Imagine there's a drawing for a great prize, one you'd really like to win. (As I'm sitting here in Michigan with snow blowing by my window in double-digit below-zero temperatures, I'm thinking Maui would fit the bill.)
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| Photo courtesy of Google and luxurytravel-destinations.com |
But I digress. (Anyone else have a hard time scrolling away from that?)
Back to the drawing. (Sorry, no trip to Maui to give away. I did say IMAGINE.)
If you're really serious about winning, how many entries would you put in?
As many as possible, right?
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| Photo courtesy of Google |
My recent posts have featured methods to help establish a routine when it comes to spending time with God. While each of these suggestions in and of themselves will aid you in reaching this goal, the odds of your success increase with each additional method you are able to implement. Here's a summary:
2. Prepare yourself by answering the proper questions.
3. Put past failures behind you and overcome obstacles.
4. Implement small changes to help you defeat distractions.
5. Create an environment that will set you up to succeed.
6. Make reminders so the invisible becomes visible.
7. Enlist others to join you so you can be influenced by positive peer pressure.
Now, I'm not suggesting that everyone should attempt everything at once. The goal here is not to get overwhelmed and quit out of frustration. What I'm saying is that these are all methods that work, and the more of them you're able to incorporate into your routine, the better your chances of sticking with it. Who knows, you may even be encouraged to find you're already doing some of these things!
Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path. ~ Psalm 119:105
Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path. ~ Psalm 119:105
Remember, Bible study, meditation and prayer are all spiritual disciplines, and they're called "disciplines" precisely because they don't come easily and, quite honestly, aren't something we'd choose to do if we're acting in our own strength. Lucky for us, as followers of Christ we don't have to do anything under our own strength - nor should we! That's why it's so important to always start any undertaking by asking the Holy Spirit for guidance.
Here's an opportunity to put what you're learning into practice. I'm embarking on a journey reading through the Bible and I'd love to have you join me! Now before you start thinking, "Oh sure, easy for her to say, she probably does this all the time," let me tell you that, while I have read through the Bible before, I've never actually completed a plan on schedule. So you see, we're all in the same boat!
This Bible reading plan is called "From Garden to City" and comes from National Community Church where Mark Batterson is the pastor. I've found I'm much more consistent reading the Bible when I'm following a plan, maybe you will be too!
This plan follows the church calendar, so if you are experienced in reading through the Bible you may find this plan to be a refreshing change. Also, the plan spans 13 months rather than the one-year plans you usually find. While it's easy to get overwhelmed thinking about committing to anything for that long, I choose to think maybe I'll be more successful with a little less to read each day. There are even sermons online that go along with each week's readings for those who'd like a little more in-depth teaching.
The reading plan starts on February 17, giving you time to wrap up loose ends before we get started. I have a Facebook group set up so we can "chat" about what we're reading, and if you live around Grand Rapids I'm hoping to have some opportunities to meet and discuss it in person as well. If you're interested in joining me, please let me know so we can support one another.
Father, we are so thankful for the gift of Your Word! Empower us by the power of Your Spirit and give us the desire and the discipline we need to set aside time to be with You. I know you will not leave us unchanged, and I praise you for that!
Father, we are so thankful for the gift of Your Word! Empower us by the power of Your Spirit and give us the desire and the discipline we need to set aside time to be with You. I know you will not leave us unchanged, and I praise you for that!
Lisa
I've been known to link up with: Inspire Me Monday, Living Proverbs 31, The Beauty in His Grip, Playdates With God, Unite, Soli Deo Gloria, Titus 2sdays, Tell Me a Story, Teach Me Tuesdays, Tutorials and Tips,Tell His Story, Winsome Wednesday, Doing You Well Wednesday, Hope in Every Season, A Little R&R Wednesdays, Inspire Me Please, Think Tank Thursdays, Thrive at Home, Thriving Thursday, The HomeAcre Hop, Friendship Friday, Make My Saturday Sweet, Spiritual Sundays, Hear it on Sunday, Use it on Monday,
Encouraging post!!! Thanks for sharing.....I've recently cArved out a chunk of time after work to get into His Word and I'm loving my new quiet time,,,,,so important before the rush of evening activities!!
It's nice to see you again from my Make My Saturday Sweet link party. I can't visit everyone, but you are one of those I am visiting. God bless!
That plan sounds like a doable one, Lisa. And as for Point #1, I say yes and Amen -- and yet, I forgot to the Holy Spirit for help so, so often.
Glad to see you at #HearITUseIt again this week - thanks for linking up!
These are some great resources! I've found quiet time can look very different and He's using all kinds of things to draw me back into time with Him.