Now when Jesus heard about John, He withdrew from there in a boat to a secluded place by Himself. (Matthew 14:13, NASB)
Last month I wrote about my conviction of needing to spend more quiet time with Jesus in this hectic, busy life we lead. Oh, I had been spending a lot of quantity time in the study of God’s Word to prepare for all that needed to be done in preparation for Links Fellowships, our Sunday school class, and some writing I had been doing. It is not what I was doing that became the conviction, but why I did it. I wanted to be prepared for the studies and not look like a fool. You know, we need to have the answers for those deep theological questions that come up.
I really needed more unrushed, intimate time with God for no ulterior purpose than to understand more fully how much He really does love me. I needed this time to fill up so I could do life better.
The quote I used last month from Robert Boyd Munger in his short book, My Heart-Christ’s Home got me started on this journey: “The trouble is that you have been thinking of the quiet time, of Bible study and prayer, as a means for your own spiritual growth. This is true, but have you forgotten that this time means something to me also. Remember, I love you. At a great cost I redeemed you. I value your fellowship. Just to have you look into my face warms my heart. Don’t neglect this hour, if only for my sake.”
We get to do this! What an honor and privilege! But what is the practical application? How do we implement a plan for time with God?
This is not legalistic—it is my functional plan to set aside my best time of the day with God, and do it every day. You need your own plan. I just wanted this time to be important and do it first before I became distracted with the to-do list. My plan begins by going to my office early in the morning or to some other secluded place where I will not be disturbed. I get quiet and still. My world will be in God’s presence for the next 32 minutes. I set my phone alarm for 12 minutes of prayer and listening. Then I spend 20 minutes reading the Bible very slowly. Many times it is just a paragraph or a few verses. I listen again and reflect of what God is telling me today. I ask the Holy Spirit to help me understand. I close with a prayer of gratitude. Daily!
There are many different ways to swing a golf club, but they all look the same at impact when the shot is hit correctly. The same is true of our spiritual pilgrimage. Many ways to live a Spirit-filled life, but one thing is consistent in all lives lived for the glory of God—quality time spent with God, asking and listening, which builds a relationship of trust. We have the incredible opportunity to do this daily. All of us. And 32 minutes is a good start.
—
Randy Wolff
February 3, 2015
Copyright 2015 Links Players International
The Links Daily Devotional appears Monday-Friday at www.linksplayers.com.