1. MAN UP BIBLE SERIES Living a Life that Counts Lesson Five

2. The Real World I need God in my life. The problem is opening my heart to God and allowing Him to be with me every step of the way. How do we practically practice the presence of God in our lives? The reality is that there is no time for God in our schedules. Each morning he is the first on my list and every night God is number 87 after all the things that the Boss and family have for me to do. It is a battle between what is good and what is best. It is not that easy to let God into all of our lives yet we must do this. In this lesson we will look at the practical steps to practicing the presence of God where he is acknowledged as the only thing on our list and is invited into every area of our lives. Once he is there we will find that peace and contentment that only God’s Presence provides. We need to be filled with Praise for the Great God we serve!

3. The Real Word Lets Look at a few verses that David Wrote filled with Praise: “I will give thanks to the Lord and will sing praise to the name of the Lord Most High.” ( Psalm 7: 17) “Sing to the Lord, you saints of his; praise his holy name.” (Psalm 30:4) “Sing joyfully to the Lord, you righteous; it is fitting for the upright to praise him.” (Psalm 33:1) “I will extol the Lord at all times; his praise will always be on my lips.” (Psalm 34:1)

4. Real Talk Make a list of 10 things to Praise God for: 1. ____________ 6.______________ 2. ____________ 7.______________ 3. ____________ 8.______________ 4. ____________ 9.______________ 5. ____________ 10.______________ Why do we forget all the good things God does for us?

5. Real Steps How to Practice the Presence of God in your life: Meditate of God’s Power – Phil. 4:13 Do you have a problem today? Focus on God’s Power to overcome all things! Memorize a Psalm of Praise – Psalm 118:34 God’s Word is the best “Attitude Lifter” you will ever find. Try it and see the difference! Master God’s Promises – Psalm 68:19 Help yourself to one of God’s Promises and see what praising can do! Marvel over God’s Provision – Phil. 4:19 What a wonderful God we have! He will meet all our needs! Measure God’s Presence – Psalm 139:7 No matter where you are God’s Presence and Power is yours! Magnify God’s Protection – Psalm 23:4 God is with us each step of the way! We have nothing to fear !

6. Time to Close So here it is laid out for us. The first step in practicing the presence of God in our lives is to begin with Praise. How hard was it to find those 10 things to praise God for? Now the hard part, really putting into practice what we know the Lord wants from us. Are we really willing to open ourselves up to God? If we do the benefits are amazing! We will be blessed and so will everyone who is around us! In this world where every news story is bad news we can begin to share the Good News! I challenge you today to put this scripture into practice: Psalm 34:1 “ His praise will always be on my lips.” If you do this you will see a difference in your attitude and it will affect those around you in such a positive way. Time to MAN UP!