Each Saturday for the next four weeks, we will look in-depth at a few of the most important aspects of having a dedicated, purposeful quiet time. Last week I had the privilege of sharing with you a few thoughts from some friends about their own quiet time. Gathering from their experiences, there seem to be a few basics which include:
Bible reading
Prayer
Praise Songs
Meditation
Seeking the Lord
This week in our current series, Seeking Him, we are focusing on one of the most important building blocks of a devotional time—spending time reading the Bible. If we are to come to know God, we must begin to seek Him where He has made Himself known…and that is in His written Word, the Bible.
I would venture to say that almost every single one of us owns a Bible (at least one). Did you know that the Bible continues to be the best-selling book in the world?* One reason the Bible is so popular is that it is God’s Rule Book. He reveals Himself within the pages of the Bible. In the words of His written Word, we find that:
The law of the Lord is perfect, restoring the soul;
The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple.
The precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart;
The commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes.
The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever;
The judgments of the Lord are true; they are righteous altogether.
They are more desirable than gold, yes, than much fine gold;
Sweeter also than honey and the drippings of the honeycomb.
Moreover, by them Your servant is warned;
In keeping them there is great reward.
Psalm 19:7-11
So, we learn that the Bible—which contains the Lord’s law, testimony, precepts, commandments and judgments—is to be desired! It can be, as the Psalmist wrote, more desirable than gold and sweeter than honey! And, in keeping (obeying) the words of the Bible (the Lord’s law, testimony, precepts, commandments and judgments) there is great reward! Such encouragement then to spend time reading the Bible, wouldn’t you agree?
One of my oh-so-very favorite Scripture passages is Psalm 119. (And, yes, it directly correlates to the psalm we just read—Psalm 19! You noticed that, hmmm? Watch, you’ll see!) Psalm 119 is the longest chapter of any of the 66 books of the Bible; it totals 176 verses. Each of these 176 verses communicates a truth about the Lord’s law, testimony, precepts, commandments and judgments along with His ways, statues, and ordinances. I find it so amazing (our Lord IS so amazing!) that every single verse tells us something new and different! Reading and considering and meditating upon the dynamic truths contained in this ONE chapter could be a continuing study for your quiet time. Perhaps these three verses would be a good place to start:
With all my heart I have sought You;
Do not let me wander from Your commandments.
Your word I have treasured in my heart,
That I may not sin against You.
Blessed are You, O Lord;Teach me Your statutes.
Psalm 119:10-12
Our desire, our intention, our focus, our goal, our purpose, our heart is to seek God! He is what we yearn for…being with Him! And these three verses express that desire so simply.
Here is a link to a cd that I think you will find a useful tool for your devotional time. It is called Psalm 119 in Song by Susie Kimbrough, a compilation of the 22 songs from Psalm 119 all of which are original musical compositions. Listen to each of the selections and meditate on the Scriptures being sung. http://www.shepardmusic.com/ps119cd.php
Keep Seeking Him and enjoy your quiet time with your Lord! As you do, He will keep you from wandering, help you not to sin, and will teach you His statutes.
Praying for each of you! I know that the Lord will answer your heart’s cry as you are Seeking Him with all your heart!
<3 coleen
*The Bible is the best-selling book in the world:
http://www.booksellerworld.com/bestselling-booksever.htm
http://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/1/best-selling-book-of-non-fiction
If you are interested in more information about GCH:decaf, email us at: GCH_Decaf@girlfriendscoffeehour.com.
If you would like to send a personal message to Coleen concerning this series, you may email her at: Coleen@girlfriendscoffeehour.com
