Day 53: Growing in Quiet Time

Reading: Psalm 25:1-7

I know for me that each day is one that you never know what you're going to get. As a church secretary, you can encounter all sorts of circumstances throughout the day, from that same telemarketer that calls every other day and won't get the hint, to complainers, to angry people, to meeting after meeting, and once in awhile you get the quiet days where things get done (rarely ever happens). One way I can prep for my day and one thing I can count on in the midst of all the variables of the day is quiet time with God. We read here how David came to God during his hardships and put his focus daily on Him, allowing Him to take the reigns of life. This is exactly what we need in a culture that is unsure each day. When I miss those days of God's Word, I find myself more distracted and upset when I encounter the angry, complaining type days. But when I'm grounded in the Word that day, things seem better and though I care about those people who voice opinions, I realize they are not the end all to my day.

How does quiet times with God help you get through the variables of your day?



How do your days go when you have quiet time? What about without quiet time?




Reading: Mark 6:30-56

Sometimes, when all we want to do is have quiet, alone time, especially with God, that's when the distractions come. The phone will ring; an unexpected visitor comes; work gets too demanding and you spend your free time doing projects for that. Even in ministry, you can get distracted from that time, as we read when Jesus feeds the 5,000. He the disciples were on their way to be alone, and yet the crowds came, and Jesus felt compassion on their hunger. Because He followed through with fulfilling that need however, He witnessed to many and showed them He cared for them. When doing ministry, it's important to show people how much you care before you show them what you know.
Within the whirlwind of those busy days, we can feel quite defeated and struck down by life, but when we keep our eyes on Jesus and His power, we don't need to fear about tomorrow and what life is about to throw at us. Jesus walked on water and came to save the disciples from the strong winds that kept them straining. When we count on Jesus to calm our lives, we can get through those days a little easier.

When has life kept you too busy to connect with God on a quiet time basis?



How does looking to God in those crazy times help you to recognize needs around you and to keep you going strong?



Reading: Exodus 31:1-33:6

Being a good leader for God can surely mean being the odd man (or woman) out sometimes. It is so incredibly important to turn to God regularly in quiet time, prayer and study to know His voice from the rest of the world around us. We see how Aaron fell into the trap of the popular opinion and ended up creating the golden calf which the people worshiped instead of God. Moses, however, knowing God's voice and will, knew how wrong this was. Walking in close relationship with God will help you to stay strong against temptations, even if it's what the world around you demands. It's important to engage in quiet time so that you know what is right in God's eyes. Just because the rest of the world insists on one things, doesn't mean it is God's plan for you. Stand close to Him daily so you can stand strong when those questions arise in life.

How does daily time with God help you to know what He intends for you in life?



When have you faced temptation and were able to turn away from it because of something you read in quiet time with God?



It is so important to be in regular quiet time with God, reading His Word and praying to Him. When you stick close to Him daily, you will be able to withstand the hardships, worries, distractions and temptations of life. Knowing His voice over the world's demands can be a lonely road as a leader, but when you are certain of God's will because of your close walk with Him, you'll be able to lead well in Him. Get into His Word and will daily.