Finding Quiet Time

            I have been the participant in a variety of weekly, group Bible Studies over the years, but my friend and I are embarking on a different kind of journey in personal Bible Study.  Our goal is to be accountable to each other, daily while we grow in Christian strength and wisdom.  She shared quiet time in her world is extremely difficult to find.  I understand!  Quiet time in my life, on some days is nearly non-existent, yet it is what God wants.  Being still and listening for His voice is best accomplished when we are quiet and out of the noises and interruptions of our world.  It is here we allow our hearts and minds to connect with God.

Explaining, my friend said, “Just when I think I have a half hour block set aside, someone calls and needs me, whether it’s a neighbor, one of my kids or someone else unexpected.  Or there is a knock on the door for a surprise visit, or someone comes in my office needing assistance.  Quiet time just doesn’t seem to happen, no matter how well I plan!”

  Or like me, there are times her head simply won’t let her rest until she finishes dishes, the laundry, or any of the other myriad domestic duties that keep calling.  Before both of us know it, in each of our respective worlds, the clock informs us it is time to start dinner and then we are faced with the ever present chore of dishes to be done again and other responsibilities that refuse to take a back seat in our lives.  To make matters worse, Satan reminds us of our shortcomings, not only for today, but yesterday, and even last year, making us feel guilty and filled with regret.   At the end of the day we finally find ourselves exhausted, wanting nothing more than time to wind down and go to sleep!  

            In each of these instances where interruptions have occurred that altered the plan of being in God’s word, I suggest it is Satan’s way of attempting to steal treasured time with his arch enemy, Christ.  Satan is purposeful in killing desire and destroying motivation and dedication toward what the Lord desires and requires of His children.  On days like those described above, it seems Satan has won.  Yet, as a child of God, I am responsible for knowing what is in His word.  This is where having a partner in the battle is especially rewarding.  I know I count on her, first to pray for me and then expect me to complete the assigned reading and devotion time, prepared for discussion and reflection each day.  (We will do this via email since we do not see each other daily, and will allow for continued study even when I am away.)  Likewise, she will, by God’s grace, ready herself, as I pray for her, for our “daily meeting” to discuss her thoughts and feelings about what she’s read.

            I am convinced God will bless our efforts and I look forward to Him doing great things in our lives and through us, despite Satan’s efforts to frustrate us.  We don’t have to allow “the thief” to destroy our fellowship and communion time with God.  It does, however, take commitment, dedication and a willingness to put God first in our lives.  When we do, we are sure to find inexpressible joy, and as promised, have life to the full!

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.  John 10:10

My Comfort Zone

            My husband and I visited a church community who deliberately sets about encouraging and admonishing each other in Christian love to keep the community accountable and strong.  I have wondered if I could be comfortable in a situation where someone would feel at ease being frank enough with me to tell me they think I am not following the word of God the way they interpreted the scriptures.  As I watched the interactions between these wonderful people, there was a genuine kindness and respect that clearly went beyond any admonitions anyone could give each other.

            A dear friend shared a story from his college years where he was challenged by his peers to deepen his relationship with God.  They encouraged Bible study, scripture memory, and time management as well as other challenges.  He said he felt uncomfortable at first, partly because he felt at that time, how he spent his time was his business and following the Lord seemed to take a lot of work!  Yet, it was in this environment his need and desire for God deepened, changing him into the strong dynamic, godly man he has become.

            People influence us every day.  The people we choose to call our friends are those with whom we most immediately identify.  Usually we have similar likes and dislikes, beliefs, views, and ideas.  Very often we fit in similar financial brackets and faith beliefs.  We depend on each other for support and strength.   When we choose to go against everything we believe, our world often falls apart, including relationships that were once strong and secure.  

            In a world where godly leadership has fallen by the wayside, we see values, morals and the difference between right and wrong greatly skewed. We are encouraged to be tolerant of ideas different than our own.  But it goes well beyond that.  As Christians we are expected to accept those behaviors that are clearly Biblically wrong, otherwise we are being bigoted, racist, or an extremist!  It takes a good deal of courage to go against what is considered politically correct and do the right thing.  
 

          When we partner with others to live a godly life and dedicate our time and energies to knowing God’s word, we can be confident in our faith and join other believers standing strong for what we know is right.  Like a colorful quilt which is carefully stitched together creating a work of art, yet strong and filled with warmth, it is important to be involved in a strong, warm, loving community that builds each other up yet reminds each other when wrong turns are taken.  

         Admonition, or warnings needn’t be hurtful or spiteful, but given with a gentle heart filled with genuine caring about the other person.  No one is right all the time, but like a family who is often honest to a fault, yet loves each other, our friends should be people we respect and want to emulate.  Further they should able to be honest with us, pushing us forward toward Christ, even if it makes us a bit uncomfortable.



          

But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness.  Hebrews 3:13

God Is My Protector

             My husband and I just returned from a trip to South Dakota.  We dealt with weather that was both beautiful and treacherous.  As we traveled West we ran into a snow storm, with temperatures well below freezing, that put us on icy roads, white out conditions, and winds for many hours, followed the next day with temperatures down to -4 degrees.  Accidents littered both sides of the highway, and there was a time or two we thought we also were going to fall victim to the conditions.    Yet, while fatigue set in, God was with us as our protector.

            During our stay we had amazing weather enabling us to visit with our youngest son, daughter-in-law, and beautiful new grandson.  It was wonderful on all levels.  Along with family visits, and drives through breathtaking views and mountain terrain, we shared in a worship service where the presence of the Lord was truly tangible.  It was amazing.  We both felt uplifted and renewed, as we drew closer to our Savior.  

            Our return trip began uneventful with bright sunshine, clear skies and 35 degrees.  Intense fog entered the picture about a third of the way across South Dakota that continually worsened, while temperatures dropped well below freezing, causing the entire landscape, including all the trees and power lines to turn white in a thick glaze of ice.  Reprieve was welcomed as we rested for the night.  

           The next day we were met with a dreary, low, gray sky.   By the time we reached Pennsylvania we hit another snow storm that continued through West Virginia, and the mountains of western Maryland that left a three lane highway open to only one lane for drivers.  Winds blew and snow fell, while again, the temperatures dropped.  Prayers again went up for safety.  God answered prayers on all counts.  

 

            I realize it is winter and weather is certainly going to be a factor when traveling through northern states.  Yet, the fact that we dealt with weather in just the areas we were traveling, while on our way to our destination and then on the return trip, makes a person wonder what God was trying to teach us.  During our stay, once we arrived, as already mentioned, it was grand.  I do know God does nothing by chance.  He knows the beginning and the end of every situation we find ourselves.  It is when we are in perilous circumstances we quickly retreat for his protection and shielding.  This is when even the non-Christian will often find himself breathing a prayer in hopes of being heard by someone!   If only we would call on Him every day, even when things are wonderful!  If only we would remember to thank him, for those moments when life is all as it should be.

            I would suggest as you reflect over the last week or two, or maybe the last month or even the last year and see turmoil in your life, perhaps you will see, as I did, God's hand upon you even if you didn't realize it at the time.  He is always with us, no matter what the trial.  He longs for a relationship with each of us.  He wants to prove His way is perfect as He demonstrates His perfect love.   

"As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the LORD is flawless. He is a shield for all who take refuge in him.  2 Samuel 22:31 

Disciplining to Study

             This past week my husband and I met our newest grandson.  What a treat!  He has the advantage of having parents who love the Lord and will look to God for guidance and strength on how to raise him properly.  I have heard it said time and again that there are no instruction manuals for raising children.  I disagree, although I am certain there are many who would counter such a thought.  If one searches God's word, there is a wealth of information on the proper way to raise our little people.  

            All that being said, I am always amazed at the variety of Bible studies available.  There are studies on individuals, topics, specific books of the Bible, themes, and any number of ideas and in a huge amount of formats.  Videos are available to enhance the study experience, as are a number of commentaries.   Sometimes the information can be so overwhelming it becomes confusing as you read the thoughts from the different authors.   Recently my husband considered using a puzzle format to help him study and over the years, I have used a variety of different methods to dig into His word, depending on the topic.

            I don't believe God cares at all how you study, so long as you do.  It seems when I deliberately take the time to sit with paper, pencil, Bible and other study material in front of me first thing in the morning, my day runs much more smoothly.  It seems the time spent communing in this environment, sets my heart and mind with God.  My thoughts are less tangled and mood more in line with godly thoughts, than if I neglect to take the time to connect with my Lord and Savior. 

            The goal of study is to gain knowledge and understanding of God.  It is in this place we can find the laws and principles of God, our rights and inheritances, our boundaries, and ultimately who we are and what our duties are in the whole scheme of things, while on this earth.   Study also enables each of us to teach others who are just coming into the Kingdom, as well as, the ability to teach our growing children the ways of God, as directed in Deuteronomy 4:5-9.  It is our responsibility to know God’s instruction and claiming ignorance is not acceptable since He made it possible for each of us to have proximity to him via His word and through prayer.

            Much like the athlete who works out every day to become better fit, to run a race or climb a mountain; my goal is to find grace, grow in His strength and stamina as I learn to discipline myself to study God's word more diligently every single day.  I want to know God up close and personal.   This would be living life to the fullest!

“Look to the LORD and his strength; seek his face always.”   Psalm 105:4