what He’s saying to you and about you! That’s why the Word of God is so powerful, because it’s alive. It isn’t dormant or flat, but sharp and exhilarating. So now you’ve given to Him and now He wants to give to you.

Words of love: Song of Solomon 4:7 – today read the New International Version online via the link on the blog spot home page. “…all beautiful you are…”

Talking to my Lover:
As a woman, being told you are beautiful by the right person is a powerful thing! Don’t laugh, you know it’s true! So how can you Date the Lord and never hear Him say what He thinks about you. Today’s Words of love are rich and make Rule #3 of dating from the introduction blog come alive. When you leave a date being told this, you can’t help but feel at peace, enriched and encouraged.

Before we dance around in circles, consider that if He had to tell you “there’s no flaw in you”, then more than likely you feel insecure about something. So today you must spend this date giving the One that loves you all of your insecurity, for it can’t reside in a temple without flaws. Begin the list of insecurities you carry. When you are finished, turn it in to Him as a final review of your lack…never to be picked up again. Before you move on, write a letter of apology and repentance. He created you in His image, and you are all beautiful.

Talking about your lover:
One of the most girlie things we do as females after a great date is to share something “He said”! It’s like His Words seal the deal and add a whole new perspective on our being that we never considered. So today, begin with the Words of love, and then consider other special things the Lord has told you. Have there been any great one-liners that have kept your heart from crashing? Ok, think about it and post it for all the sisters to see! Hurry up! Inquiring minds want to know!

Dating Tip: Send yourself a text message or email with today’s Words of love from Song of Solomon 4:7 and read it periodically!

Saturday – July 14th:

Weekend Love Notes … your day of Reflection

1. Go back and review the definition for “reunite”, how has this affected your desire to date the Lord.

2. Was it difficult for you to get into the daily routine of this devotional? Explain.

3. Which of the 5 verses really impacted your week and how?

4. Spend today rehearsing the Words of love that blessed you the most. Before you close out your day, review it again.

Sunday – July 15th:

Weekend Love Notes … your day of Preparation

1. Before you go to church, review the 5 verses of the week…read through slowly.

2. At some point today, write a note about the special place you’ve chosen to have your Daily Dates with God. If there’s more than one place, elaborate on why.

3. Is there anything important happening in the week to come? Write a journal or note to the Lord giving him thanks in advance for favor in that specific area.

4. If you need prayer, post a blog comment so your sisters know how to lift you up.

May it be said of you as you progress with "Daily Dates with God",
"Who is this coming up from the desert leaning on her lover?"
Song of Songs 8:5 NIV
Rev. Theresa Adam McFaddin

"Daily Dates With God" - Your Invitation

"DAILY DATES WITH GOD"
Your weekly pathway for loving on your Lord

INTRODUCTION TO DATING:
So you need to know how to go on a Date with God? Well, I can’t remember my very first date, but I do remember my most significant date as a young adult woman. I was full of anxious and fearful emotions, because I didn’t know what to expect and was quite worried about doing or saying the wrong thing. In fact, I actually canceled one date with a very promising candidate, because I just couldn’t pull it together emotionally. Regret haunted me for years to come; however, I had to learn the art of interacting with men in a personal and intimate setting. No, I don’t mean sexually, but I am speaking in terms of conversation and giving a person your full attention and focus. Here are just a couple of “rules” that can help any date you have be productive and purposeful. No one should ever waste time with another person.

Rule #1: You cannot go on a date and be consumed with yourself. If your intention is to get to know this person with the possibility of beginning a relationship, then you must learn how to give. Give praises and compliments, give attention by asking questions about them, give them tokens of your friendship, give your heart away over time… but learn how to give and don’t focus on receiving. People love to spend time with givers! The very foundation of love is giving! Remember the most critical scripture of Christianity is John 3:16, “for God so loved… He gave…“

Rule #2: You should go on a date expecting to be revealed in some way. If your intention is to cover up and hide your true self, you will not have a successful date. You must spend time with a person with the expectation of showing them a piece of your heart and revealing a segment of your soul. The point is for them to learn you. This is the journey of dating. You begin with limited information, but you spend time together to enhance knowledge and bonding. A gentleman once said to me about a woman he came to love and why, “she got in my head and not my bed”. This is important, because you can reveal so much without the flesh involved if you use words and depth of character. Helping a person solve a crisis or listening to a problem they may have is revealing to them your level of patience, compassion or trust.

Rule #3: The sign of a good date is that you leave at peace, enriched, or encouraged. If your interaction on a date leaves you confused, perplexed or worried, then you may need to rethink the investment of time you are making. The presence a person brings to your life should enhance you, not defeat you. You should be able to give and reveal in a safe environment that ends up refreshing you. Don’t lie to yourself and make attempts to excuse away behavior. Dates offer data; therefore, if the data received is negative, you need to move on and out.

Now, with all these “rules”… how does this apply to your “Daily Dates with God”? Many people avoid time with the Lord as I once did dating, because they don’t know what to expect, say or do. Dating someone you see can be hard enough, so how do you date someone you can’t see? How are you motivated to love an invisible presence?

Good questions and here’s some helpful answers! Let’s go back to the factor of “intimacy”. Many modern day biblical teachers have broken this word down to mean “into–me-see”. This is what you should be searching for from God during a date with Him. Go back and read the rules, and then apply them in terms of your dates with Him! Give to Him – reveal yourself to Him – and you’ll walk away enriched! You need someone to not be consumed with your looks, your appearance, your clothes or your hair. In order to have the perfect Date, you need a time of “inner vision”. What better person for this than the one that created you? If he created you, then there’s no need for fear or agenda or facades. You should be excited to run to the Lover of your Soul! Now if you are focusing on inner vision, then you don’t need to be able to “see” God’s physical appearance! You need to see the heart of God, which is not defined by a presence. He has often said in scripture “who can you liken me unto”.

He is incomparable; He is matchless; He is a being far too supreme for a human frame. Catch the power and vision of His awesomeness! He holds oceans in his hands and flings stars with his fingers… He is so completely boundless and endless. And most of all, He wants to have a date with you!

This is where the rules set in for a magnificent time with the Lord… Rule #1 reminds you that it’s not about you, but all about Him. So you should be running to spend time with the Lord, because He knows all about you. Don’t start of a private personal time with the Lord handing him a list of things you want in a man, a job, a house, or a car. Focus on Him. God is not a jeanie in a bottle! Come up with what you want to tell and give to Him. Talk to about how you’ve been blessed by his glory. Rule #2 reminds you that you must come in to his presence willing to expose your faults, sins, feelings or whatever. His inner vision knows it all anyway, but He wants to know if you can come in with a naked soul, not a naked body. Rule #3 reminds you that with God, after you first focus on Him and second reveal yourself, then you will leave His presence enriched and refreshed.

How will Daily Dates with God work for you on a weekly basis?
1. You will do most of your devotionals online maintaining notes on your computer in Word files. If you feel more comfortable, you can get a journal and write your daily notes in there. Title your computer file or journal, “Daily Dates with God”.

2. Each week you’ll receive a “Daily Dates with God” outline for that week with a specific theme, including your Monday-Friday “Dating Tips” and your Saturday-Sunday “Weekend Love Notes”.

3. There will be a daily scripture “Words of Love” given for focus on Monday-Friday.

4. Saturday will be your “Day of Reflection” to review what you’ve learned.

5. Sunday will be your “Day of Preparation” to prepare for what’s to come.

6. You will have daily questions, “Talking to my Lover” & “Talking about my Lover” that will encourage you to write personal notes to the Lord and blogs about what you’re learning to your sisters as they go on their Daily Dates with God.

7. I suggest that you simultaneously save Word files of scriptures and notes to yourself.

8. This blog page has a link to an online Bible on the home page that will offer a quick nearby source of various Bible translations. So if you are somewhere with a computer, but without your personal Bible, you can still have your Date.

9. I will moderate all blog spot entries and offer answers, direction, and prayer for you along your journey of relationship building with the Lord. For more insight, questions and prayer, email to SistersDatingGod@gmail.com. Please allow me the right to share non-personal email comments on the blog if I believe it will help others.

10. You should invite other sisters to begin dating Him as well, so you all can journey along together no matter what stage your relationship with Him is.

With all that said, let’s roll with week #1!

May it be said of you as you progress with "Daily Dates with God"...

"Who is this coming up from the desert leaning on her lover?"

Song of Songs 8:5 NIV

Rev. Theresa Adam McFaddin

SiS July 9th Conference Call:

Conference Call #2 for Prayer & Power

with Atlanta Businessman ... Andrew Davidson

Preparing for A Date With God 2007
Moderated by Monica Griffin

Monday, July 9th at 7:00 pm PDT/10:00 pm EDT
Connecting Sisters & Brothers in prayer all over the country!

Purpose: 5 weekly conference calls in the month of May for Prayer & Encouragement preparing you for our upcoming Date With God ... each call led by a Man of God!

Connect: Call (605) 475-6000 - Access Code: 592221... and you're connected to Andrew Davidson and Sisters all over the country!!!! Please don't forget to "mute" your phone while he's sharing by hitting "6" and your mute button.

Topic: What to expect when we Reunite, how Luke 4:18-19 will strengthen your life to help you, Release, Recover & Return! Also, receive wise business counsel with a Bible perspective as he shares his testimony of power.

Power: When women come together & pray, Release, Recovery & Return is looosed into the spiritual atmosphere!

"Online Blogspot After-Glow"
Let's do a Recap throughout the week of
what we learned & how we're encouraged
to see Luke 4:18-19 come in place in our lives!

Looking forward...Helping our SiS Excel in Christ!

Just Added to A Date With God!

You've heard her amazing vocals

But have you heard her "precious" heart

Chante Moore

speaking & singing

Gift of Love Dinner
August 11, 2007

Rev. Theresa McFaddin

Pastor Andrea Humphrey

Chante Moore

A Date With God - Register now!

Release, Recover, Return - Luke 4:18-19