Old Writers' Trick

Sometimes using Bible studies for my quiet times frustrates more than helps. I don't understand the author's question, let alone know how to answer it. And I wonder, if the point she is trying to make is important, why I can't get it. How does feeling dumb help me connect to, or feel closer to God? It doesn't.

Other times, I choose a book of the Bible to read from beginning to end. In doing so, I encounter nations far from my familiarity or people whose names I can't pronounce. And then, some Bible characters have 2 names. One day they are Jacob, another day Israel. One day Saul and the next day Paul. And isn't Saul the king that was trying to kill David? And isn't Paul my brother?

It feels like I'm trying to untangle a skein of yarn that's been through the spin cylce. HELP!

The last couple mornings, I've been in one of those places. This morning, I rejoiced to read questions that seemed to require straight-forward answers, and others that seemed to actually apply to my life.

So . . .

I determined to try an old writers' trick. I saved them.

Writers often sit down at their computer only to be overwhelmed with a blank screen. Where do I start? What was it I wanted to say? It's so easy to give up and walk away. But books and articles don't get written that way.

What some do is to stop mid-sentence the day before, or mid-paragraph, or in the middle of intense action. When they sit down the next day, they only need to continue.

This morning, I stopped at a question that I'll enjoy thinking about tomorrow. When I sit down, I won't face the "dumber than a bucket of rocks" feeling.

How do you get past boring? Difficult? Tired?
Share with the rest of us.

Looking forward to hearing from you,
Lonnie

Time With God: Does It Change Your Day?

"Nowhere in the Bible do I get the idea that living life with Jesus is about a segment of my day.
"However, I have found that segment of my day [tent of meeting/focused time with God] to be critical. It fixes my focus on God and sets me up to spend the rest of my day with him."
Vince Antonucci*

Do you have time with God that fixes your focus for the day?

I wish I could say that I leave my quiet time with a Scripture verse to guide my actions and attitudes through the day. But, by the time I eat breakfast, get dressed, fix my lunch, and leave for work, most of what I've read or learned from my Bible Study is barely retrievable. And yet -- I feel different. I am a different person.

The crisis of oversleeping, for me, wouldn't be arriving late for work. It would be missing my fellowship with God.

When we go out of town, my #1 consideration is where and when I can have some morning time alone with God and His Word. Time in His Word satisfies, gives hope, and enables me to better cope with the demands and the people in my day. My quiet time helps me feel "connected" to the One who holds the galaxies in one hand and a newborn in His other hand.

Does having a Quiet Time (or not) make a difference in your day?
Enjoying God,
Lonnie

*I Became A Christian And All I Got Was This Lousy T-Shirt"
by Vince Antonucci

What's Working? What Isn't?

I expected a challenge, but . . . this week, I've just plain struggled! I get irritated with myself when I don't understand the deep principles that Beth Moore is trying to teach about the Tabernacle. I feel dumb . . . not a feeling I'm prone to enjoy.

But, I turned my quiet time around with this determination:

It doesn't matter if "I get" what Beth Moore is trying to say. It matters that "I get" what God is trying to say." God's Word . . . accomplishes what He desires. (Isaiah 55:11)

This morning, Christian radio became my invitation into God's presence. I often listen to music while I do my Bible study. However, it's usually distracting and I have to turn it off. This morning, I listened and worshiped along a few minutes "before" I began reading. What a difference!

What's working, and what isn't, in your quiet times? Let's encourage one another.

Ever Growing,
Lonnie

Any Suggestions?

My morning Bible study required that I read two chapters over again. Ugh!

I love God's Word. Why is that an issue? Because . . . it slows my pace. I'm goal oriented--all about completing. And I love learning. When I finish this study, I can start another one. And "that's" what a quiet time is about?

Though I'd kicked myself for buying another book, I became convinced that God had put this one by Andrew Murray in my path. Murray's words echoed the ones I'd been hearing in my heart.

"Christian, there is a terrible danger to which you stand exposed in your inner chamber of prayer. You are in danger of sustituting prayer and Bible study for living fellowship with God."

It's so hard for me to "settle in." I enjoy God's Word. He wants me to enjoy Him.

Any suggestions?

Ever Growing,
Lonnie

* Daily Experience With God
Andrew Murray (p.13)

What Do You Call Your Time With God?

One morning, a co-worker spotted me at the coffee shop. With books, journal, and Bible sprawled over the table, she asked, "Whatcha up to?" When I told her I was having a Quiet Time, she smiled. It had been a long time since she'd heard that term.

What do you call your time with God?

I think many, today, call their Bible reading time "devotions." Andrew Murray, in Daily Experience With God, shares other possibilities:

Quiet Hour
Still Hour
Quiet Time
Morning Watch

I love the last one. "Watch," to me, speaks of anticipation.

Do you come to your Quiet Time with anticipation?

I have to say, I struggle every single morning to rise before the rest of the family to have a "quiet" time. But once the coffee's hot and the Bible is open, I come with expectancy. What will God reveal of Himself? How will He speak to me of current circumstances?

I'm so looking forward to hearing from you. Share your struggles. Share your questions. Share your successes. Let's help each other.

Ever Growing,
Lonnie