Obligation or Privilege?

Quiet time. Devotions. Time with God. All these phrases describe what some would call part of their routine.  Yet, routine is just what it becomes. Or even the magic bullet to a great day. Quiet time=item checked off on the to-do list.


I Samuel 4 is a story of the Israelites going against the Philistines in war. They choose to take the Ark of the Covenant to help them win, using it as a good luck charm instead of realizing it represents the Presence of Almighty God. End of story? They lose the battle and in the end, the Philistines capture the Ark. 


As I read through this story, I realized that my Bible and time with the Lord becomes somewhat like this. Do I realize as I go to His Word that this precious book contains His Word? That He is speaking to Me? That the Magnificent Creator is speaking to me?


It is not just the next thing to do. It is not just a simple equation of do this, than this will happen. It is a precious opportunity to hear from my Father and enjoy His presence and learn to live out His will.


So, the next time you sit down to have time with the Lord, be quiet before Him. Bask in His presence. He is with you. He is real.

What do you live for?

What do your days consist of?

Where do your thoughts turn most?

What do you tend to worry about?

What do you live for?

There can be many answers to these questions, but I propose to you this:
Christ wants us to live to know Him more!

This may sound easy, but I am very aware in my own life the constant distractions that take my focus off of this mandate. The life God has given me to enjoy can be the very thing that hinders me from getting to know God in a greater way.

When I met my husband, 17 years ago this May, he took over every thought, intention, motive, and direction of my life. I found out that I could love someone greater than I had ever loved anyone else. Every day, the minute my eyes opened, I thought of nothing else. I had those silly little feelings in the pit of my stomach every time I saw him. I would have done ANYTHING for him.

I, also, wanted to learn about him. I wanted to know everything I could about his life before we met, as well as his likes, dislikes, accomplishments and failures. We needed to talk. We needed to spend time together. We needed to just be together.

This is what my Jesus wants from each one of us.

He wants to invade our thinking. He wants us to do anything for Him. He wants to be the first and last thing we think about each day. He wants us to spend time with him; praying, crying, listening, and reading the Words He has given us to live by.

How well do you know my Savior?

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