Be Still….Quiet Time

The Bible cuts across the surface of our words and actions and penetrates to the heart of the matter. God’s Word reveals all that is in our heart, good and bad. The Bible gives us insight into our own life. It shows what is broken, what needs to change, and what must go.

That is the secret of spiritual growth: to abide. To abide means to stay in a given place. For believers, it means to maintain unbroken fellowship with God. It is regularity. It is consistency. And it results in producing lasting fruit. " Whoever says he abides in Him ought to walk and conduct himself in the same way in which He walked and conducted Himself.” 1 John 2: 6. (AMP)

Psalm 12:6; Proverbs 30:5 God’s Word is Psalm 18:30 God’s Word is Psalm 119:160 God’s Word is Luke 21:33; 1 Peter 1:24–25 God’s Word is

Joshua 1:8 Psalm 119:11 Psalm 119:105, 130 Proverbs 2:9–11 2 Timothy 3:16–1

Proverbs 8:17 Luke 11:9–10 John 10:27–29 John 14:23, 2

Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth.” John 17:17 Jesus prayed this for us, “Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth.” John 17:17

1. Pray for eyes to see. Read Psalm 119:18 and write it down here Here are some questions to ask as you read during your quiet time: Who are the people in this passage? Who is speaking? What is happening? What is the main topic?

Take time to consider what the passage you read during your quiet time teaches you about God, about life, and about yourself. Here are some questions to ask as you reflect: Is there a command to obey? Is there a promise to hold onto? Is there a condition to that promise? Is there a warning to heed? Is there an example to follow or avoid?

It’s important to consider how the passage you have read might apply to your daily living. Here are some questions to ask yourself: Is there any sin mentioned that I need to confess? Does this point out any error in my actions or attitudes? What changes must I make? What can I do to follow the instructions or godly example given? How will I put this into practice in my life?

Shut out as much outside interference as possible. During our quiet time, we may sing praise songs, pray, read Scripture or daily devotions, meditate on God's Word, or simply be still and listen. Making that appointment is one thing; keeping it is something else entirely!

Quiet time is a goal that sounds simple, but which meets with greater challenges than many physical endurance contests. We live in a world of noise. Everywhere we go, even in our own homes, there is some kind of noise to distract us, from telephones (turn it off)to TV to traffic. But making time for daily devotion is critical to hearing God!

Quiet time involves an inner state of being, as well as an outward condition. Have you ever noticed that when you sit down to read your Bible or pray, your mind begins to wander? Inner "noise" can be just as troublesome as outer noise when it comes to having quiet time with God. Our own human weaknesses combine with the enemy's efforts to keep us from God. Defeating the inner noise can be done, but it requires commitment and discipline.

Quiet time can be so difficult to prioritize. It's tempting to make excuses or just not bother. Preparing our hearts to hear from God requires a focused effort. Noise, whether outside or inside, distracts us. If we fail to understand the importance of having a regular, committed quiet time with God, we are not likely to hear His voice…the one that whispers, "This is the way; walk in it" (Isaiah 30:21).

*Make a daily appointment with God. *If noise is all around you, look for a place in your home, neighborhood, or community that can easily be your place to talk with the Lord. If you can't find a quiet place, try making one of your own *If a wandering mind is your hang-up, pray for discipline and then keep lists handy. Have a list of the people and things you want to pray about. Have a daily Bible reading plan printed out and easy to find. Keep a note pad nearby for those shopping list items and errands that pop to mind. Jot them down and go on with the meeting. Our God is a God of order. Give Him your wandering mind and your desire for discipline. He will help you find ways to make it work.

If you miss lunch, do you quit eating altogether? Of course not! If you miss your Quiet Time one day, start again the next day. If you have trouble getting up on time, analyze the problem. Are you going to bed early enough? Should you change some things about your daily schedule? If you don't feel like getting out of bed, put one foot on the floor and go from there. Ask yourself, "If I stay in bed and miss my Quiet Time, how will I feel about it this afternoon? Tonight? Tomorrow?" Realize that some Quiet Times will be more meaningful than others. Don't expect every Quiet Time to be a spiritual high. If possible, have one or two prayer partners to encourage you. Be honest with one another. Confess to one another when you miss a day. Support one another in prayer and discuss ways you can each be more consistent in having a Quiet Time.

The parable of the food Samaritan Luke 10:30–37 Read Reflect Respond

The cure for worry Matthew 6 : 25–34 What is Love? 1 Corinthians 13 : 4–7 The armor of God Ephesians 6 : 10–17 How to be blessed Psalm 1 : 1–6 Fruit of the Spirit Galatians 5 : 16 – 25 Being still Psalm 46 : 10 Who is Jesus? John 1 :

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