Baby Liam – Day 4

 

I’m sure you feel like there isn’t enough time in a day…well I feel like there isn’t nearly enough time with this little one, but my time here is quickly coming to an end. I pray that you will find some encouragement from today’s repeated blog post. See you soon!

 

In His Presence

 

DSC02392mIf you’re like me, you sometimes feel like you don’t have enough time in a day. I sat in a co-worker’s office yesterday and read some phrases on his wall. One of them said, “If you don’t think you have enough time in a day, stop watching television.”

 

I love that. Because to be honest, television zaps time at the end of my day with meaningless, mindless nonsense. I justify my actions by telling myself that I’m tired or I just need to relax and unwind. But in reality, there are other ways to do that.

 

Sometimes I find myself sitting in front of the television in the morning. This is worse for me. If I start early in the day, it seems like I just can’t pull myself away from the thing. I am most aggravated at myself on these days.

 

I believe God’s answer to this dilemma is to spend time with Him. Why not read or listen to God’s Word? A little prayer time might be a good option. Or even quietly meditating on verses of Scripture that you have memorized would be better.

 

Maybe you’re not in the habit of reading the Bible or spending time in prayer with God. Or maybe you are. Either way, these spiritual disciplines (as we call them) are beneficial in several ways. Take a look.

 

Spiritual disciplines are beneficial for these reasons:

  • For our personal development
  • For material that the Holy Spirit will use
  • For encouragement of the one you disciple

You see, when we make a decision to spend time with God (through Bible reading, Bible study, prayer, quiet time, etc.), we are more likely to add what we learn into our lives. We will be better people because we have chosen to be transformed by godly characteristics.

 

I also love that the Holy Spirit will use what we learn through spiritual disciplines. Jesus told His disciples that this would happen in John 14:26 (NIV). “But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.” When my memory is at its worst, I know that God’s Spirit will help me to remember what I’ve read, studied, and learned. This truly is a gift!

 

And then what about those who look to you for spiritual guidance? Are you making disciples (Matthew 28:19-20)? If so, spiritual disciplines will help you help them. You may not be a “know-it-all,” but you will be in the know when you regularly spend time with God.

 

One of my favorite books is “Follow Me,” by Randy Sprinkle. Take a look at this quote from his book.

 

“Victory begins at the start of the day with a closed door, an open Bible, and a disciplined, responsive heart ready to turn loose anything that hinders our walk and work with God for the sake of His kingdom that day.”[i]

 

Oh how I love beginning each day with this thought in mind. When I am in tune with and focused on God from the start of the day, I am more apt to be kingdom-minded throughout the day. Isn’t that what it’s all about?

 

If you are interested in starting on this spiritual disciplines journey, start by finding a Bible reading plan that works for you. It may be on your computer, or on your phone, or you may actually use a real Bible, but try something that you know you will stick with.

 

Then set a specific time to be with God. When I started writing my blog, I wrote at different times during the day. Sometimes it worked, sometimes it didn’t. Years later, I’ve found that writing between 5 and 7 am are the best times for me to write. It will be that way with you as well. You may find that early morning is the best time to be with God, but you may find that it has to be in the evening. Just find it and stick with it. Make it an important decision and keep going.

 

Most importantly, have fun with God. He wants a relationship with you, so make it that. Change it up when it feels like you’re in a rut. Add new ways to be with God to make it interesting. Enjoy His goodness. Find pleasure in His presence. Rejoice over His love and grace. Pretty soon, it won’t feel like a discipline. It will feel like heaven.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

[i] “Follow Me,” Randy Sprinkle, New Hope Publishers, p. 38-39.

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