Soli Deo Gloria-It's all for HIS glory.
Are you having a time with God everyday? Is it refreshing, revitalizing, renewing, and obviously a boost to your walk with Christ? No? Me neither. Well, at least, it isn't that way all the time.
A quiet time. Many people say you need an hour a day reading your Bible first thing in the morning. I, honestly don’t think you do. I think that a quiet time with God is an essential, but I can’t tell you exactly how you need to do it. Only God can do that-follow the Spirit. If it’s a lovely morning, go outside and praise God...or light candles and make a lovely intimate atmosphere inside at night. Have fun with it...be spontaneous.
Sometimes people (okay, me) try to tell God exactly what they are going to do in their quiet times-read their Bible, pray and then be done! But, God has so much more for you if you will only do it His way. God may call you to pray, read your Bible and be done. Or, he might call you to worship him in song, or simply sit there and listen to him. But, you have to follow what the Spirit calls you to, no matter what it may be. It might be jumping up and down, or being on your knees, crying. But, do as God leads you to, not what you think you should do, or what you want to do.
Another thing is not to talk the whole time. Yes, prayer is important, I’m not saying it isn’t! But, sometimes you just need to shut your mouth and let God speak to you. God can speak to you in many ways, but sometimes you just have to be quiet and still to hear his gentle voice speaking. God wants to hear you, but he wants you to listen to him...it isn't a one-way conversation. Just think about it...God has things to tell you if you’ll just let Him.
Every year in our church we give out Bible reading plans. I think that is important to have a plan of what you think God wants you to read in your Bible. I’ve done different plans, and found that they’re all good-just find one that you think is workable and run with it! If you don’t want to do that, pick out books you’re interested in, and get into them. I mean, really get into them. Study them, cross-reference them. Delve into the meanings. Personally, right now I'm reading through the New Testament, though not in order. At present, I'm focusing on 2 Peter and Romans, as well as doing a Bible study in Revelation. All are great, meaty books, and I hope I'm getting a lot out of them.
A lot of the time in our youth class, we talk about having a hunger and a desire for God’s word. We need to ask Him to give us an unquenchable desire for his word, and He will give it. But, we need to be in the Word. To have a passion and hunger for God's word, jump right in with both feet. God will give it to you if you ask. You need to immerse yourself in the Word, so that we can desire more and want more of God and his Word. I’ve found that the more you read it, the more you want it. It’s a great feeling, really.
Many people have their quiet times in the morning, but, I have to confess that I don’t. Lately, I've gotten into the habit of having my quiet time right before bed. I'm not a morning person, by any means, and I focus much, much better at night. God has really used this time to work in my life, so I try to make sure that I have plenty of time. The other benefit for this, is after I’m done, I can lay down and really think through eveything I’ve read, asked, or God has told me during my quiet time. :) I don’t think it matters, as long as you do it.
The most obvious thing that you need in a quiet time is not prayer, not your Bible, not willingness to do what God wants. It's God’s presence. You have to have God with you to hear from him, and even if He doesn’t speak to you, you certaintly need his prescence in your life! But, one thing to remember: God isn't a vending machine. You don't just say, "God, I need your prescence today." Yes, pray, and ask for it. But, you have to desire it. Hunger it. Want it until you can taste it. You get the point.
Hmm...maybe I was writing that to myself. |
