Episode 30

Back in the 80's and 90's all the cool Christians had Quiet Times. But now we're older. We've learned more and heard too many sermons to count. Do we still need a Quiet Time? I have five benefits - and who doesn't like benefits? Come listen and tell me why you think a Quiet Time is or is not important!

Show Notes

Quiet Time: the daily discipline of spending time with God and His Word, whatever you call it, it just as important as ever.

In our second half of life, it matters MORE. There’s no more important discipline I’ve pursued that has affected me more than a consistent quiet time.

Disclaimers:

• I am not a perfect performer of this act

• I am no expert

• I have come nowhere near "arriving" spiritually: in fact the more time I spend in the Word, the more I am aware of how far my heart is from God's best

• I do not think Jesus is a genie in a bottle that will grant me wishes if I do my part

• I do not think God ever OWES me anything

• I do not endorse legalism

  • Legalism differs greatly from discipline or habit. Maybe just an excuse?

• Bad excuse: someone who uses Jesus like a club and who has a quiet time. Just because someone else hasn’t appropriated the truth they read in the morning doesn’t get us off the hook from needing the benefits.

I think we all KNOW it is important. But let’s be honest: it is difficult. I want to help you find a rhythm to make it achievable.

Today: why it matters. If we know WHY, it’s much easier to do what can be difficult or inconvenient.

WHY DO I THINK SO IMPORTANT.

• Its very quietness transports me away from the world: all its demands and distractions, its privations and temptations, its discouragements and its allurements. 

• I need help remembering that I am not in charge.

  • My Quiet Time constantly reminds: God is in charge; He is responsible; He doesn't actually NEED my help.

  • My quiet time helps me get out of the driver's seat.

  • Many plans are in a man's heart, but the counsel of the Lord will stand.  Proverbs 19:22, (NASB)

• I need a plan for my day.

  • I try to wait to make my "To Do" list until after spending time with the Lord of my life and hearing from Him. It helps align my priorities.

  • My quiet time corrects my daily vision so I see God's plan instead of my own.

  • "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways my ways," declares the Lord.  Isaiah 55:8 (NASB)

• I need courage for my day

  • My quiet time gives me courage to tackle God's assignments for the day.

  • "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."  Joshua 1:9 (NASB)

Having a consistent Quiet Time through my adult life has built my faith more than anybook, sermon, or conference. God’s work through His Word is miraculous. Like feeding 5000 people with 5 loaves and 2 fish, type of miraculous. He multiplies. He deepens. He extends.

But then I come back. Because my Lord’s words are in these pages of the Bible, I long to read them. I love the Lord too much to not want to know everything He says.

• Your words were found and I ate them, And Your words became for me a joy and the delight of my heart;For I have been called by Your name, O Lord God of hosts. Jeremiah 15:16 (NASB, emphasis mine)