After reading Mark 1, it seems that Jesus had no time alone for anything. There were always people around him. I believe that the only time He could be alone with His Father was early in the morning. He was alone, there was quiet, no commotion. But of course the time didn't last long. The disciples came looking for Him. But since He had spent time with the Father, He was refreshed, rejuvenated. That is what He wants for us. He doesn't want us to feel weary, for our spirit to be tired. Being with Him renews our spirit. It is a breath of fresh air. I do believe that we are to have uninterrupted time with our Saviour, but that doesn't have to be early in the morning. The morning is great though because you can get up a few minutes before the children and start your day with the Saviour of the world! Sometimes I spend an hour...has the Lord ever woke someone up because He was initiating time with them? He has with me...more times than I know I am sure (because I have ignored Him). We need to pray, be still and quiet and listen for His voice. Sometimes I am not still and quiet or I try to ignore His voice because I am so tired, but you know what? I may be trying my hardest to go back to sleep but He won't let me...has that ever happened to anyone? That is how I want to be again. Sometimes I just spend 15min early in the morning right before the kids get up. We have quiet time and I want to make that my priority time with the Lord. I have a longing to spend time with my Saviour, so I have to do my part.
Making it Personal section:
1. Nancy DeMoss lists 4 conditions that may describe your devotional life. Mine are a combination of 2:
-My devotional life is inconsistent and sporadic. I also sometimes feel that my devotions
are a matter of duty and not delight.
2. The 4 words that describe my spirit when my schedule is full or when I am in the midst of pressured circumstances are:
-Anxious, demanding, impatient, doubtful
3. What did Jesus do when He was pressured?
-He went on. He didn't get cranky, he was calm. He didn't act impatient or anxious. Jesus' #1 priority was "to abide in intimate, unbroken fellowship with His Father". (pg 29, A Place of Quiet Rest)
4. My prayer:
-Dear Precious, Heavenly Father,
I thank you for Your mercy & grace! Make me, mold me. You are the Potter, I am the clay. During stressful times have me be more like Jesus. Lord deepen my desire to
fellowship with You. I love You & I want to know You more.
In the Precious & Holy name of Jesus, Amen
"The primary obstacle I face is myself-my laziness, preoccupations, worries, lack of concentration. I must deal with these in the strength of the Lord. But I am responsible to do what I am meant to do. He will help me, but He will not physically move me to the quiet place or to my knees."
~Elisabeth Elliot (pg 32, A Place of Quiet Rest)
"The Lord will help me; therefore shall I not be confounded: therefore have I set my face like a flint, and I know I shall not be ashamed."
~Isaiah 50:7 (KJV)
2 comments:
nHi April,
You made a good point that Jesus seemed to never have alone time but He still made time to communicate with his Father through prayer. I think that is key! It's not so much morning prayer with the Lord it's more about just making the time. If Jesus could do it with his very busy schedule we can too!
I'm more relaxed and enjoy praying and studying the Bible when everyone is in bed. But I do think I'm
going to start 15 min devotionals in the morning. It puts my heart in the right place....allowing me to live for the Lord each day.....letting him be in control.
Are you taking 2 days to finish 1 chapter? I think that's what I will do. I may not blog about my study both days but will for sure share my "Making It Personal" section......starting with chapter 2.
I may take 2 days with all of them. I seem to get to a point where I just want to get through it, ya know. So I am slowing myself down. It is helping me a lot. :-)
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