Time togetherIt's called a "date" -- when two lovers spend time together strolling in the mall, eating out in a restaurant or watching a movie. It's fun, really. In fact, I always look forward to Monday night when I date my wife, Joy. It's a perfect time for a couple, whether married or still dating, to know more about each other. This is the time where a relationship becomes deeper -- when you laugh together, cry together, share your plans and dreams with each other. In a fast-phased life we have in this city, a special time together, not just "being together" such as a married couple, is very essential.
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I mentioned yesterday that
Christianity is not about following a set of rules. Christianity in its real essence is simply falling in love with Jesus. Today and in a couple more days, I'm going to suggest practical ways to fall in love with Jesus on a daily basis. For today, I'm suggesting a time together.
Just like human couples, we need to spend time alone with Jesus. "But I'm going to church every Sunday. I even have a small group meeting or a Bible study group on weekdays. Isn't that considered a time with Jesus?" Yes, it is. And in fact, continue doing those because those are good. But what I'm talking about is a time with Jesus "alone". It's you and Jesus, no other witnesses around.
Distractions are all around us. We become busy with work, relationships, even in our ministry in the church. That's why we need to set aside a time in our day where we can be "still and know that he is God". This is the time of the day when you can cry alone, listen to God as he speaks to your heart, make some life plans. This is also a time when God reveals your mistakes, when you promise to work things out according to his grace.
When I am faced with a tough decision to make, I will wait the next day for my time alone with God before I make that decision. During this time, I almost always get convictions on what to do and on what not to do.
Some people call it "quiet time", others call it "devotions". Whatever you want to call it, it simply is an allotted time for God in your schedule. It can be in the morning before you start your day or in the evening before your mind "closes shop". You choose. Some are morning persons, some are evening persons. I suggest that you choose a time of the day where your mind is most active.
How long is a typical quiet time? It depends. The more, the better, of course. But for a start, don't burden yourself. A quiet time is developed as a habit. Don't feel unspiritual if you are allotting less time at this point of your love relationship with Jesus. He understands. You will grow eventually and your time with him will increase naturally. My suggestion is, you start with 5 to 10 minutes.
Where? In a quiet place. No distraction. Just you and Jesus. It can be in your room, inside your car, or even in your bathroom! Where ever it is you chose, it just have to be a quiet place.
Here's a challenge for you today. Think of a quiet place and a 5 to 10 minute time of your day and start your quiet time with Jesus now. Just for 7 days, try it. Make it consistent. Let me know how it works out.
Tomorrow, I'll discuss some components of your quiet time that can make it more exciting.
