Deeper Still :: Priscilla Shirer

Priscilla Shirer is one of the most charismatic and captivating Christian women I've ever encountered. Her style of teaching is warm and welcoming; not at all like a lecture, more like a talk with a good, energetic friend. If you've never heard her speak, I encourage you to change that quickly. I was so enraptured with her talk, I almost forgot to take notes. She will have you laughing while still keeping you on your spiritual toes. At the Deeper Still conference, she spoke mainly from Ephesians 3.20-21 :

Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

with supporting notes from several other verses. The key note being; God is able to go beyond beyond. Here's my take on her talk along with the supporting verses she referenced.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight.

- Proverbs 3:5-6

God is able. He is able in all things at all times. He is able to suprise you. We must know who God is, and what He has, in order to access him. He is the almighty. He is the alpha and the omega. He has access to everything we can imagine -- and beyond.

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.

- John 10.10

God can counteract anything and everything. He has resurrected the dead, He has parted the seas, He has done beyond what is imaginable. Believe in Him, follow in His will, and you too will have everlasting life.

Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

- Hebrews 12.2

Just like a flower can only grow in soil rich with the right nutrients, we can only grow in a life filled with God. Now is the time to consider the ability of God.

"Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth."

- Psalms 46.10

What is impossible for you, is possible for Him. He deserves our praise and our worship. Turn your attention away from the frustrations, from the seemingly impossible and turn to Jesus. Deliberately shift your fears unto Him.

This, the first of His miraculous signs, Jesus performed at Can in Galilee. He thus revealed His glory, and His disciples put their faith in Him.

- John 2.11

Will you put your faith in Him? Open your eyes to see His ability. Don't let the 'urgent' things in your life outcrowd the important things. Believe in what God says over what you can percieve.

But as for me, I watch in hope for the Lord, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me.

- Micah 7.7

God will hear you too. You need only faith. Trust in the Lord, your God, with all your heart, all your mind and all your soul. He can accomplish the unfathomable. He will amaze you. He will do astonishing things in your life when you believe and put your trust wholy in Him. The truth is not relative, it is absolute.

'For I know the plans I have for you,: declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

- Jeremiah 29.11

He can do all things. He has plans for you. You may not understand them, you may not always see where He's taking you, but He has a plan for you. Follow in His will and He will be with you.

Praise the Lord, all you nations; extol Him, all you peoples. For great is His love toward us and the faithfulness of the Lord endures forever. Praise the Lord.

- Psalms 117

Shower Him with your doxologies (outpouring of praise and worship to God).

Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. Who is He that condemns? Christ Jesus, who died -- more than that, who was raised to life -- is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.

- Romans 8.32

You may be persecuted here on earth. You will have trials and tribulations in this world. All things are not good, but all things are working for our good. God has a much bigger plan than we can even begin to fathom. The reward for those who believe, those who follow God whole-heartedly, is eternal life with our Father in heaven. He wants this for us. He wants us to be our best. Live life for Him.

And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in Him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession -- to the praise of His glory.

- Ephesians 1.13-14

Everything that concerns you, concerns Him. Take the totality of your needs to God. There is no problem, too big or too small, that He cannot handle. Whether or not He does something is a question of His sovereignty, not His ability.

My God is able.

Deeper Still :: an overview

Over the weekend, I, along with the ladies of CATB, attended the Deeper Still conference. It was led by Kay Arthur, Beth Moore and Priscilla Shirer. These 3 women have a unique way of relaying God's word in a way that not only speaks to you, but that grabs a hold of your heart and lets you feel the word of God eminating through you. By the end of the 2 days, I had been moved to tears, laughed uncontrollably and been led to go deeper still in my walk of faith.

The weekend started off Friday night, with praise and worship led by Travis Cottrell. If you've never heard him before -- he is amazing! We sang well known traditional gospel songs as well as a few contemporary gospel hits. Travis and his team had such awesome talent and presence that even the songs that I'd never heard before felt familiar.

We also heard Kay Arthur speak on Friday night. She is clearly a women in touch with God's word. The common thread of her teaching was 'rest in faith'. She taught from the book of Hebrews and spoke of relying on the Bible in everything you do.

Bright and early Saturday, we were back for day 2. Again, the day started off with an amazing time of worship with Travis and his praise team...though this morning they had a special surprise. Beth and Priscilla came out and performed a rap. It was hilarious! For those who missed it, don't you wish you had left the hotel just a little earlier now?

Priscilla Shirer was the next to speak. She had me in hysterics! Her teaching style was funny and relateable while still incredibly thought provoking. She broke down Ephesians 3.20-21 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. Her main point being that God is able! He can go beyond beyond!

We than had a break for lunch. Everyone pretty much went their seperate ways for that. Sarah was kind enough to take Beth, April and myself to her uncles local pizza joint. We ordered several different personal pans as well as some caesar salad and shared it all around. It was delicious! If I could remember the name of it, I would recommend it to anyone in Orlando.

After lunch, we re-congregated at the arena and settled in to enjoy another round of praise with Travis and the gang, where they unveiled the 'prayer wall'. There were glass panes set up friday night for all who attended the conference to write their prayers upon. During this worship session, they displayed the 4 panes and painted a picture of Gods hand holding a single flower over top. It was a great way of joining thousands of women together to lift up our prayers.

This was followed by the teachings of Beth Moore. This was the most anticipated speaker by our group and she did not disappoint! Her high-energy style was captivating, humorus and heart-pulling. She taught on discerning the voice of God -- how to listen to your spiritual gut.

After another rousing round of praise and worship we were then treated to a question and answer segment. Beth, Kay and Priscilla answered questions that were submitted prior and gave real-life, biblically-based answers. Overall, the conference was an amazing, God-filled experience. I am so blessed to have been able to be in the presence of these 3 awe-inspiring women.

Over the next few blog posts, I will be giving you my take on this conference. What I took from these 3 amazing women, what I feel God is saying to me through this, and how I am being led deeper still.

The ladies of CATB who attended this awe-inspiring event.