Quiet Time is a daily time of private fellowship with God and the individual Christian. In any relationship we grow closer by sharing with one another, the same is true with God. During quiet time we hear from God and talk to him. ( Other terms used – Daily devotion, Meditation, personal devotion etc )
The end objective of a Christian life is to be more like Jesus. To achieve the above we need to know all about Jesus for which we need to spend time with him. The more we spend time with someone the more we get to know the person. One such way to spend time with Jesus regularly is through our daily QT where we hear the voice of God in our lives. Even Jesus spent time with God daily.(luke 5:16,mark 1:35,luke 4:42) Every man who ever became somebody for God has this at the core of his priorities – time alone with God.
To know God ( Phil 3:10,Psl 46 ) To have fellowship with God. ( Psl116:1,2 ; Jere 33:3) To grow in grace and the knowledge of God. ( II Pet 3:18 ) To grow up in salvation. ( I Pet 2:2 ) To get spiritual guidance. (Psl 119:105 ) To lead a Holy life.(Psl 119: 9.11; 1:2 ; II Tim 3:16) To overcome trials and temptations. ( Mat 4 :1- 11)
To preserve ourselves (Ps 119:9) To be sound in doctrine (Acts 17:11) To see ourselves (Jam 1:23,24 ; Heb 4: 12; Pro20:27) To have daily cleansing (Ps 119 :9; Jh 17:17 ;15:3 ; Jere23 :29) To get spiritual strength (Ps 119:28) To lead a victorious life (Josh 1:8; Ps 1)
Have right attitude. Expectancy: Come before him with anticipation,expecting to have a good time of fellowship. (Ps 63:1) Reverence: Be still before him. (hab2:20) Alertness: Be thoroughly rested and alert. Willingness : to obey.(john 7:17)
Follow a simple plan Select a specific time. The length of time depends on you and God. What is the minimum time you would require to intimately related to and hear from god? How much time does God want with you today/everyday? Choose time according to your schedule. But It should be your very best time. Don’t give the Lord your leftovers. Choose a specific place. Place ought to be secluded. Quiet and where you will not be disturbed or interrupted.
Develop a Pattern Request: Pray briefly seeking God’s guidance (Jhn 14 to understand the passage you read and ask God to show our sins (Psl 139 :23 ) Read: Read, read and re-read … Read the bible for quality not quantity. Record: Record in ASPECT? format.
A - Attributes of God: God’s character. S - Sins to avoid: Learned from warnings, teachings and from negative characters. P - Promises to claim: Remember to note the condition for the fulfillment of promises. E - Examples to follow: Positive lessons from good characters. Negative examples to be cautious C -Commands to obey T -a) Things newly learned b)Theme of the passage. A caption that sums up the gist of the passage.
What does God expect from me? Reflect and remember: Meditate and apply what you heard from God and recorded in regard to your personal life. Instead of being unrealistic, make specific and strong resolutions. Request: Rely on God to follow the decisions you have taken. Our prayer should contain ACTS!!!! A- adoration( I Chn29 ),C-confession( Psl 66),T- Thanks giving (I Thes 5) & S-Supplication (I Jn 5).
Recheck: Recollect what God spoke to you before you go to bed or when you are free and evaluate yourself. (Psl 1) Begin to share out your quiet time. God did not make us to be reservoirs; He made us to be conduits. Tell others what is God is showing you.
Laziness. busyness. external disturbance. wandering of mind. un confessed sins.
Receiving God’s strength for the day Nourishment for soul Knowing God’s will. Being saved from taking wrong decisions. Equipped to help others.
Inability to resist temptation and sinful desire. Left robbed of our joy in the Lord and our usefulness in His service. You’ll stop growing in Lord
May the Lord help us to have a meaningful quiet time all through our lives. So that we continue to hear the voice of God in our lives and become more like him.