I attempted to have consistent quiet times many different times. One time I got as far as Numbers (the fourth book in the Old Testament) before I started to give up. When reading in the morning got too hard, I tried having my quiet times at night. I also tried reading one chapter of a Christian book and then a few chapters of the Bible. Even with my many strategies, I still had pretty inconsistent times with the Lord and I couldn't figure out why.
On the other hand, I would never miss this Monday night show on TV every week. On the dot, I would turn my TV on just to hear the last commercial fade and the intro music for my awaited program to come on the air.
Why it was so hard for me to keep a consistent time with God but so easy for me to be on time for a TV show? I later realized that the answer was not in a new "technique" or a well-planned schedule. The "secret" to having consistent daily quiet times with God is to have a sincere desire for God's Word. It wasn't hard for me to be in front of the TV every Monday night because I wanted to be there. In the same way, it will not be hard for me to have my quiet times every day if it was something I really wanted to do deep down.
The problem is you can't fake desire or wants. This is a change that needs to happen in our hearts, not on our calendars--and only God can change hearts.
Through the help of other people, I slowly learned to ask God for a desire to study His Word first before jumping into any quiet time plan. Before long, I had read through the Bible, compiled about three journals, and had finished a few Christian books in between.
My earlier attempts had been done out of self-sufficiency (what I can do) which is why they all were short-lived and lasted only a few months at the most. However, when God changed my heart towards His Word, it became easier to have a quiet time every day!
Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails. - Proverbs 19:21 (NIV)
Have you been trying out that "scripture reading plan" and could never get to finish? Before trying a new "technique" or a new reading plan, ask God for help! He wants you to be able to meet with Him!
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6 comments:
halu rhea!
It's a wonder how we could be thinking along the same line... I also quoted Proverbs 19:21 in my blog entry for today, on the account that i had to surrender, quit, give up, my "bid" for mountaineering membership. Somehow it went on the way of my worship "habit."
I remember one time, a guy asked me out on a date and I told him Sunday is always taken because I have a constant date on Sundays. He thought I was joking. But when I gave that answer, I only had one Man in mind: JC. I love referring to Jesus Christ as JC, my partner who gets jealous when I don't get to spend enough time with Him. Boy, did I get a hard beating from the Father when I missed out around a month or so of my dates with JC because I was just so tired from mountaineering training!
Incidentally, I also have a blog at blogspot. It's http://core-relate.blogspot.com/ You might want to link it up if you think it could help...
I'm about to go "full time" every morning for TLW this September. Actually, I would love to go full time everyday. Please pray for mama, joy, mymy and myself as we continue to follow His will in our lives. The picture is still a little blurry but for me somehow I know it begins with TLW...
God bless you always and warmest regards to everyone!
Hi Ate Anne!
Thanks for coming by! It's so amazing how God works among His children.
I appreciate your story about the mountaineering membership. Isn't God merciful to pull us back into His fold even when we go astray? His mercy does pursue us (Ps 23)!
So glad to hear the good news about TLW. I think your team is really doing a great job--the website rocks!
Please let everybody know that I miss them.
Rhea, you pinned the issue down on target! We, indeed should WANT to read God's Word, otherwise all our techniques and schedules fail. I'm intrigued by the Ancore's desire to go "full-time" for TLW. What does it mean? - Ate Joy
Hi Ate Joy!
Thanks again for your constant encouragement. :o)
Rhea
Hey Maritza!
Thanks for coming by!
Rhea
Oh, it's Anne Paredes that Derek was telling me about! Welcome, Anne! I know some believers hooked on mountaineering that readily give up Sunday for that irresistible climb. Your example is truly inspiring. Wow, full-time on TLW is awesome! So many things happening on that end. I'm pretty sure the website has the stories.
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