April 2017 Philippians 4:8-9 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.
One of the hardest things for me to do, and I believe for many believers, is to have daily quiet time with God. This struggle keeps many of us from becoming the people God desires us to be.
The only way to get to know someone intimately is to spend time with them and the same is true in our relationship with God.
Spending time with God will draw you closer to Him and as you get closer you want to spend more time reading His word and meditating on it. As we draw closer to God He reveals His teaching and the relevant meaning to your life today.
My prayer today is for you to again (or maybe for the first time) fall in love with the words of God (the Bible). May you desire to hear from God today and each day of your life.
Below are some suggestions to having quality time with God
- You must find the right time and 30 minutes is ideal. But some time is better than no time, so if you can’t start at thirty minutes, begin with ten. Don’t try to find time — make time, and make it a priority.
- To be prepared for this time be physically alert. Find a time when the cobwebs are out of your mind and you can think clearly. Be mentally aware. Be focused, and know He’s there.
- find a place where you can focus. That simply means find a place of isolation where you can shut the door on the world.
- In order to have an effective quiet time, you need the right tools.
- a readable Bible – Invest in one with plenty of room to jot notes in the margins.
- a prayer journal – use it to record things you’re praying about and answers you’ve received.
- a notepad – Write down your random thoughts, note your questions, and document what God is telling you
- Get still and quiet. The Bible says in Psalm 46:10, “Be still, and know that I am God.” Focus your mind on Him. Calm down, relax, and recognize His presence. Take a deep breath and focus your thoughts on the Lord.
- Get into the Word of God. It’s better to start by reading the Bible than it is to start in prayer. It is more important for you to hear from God, even than for God to hear from you. God already knows all about you, but you need to know a lot more about Him.
- Read the Bible for quality and not quantity. It’s good to have a goal to read the Bible through in a year, or a similar goal; but that’s not the purpose of your quiet time. This is the time when you simply read the Bible with an open mind.
- As you focus on the Word of God and meditate, let it permeate you. Ask yourself:
- Is there a command to obey?
- Is there a promise to claim?
- Is there a sin to avoid?
- Is there a lesson to learn?
- Is there a new truth to carry with me?
Record what God has given you. Write down what God says to you and what He tells you to do.
Now you’re ready to pray. When you pray, be natural and honest with God. Tell Him how you feel. Pray out loud. It keeps your mind on track and enables you to stay focused.
I pray that your relationship with God will grow and mature as you share quiet time in the presence of our loving, almighty, powerful God.
Your Sister in Christ,
Pastor Deb