TIME WITH GOD: If COVID-19 taught us anything, it was that we could accomplish many of life’s endeavors remotely. Through the use of technology, we can be together, virtually, while staying safe and well. In this time of social distancing, we want to empower you to build and strengthen your faith and encourage those around you, too, by spending time with God each day. Think of someone you know that might appreciate some encouragement from the bible. It’s never been easier to set up a FaceTime or Zoom video chat and study together. Check out the resources below to help you stay on track with reading God’s holy word at your own pace.
Time Spent Daily with God: The call on the life of a Jesus-follower is not about doing things for God, it is to be with God. Most times, the things that God desires to do through your life, will pour out of the overflow of time spent with Him.
TIPS
- Set a Time: We schedule everything that is important in our lives. Likewise, your daily time in fellowship with God should be no different. Consider it an unbreakable appointment. Let your time alone with God be the centerpiece of your day. Matthew 6:6 – But you, when you pray, go into your inner room, close your door and pray to your Father who is in secret, and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you.
- Select a Place: Find a place where you can be undistracted. You may want to keep your Bible, journal or pen in that place for moments when you make a discovery with God. Be led by the Spirit. Sometimes you “hear” from God through an inner understanding that comes to you when you least expect it. It’s okay to have no checklist or agenda other than to soak in His presence. Luke 5:16 – But Jesus Himself would often slip away to the wilderness and pray.
- Prioritize Time with God: Give God the first fruits of your day. Mark 1:35 – In the early morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house, and went away to a secluded place, and was praying there.
- Prepare your heart: Sometimes a daily devotion, a prayer, or a worship song can help to prepare your heart to hear from God. Some people like to invite the Lord to meet with them by saying something like, “Lord, I am here. If You would like to speak to me, I would love to hear from you.” Make Him the focus of this meeting time. Isaiah 6:1– I saw the Lord sitting on a throne, lofty and exalted, with the train of His robe filling the temple.
- Aim for quality, not quantity: Don’t feel like you have to read five chapters per your daily meeting with God. Be sensitive, and willing to stop at the first word, phrase, or thought that captures your attention. Let the Father speak to you about it. However, sometimes, God may take you through a few chapters in one day. The key is allowing Him to lead you. Psalm 78:1 – Listen, O my people, to my instruction; Incline your ears to the words of my mouth.
- Posture and Position: Use any worship posture you want and feel comfortable with: kneel, lift your hands, lay prostrate before Him. You may even chose to talk with God on your morning walk. Psalm 143:6 – I stretch out my hands to You; My soul longs for You, as a parched land.