Misconception #5 – I’m too happy!
Many times a person may think that when everything is going really well they don’t have to put that much of an effort towards a quiet time. That is actually saying that they only desperately need God when things aren’t good. Basically that person is seeking God’s hand of blessing more than His heart of beauty. As believers, we should ultimately desire to seek after God, dwell in His presence all our days, gaze upon His beauty, and meditate on Him (Psalm 27:4). I like what John MacArthur’s Study Bible mentions about David in this passage, “The primary issue in David’s life was to live in God’s presence and by His purpose” (p.765). David then said, “For he will hide me in his shelter in the day of trouble; he will conceal me under the cover of his tent; he will lift me high upon a rock” (v.5). In God’s presence, David received God’s promises which sustained Him in times of trouble. May we be people, “after God’s own heart, who will do all God’s will” (Acts 13:22) whether we’re in despair or happy.
As I conclude this series, I hope that you will “Bless the Lord at all times; let His praise continually be in your mouth” (Psalm 34:1) whether you’re having a quiet time or going about your daily duties. Never forget that “Those who seek the Lord lack no good thing” (Psalm 34:10).
Showing posts with label Quiet Time Series. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Quiet Time Series. Show all posts
Friday, December 19, 2008
Quiet Time - Misconception #4
Misconception #4 – I'm too despaired!
Sometimes are hearts are too heavy and burdened to do our daily tasks, let alone have a quiet time. When my son was in the hospital suffering from numerous infections, the doctors did not know if he was going to live through the week. As his infections increased, I fell more in despair. It felt like it took effort to even breathe so I was sure not thinking about having a quiet time. But I knew that Christ was my only sustainer so I desperately needed Him. I remember leaving the hospital and going home not even having the strength to read my Bible or pray. So, I sat in front of our CD player and blasted the song, “Praise Him Through The Night” by Fred Hammond. I repeated it over & over til I was sobbing and felt as if God was holding me and saying, “Daughter, I see, I know, I care.” I’ll never forget that moment. So, I just want to encourage you to GO HARD after Christ in your dark times and do whatever it takes even if it’s blasting praise songs! Even when you can’t pray in your weakness, the Holy Spirit is interceding for you (Romans 8:26). Go to Christ and allow Him to give rest for your weary soul (Matthew 11:28).
Sometimes are hearts are too heavy and burdened to do our daily tasks, let alone have a quiet time. When my son was in the hospital suffering from numerous infections, the doctors did not know if he was going to live through the week. As his infections increased, I fell more in despair. It felt like it took effort to even breathe so I was sure not thinking about having a quiet time. But I knew that Christ was my only sustainer so I desperately needed Him. I remember leaving the hospital and going home not even having the strength to read my Bible or pray. So, I sat in front of our CD player and blasted the song, “Praise Him Through The Night” by Fred Hammond. I repeated it over & over til I was sobbing and felt as if God was holding me and saying, “Daughter, I see, I know, I care.” I’ll never forget that moment. So, I just want to encourage you to GO HARD after Christ in your dark times and do whatever it takes even if it’s blasting praise songs! Even when you can’t pray in your weakness, the Holy Spirit is interceding for you (Romans 8:26). Go to Christ and allow Him to give rest for your weary soul (Matthew 11:28).
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Quiet Time - Misconception #3
Misconception #3 – It gets too boring!
Your quiet time can be as versatile as you allow it. Some days the Lord may have you just pray the Word. Other days singing songs may take up the bulk of your quiet time. Sometimes you may read a whole chapter and other times you may be led to meditate on one verse that’s ministering to you at that moment. Each day can look very different. Be still and allow the Holy Spirit to lead you for that day whether it’s to continue on with your reading plan or go elsewhere.
For example, I have been striving to read a chapter a day of 1 Corinthians for the last few weeks. However, this morning was different. After I prayed for the Lord to put off sinful qualities in my life (eg. self-reliance, distrust, anxiety), I was led to pray that He would help me to put on the fruit of the spirit (love, joy, peace…). Instead of following with my planned reading, the hymn, “All to Jesus I Surrender” immediately came to mind. So I opened my hymnal and sang all 4 verses. Then I was led to read Col. 3. It was so nourishing for my soul.
Of course, I don't always have the time to do all of this. But God seems to use any little effort for my good. So, don’t box your quiet time in! God may be leading you on a new path, a fresh word for that day. May the Lord open our eyes that we may behold wondrous things out of His Word (Ps 119:18) in whatever ways He chooses.
Your quiet time can be as versatile as you allow it. Some days the Lord may have you just pray the Word. Other days singing songs may take up the bulk of your quiet time. Sometimes you may read a whole chapter and other times you may be led to meditate on one verse that’s ministering to you at that moment. Each day can look very different. Be still and allow the Holy Spirit to lead you for that day whether it’s to continue on with your reading plan or go elsewhere.
For example, I have been striving to read a chapter a day of 1 Corinthians for the last few weeks. However, this morning was different. After I prayed for the Lord to put off sinful qualities in my life (eg. self-reliance, distrust, anxiety), I was led to pray that He would help me to put on the fruit of the spirit (love, joy, peace…). Instead of following with my planned reading, the hymn, “All to Jesus I Surrender” immediately came to mind. So I opened my hymnal and sang all 4 verses. Then I was led to read Col. 3. It was so nourishing for my soul.
Of course, I don't always have the time to do all of this. But God seems to use any little effort for my good. So, don’t box your quiet time in! God may be leading you on a new path, a fresh word for that day. May the Lord open our eyes that we may behold wondrous things out of His Word (Ps 119:18) in whatever ways He chooses.
Quiet Time - Misconception #2
Misconception #2 - You have to follow a set reading plan!
You don't have to follow a reading plan like reading the Bible in one year. It may take you longer so you can soak in and think about what you’re reading. As far as we know, there is not a reward at the Judgment Seat of Christ for the person who read the Bible the most times on earth. But we do know that we will be judged according to all our good & bad deeds (2 Cor. 5:10) and how faithful we were with what God entrusted to us on earth (Matt. 25:14-30). How well are you using your God-given time to invest in your spiritual well-being?
(Scroll down to the previous post to read the intro to this series.)
You don't have to follow a reading plan like reading the Bible in one year. It may take you longer so you can soak in and think about what you’re reading. As far as we know, there is not a reward at the Judgment Seat of Christ for the person who read the Bible the most times on earth. But we do know that we will be judged according to all our good & bad deeds (2 Cor. 5:10) and how faithful we were with what God entrusted to us on earth (Matt. 25:14-30). How well are you using your God-given time to invest in your spiritual well-being?
(Scroll down to the previous post to read the intro to this series.)
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Quiet Time
Thanks for taking my poll about your quiet time with the Lord! In light of the poll, I think it would be a good time to talk about quiet times especially during the busiest time of the year.
Quiet times are a necessity in the life of a believer. We must have alone time with our Lord. God uses our time with Him to: 1. Sanctify us (John 17:17), 2. Satisfy us (Psalm 90:14), and 3. Strengthen us (Psalm 119:28). I believe that prayer, reading the Bible, singing praises/hymns, and meditating on scripture are staples in a believer’s life as flour, eggs, and sugar are staples in our kitchen.
That is why Col. 3:1-17 is one of my favorite passages. Having a quiet time reminds us that we have been raised with Christ therefore we should seek the things above and set our minds on things above, not on earthly things (v. 1-2). We should delight in spending time with Christ because we have died to sin and our life is hidden with Him in God (v. 3). God strengthens us to put off sin in our life (v.5-9) and empowers us to put on Christ-like characteristics (v. 12-15). This will enable you to “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God” (v.16).
Quiet times are a necessity in the life of a believer. We must have alone time with our Lord. God uses our time with Him to: 1. Sanctify us (John 17:17), 2. Satisfy us (Psalm 90:14), and 3. Strengthen us (Psalm 119:28). I believe that prayer, reading the Bible, singing praises/hymns, and meditating on scripture are staples in a believer’s life as flour, eggs, and sugar are staples in our kitchen.
That is why Col. 3:1-17 is one of my favorite passages. Having a quiet time reminds us that we have been raised with Christ therefore we should seek the things above and set our minds on things above, not on earthly things (v. 1-2). We should delight in spending time with Christ because we have died to sin and our life is hidden with Him in God (v. 3). God strengthens us to put off sin in our life (v.5-9) and empowers us to put on Christ-like characteristics (v. 12-15). This will enable you to “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God” (v.16).
These are just a few reasons for quiet times. There are many, many, many other spiritual benefits of having a quiet time. One blog could not come close to listing all of them. However, for the next few posts, I want to discuss 5 misconceptions about quiet times. Here’s the first one.
Misconception #1 – It takes too much time!
There is not a set amount of time. What matters is the quality not the quantity. However, if we're spending 10-15 minutes with God and then rushing to get to our to do lists. But spending 30 minutes to 1 hr or more in front of the TV/computer or doing a hobby, we need to do some reassessment of our priorities.
Misconception #1 – It takes too much time!
There is not a set amount of time. What matters is the quality not the quantity. However, if we're spending 10-15 minutes with God and then rushing to get to our to do lists. But spending 30 minutes to 1 hr or more in front of the TV/computer or doing a hobby, we need to do some reassessment of our priorities.
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Take my poll about quiet time with the Lord!
Here's an opportunity for ALL my blog readers to contribute (Yes, even you faithful readers who NEVER comment :-). Take the poll to the right. It ends on next Tues, Dec 16.
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