Wednesday, July 8, 2015

AWAKENING YOUR QUIET TIME

Zach Vertz



We have a long journey ahead of us guys. This summer is going to be awesome, but in order to grow in your faith this summer it starts first with your quiet time. If you want to get your church bod, (church ready, not beach ready) this summer you can’t stay in the same place of having a mediocre quiet time with the Lord. Leave the place of laziness in your quiet time and lean into everything God would have of you this summer. You can’t stay in the same place if you want to grow. You need to let go of old habits and start new ones.

Have you ever been overwhelmed by all the do’s and don’ts of quiet time? What does a quiet time even mean? Well these were some questions I have had as well. When I got saved I didn’t know what a quiet time was therefore I didn’t have one and because I didn’t have one I drifted away from the Lord and got caught up in worldly things. At the age of 17, I recommitted my life to Jesus and got serious about my faith. At that time, I made my quiet time essential to my everyday routine but I still didn’t know quite what to do. It overwhelmed me. But one day I asked Pastor Hadley what a quiet time looked like and he simply said, to spend time with God, to get in the Word, meditate on it and pray. Here are some practical ways to do just that:

Personal quiet time:
-Start writing in a journal/develop a prayer list
-Write a letter to God- His letter to you might be a starting place- John 14:1-7
-Work on memorizing a new verse of scripture each month
-Write down every sin that haunts you- then write 1 John 1:9 over each
-Read a different translation of the Bible
-Make a list of needs in your life- Locate scriptures dealing with those needs
-Rehearse the notes from a sermon that blessed and challenged you
-Read your favorite Hymn/Praise song
-Spend time fasting (from food or anything that distracts you)
-Talk with the Lord while you're walking/driving

Church wise:
-Go to Awakening Wednesday mornings
-Get plugged into the JV, V, or "Ladies Only" Small Groups
-Attend Sunday morning service at 11:30 AM

READ Jeremiah 2:32

Guys, just as a bride wouldn’t forget her ornaments and jewelry, we need to not forget about the most important Person in our lives, Jesus, and spending time with Him. Just as I emphasized in the sermon, Let It Burn a few weeks back, it’s impossible to have a thriving relationship with someone who you don’t spend time with. Don’t forget what’s most important this summer, JESUS. Let him change you and work in you. God is calling you to a renewed time alone with him. Will you listen?

No comments:

Post a Comment