A QUIET TIME BEFORE THE LORD

1 Sam 1:19 (KJV)
And they rose up in the morning early,
and worshipped before the LORD...


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A Quiet time, or devotion time, refers to our daily appointment with God, when we 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 to Him.

If we stop to think about it for a moment, we recognize that we live in enemy-occupied territory, so constructing an ideal spiritual surrounding is nearly impossible. Satan, our chief opponent, does not want us to spend quiet times with God. In fact, it is his goal to prevent that in any way possible. He knows that the more time we spend with God, the more like God we will become and the more we will be accomplishing God's goals on this earth. Satan does not want us to succeed.

God wants all people to be saved, but Satan wants us all to perish. Praise God because His plan is greater! Satan is no match for God, but he can trouble God's children, and he does. The next time you are finding it difficult to get away from the noise and get alone with God, remember who is standing in your way. Then remember who is greater!

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,

(Isaiah 30:21 KJV)
"This is the way; walk ye in it"

God longs to spend time with us. Consider what He was willing to do for us at the Cross, in order to reunite us with Him. Is it asking too much that we devote daily time to Him?

Jesus set the example for us concerning quiet time. He took time to connect with the Father regularly, as the following Scriptures tell us:

(Mat 26:36-38 KJV)
Then cometh Jesus with them unto a place called Gethsemane, and saith unto the disciples,
Sit ye here, while I go and pray yonder.
{37} And he took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee,
and began to be sorrowful and very heavy.
{38} Then saith he unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death:
tarry ye here, and watch with me.

(Mark 1:35 KJV)
And in the morning, rising up a great while before day,
he went out, and departed into a solitary place,
and there prayed.

(Luke 5:15-16 KJV)
But so much the more went there a fame abroad of him:
and great multitudes came together to hear, and to be healed by him of their infirmities.
{16} And he withdrew himself into the wilderness, and prayed.

(Psa 5:1-8 KJV)
To the chief Musician upon Nehiloth, A Psalm of David.
Give ear to my words, O LORD, consider my meditation.
{2} Hearken unto the voice of my cry, my King, and my God:
for unto thee will I pray.
{3} My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O LORD;
in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up.
{4} For thou art not a God that hath pleasure in wickedness:
neither shall evil dwell with thee.
{5} The foolish shall not stand in thy sight: thou hatest all workers of iniquity.
{6} Thou shalt destroy them that speak leasing{Heb=falsely}:
the LORD will abhor the bloody and deceitful man.
{7} But as for me, I will come into thy house in the multitude of thy mercy:
and in thy fear will I worship toward thy holy temple.
{8} Lead me, O LORD, in thy righteousness because of mine enemies;


(Exerpted from http://www.allaboutgod.com/quiet-time.htm )

God's blessings to each of you,
rECj/LJG

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