At times in our lives, we reach a point where we simply need a restart to get everything smoothly working again. For me that comes in time with the LORD. Sometimes that time becomes to us another thing on the long, laundry list we fill and are overwhelmed by each day. But it doesn’t have to be so hard. It is a time apart with our dearest friend, Jesus, who gets us when we are distracted or worn thin as a sheet. So we come to Him and find rest, joy and blessing.
Right now, these are my quiet time materials: Beth Moore’s A Heart Like His devotional journal (about David), My Partner Prayer Notebook by Becky Tirabassi, a three-divider notebook, and my Bible (an ESV study Bible, not pictured). This is something I try to do every morning before going downstairs. I do it because I need it–not to check off a list, not to say that I did it, not really even to share it with others. I spend this time because I NEED it.
Also, I have some devotionals that I change out every year. My current ones are Jesus Calling by Sarah Young, Streams in the Desert by Mrs. Charles E. Cowman and Tozer on the Almighty God (A VERY GOOD ONE!!), a great compilation of A.W. Tozer’s writings. I stagger reading various non-fiction books, too, that challenge my walk with the Lord. The ones that have blessed me lately are E.M. Bounds on Prayer, Angie Smith’s What Women Fear and Brennan Manning’s Memoir All is Grace.
Finally, I read fiction–I love to read fiction and often am spurred on in the faith from various writers. I am re-reading Tolkein’s The Hobbit right now and then this summer, I’ll be diving into his Lord of the Rings series, which I have never read. Many of these materials have so marked my life that I am truly different because of taking their words to heart.
I have heard different Bible teachers and pastors say that any trouble you are facing at any given moment, the Bible has something to say about it. It’s timeless and has an answer for these troubles. That is true. But you have to read it to find out!
A Bible concordance is a great place to find answers to various topics. Read beyond one scripture–read the whole chapter and book. If you are wanting to grow in the area of studying the Bible, Beth Moore wrote a blog post here that will show you tools to begin and get deeper into study of the Word.
I cannot count the times when I have been reading along in the Bible and found that a theme would begin in my mind about something I’m dealing with–be it people, situations or even myself. I know this is because of the Holy Spirit. When I asked Christ in my life to save me and forgive me, He entrusted me with His Spirit. So anytime I am reading the Bible or discussing something with a friend, I will hear a MESSAGE from Him. It may be like this, “stop this conversation now, you are walking down the wrong road.” Or I may read and hear, “go and call this person now, ask about their family.” Now I know I didn’t just come up with these things. They happen! And because I heed His voice in these matters, I find that the messages get louder and clearer each time.
When I have a quiet time, at times I face an inner struggle. My mind will focus on the to-do list that day or I can’t seem to “take-in” what I’m reading. I struggle with sitting still and being quiet. Wanting to make it fresh myself, I buy brightly colored materials–I love a blank page! I try to trick myself into thinking that it will make a difference. But it won’t. It doesn’t. That is when I hear His message to me again, “Just Me, Holly. Just take time in my Word. Keep it simple. You are trying to do too much at once and for the wrong reason.”
At times, we all need to re-boot our systems. Get rid of the junk that has accumulated, and start again with the basic programs to run more smoothly. The Lord comes in an enlarges our memory, as we spend time with Him. He gets rid of those nasty viruses of self: pride, self-importance, greed, jealousy, gossip, and simply getting our priorities mixed up. I need that! Sometimes, I hear His gentle reminder to me and sometimes He gets in my face about what attitudes I’m choosing. And I say, Yes, Lord. You’re right, Lord. AGAIN Lord, I come to you with hands upturned and mouth ready to be filled with good things in your Presence.
Exodus 33:14
The LORD replied, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”Psalm 16:11
You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.Psalm 89:15
Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you, who walk in the light of your presence, O LORD.
REST-JOY-BLESSING: we all need these every day! Get in His Word and keep it simple. You will be so glad you did!
By Holly Smith
____________________________________________________________________
The M.O.M. Initiative is a ministry devoted to taking Titus 2 to the streets and making mentoring intentionally missional…and as a way of help to support this ministry, The M.O.M. Initiative is offering an affiliate link that provides you with a great group of resources at a very low cost. SEE THE LIST BELOW to check out what you get for only $29.97! (A $640 Value)
*A portion of all proceeds earned from any sales will go to helping sex trafficking victims through Courage Worldwide and to helping young moms through local women’s shelters.
CLICK the BUY NOW button below to purchase this amazing group of resources!
What’s Included in the Sale?
When you purchase The Ultimate Homemaking eBook collection, you will get instant access to any of the 97 eBooks and eCourses listed below.
PLUS OVER $140 OF FREE BONUSES
Each of The Ultimate Homemaking eBook collection comes with more than $140 of FREE Bonuses from 10 companies that we know you’ll love. More on these bonuses below.
Please note: This collection is only available from 9 a.m. EST on April 29th to 11:59 p.m. EST on May 4th. There will be no late sales offered.
- Ch…ch…ch…CHANGES Are Coming in 2017 for TMI - December 27, 2016
- What New Thing Are You Ready to See God Do in Your Life in 2017? - December 26, 2016
- Heaviness and Newness - December 23, 2016
