DISCIPLINED for a change

DISCIPLINED for a change

Having heard from a number of you, that while you desire to spend time with God, you are just unsure of what to do—and from a few others of you who just have an ‘on again, off again’ quiet time, always stretched for time, today’s briefing is my response to both. If we were in a battle, (and actually we are), when breakthrough is near, there is often a request for reinforcement. To grow spiritually, you will need reinforcement, dear ones. So, first we must understand that to purpose to spend time with God each day will require discipline. And it requires commitment.

DISCIPLINED for a change . . .
Hmmm . . . is that

>‘let’s be disciplined, because that would be different’?

>‘disciplined in order to render change’? Or,

>‘discipline is useful for an outcome of change’? Yes, yes, and yes!

I love the concept of discipline, because employing it means we can know freedom. “Discipline yourselves to be godly,” the apostle Paul wrote to Timothy.1 “No one ever reached any eminence, and no one having reached it ever maintained it, without discipline.”2 Ah yes, discipline is good.

Be intentional by choosing the time of day you will set apart for God. That said, I highly recommend mornings; to which I hear you saying, ‘but I am not a morning person.’ That’s okay—you will be, once your life is changed by the minutes you give to God each day. The psalmist said, “In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning, I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation.”3 Then, consider, “Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went to a solitary place, where he prayed.”4 ‘Some Christians I know try to have their meaningful personal times with God just before bed, but I have yet to find a respected spiritual leader throughout history who had devotions at night. Unless you get up early, you’re unlikely to break through to a deeper relationship with God.’5 Now, that’s a very strong position, clearly, but I can believe it is true. I like to meet with God first thing in the morning, because then the activities of the day do not crowd him out.

Choose a place. Jesus often withdrew to lonely places to pray—in gardens or near the water. When he taught the disciples to pray, he even said, ‘go into your room, close the door, and pray to your Father.’6 At my familiar place where I meet the Lord, I have a few things—Bible, notebook, pen and post-it notes. When I have those things assembled, nothing deters me at 6 a.m. You see, I am easily distracted, so if I were trying to find things in the morning, my time would be gone. I have come to truly value this time with God, and frankly, I am not the same woman when I do not make the time to meet with him.

You’ve decided . . . you’re committed . . . you’re up . . . you’re in your spot . . . now what? Time for Scripture!—nourishment for your soul. Many folks print out their ‘Morning Briefings’ and read those, paying particular attention to God’s Word. Then too, personal study is irreplaceable. Taking a few number of verses, consider:

1) What does this passage mean?
2) How does it apply to my life?
3) Is there any action I should take?
Now clearly, there are far more sophisticated study methods, but for a morning time of quiet with God, these are great focusing questions.

You’ve decided, committed, you’ve taken in food for your soul, now bow your heart to God. Talk to him; listen to him. Both might take a little practice, so we’ll talk about that tomorrow! Isn’t this exciting? Oh, truly it is.

Check out this song: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NnkJ9y8tlfU

“None but Jesus” by Christy Nockels

In the quiet, in the stillness

I know that You are God

In the secret of Your presence

I know there I am restored

When You call, I won’t refuse

Each new day again I’ll choose. . .

Did you listen? In the chaos, in confusion

I know You’re Sovereign still

In the moment of my weakness

You give me grace to do Your will

‘Words of reinforcement, to be sure, and beautiful vocals, too~

Until tomorrow. . .

Christine

Podcast: www.pastorwoman.com


1. 1 Timothy 4.7

2. William Barclay

3. Psalm 5.3 4. Mark 1.3

5. Bruce Wilkinson, Secrets of the Vine 6. Matthew 6.6