A Place of Quiet Rest
Nothing can compare to the joy and privilege of sitting and learning at the feet of our heavenly Master....
I have often said that if I could share just one message with others, it would be on the importance of a personal devotional life.
It's not that there aren't other important truths that need to be communicated - but I really believe that the most helpful thing I can do as a Christian (my own personal relationship with Christ) NOT religion - It would be to minister to others the importance of being in Gods Word for themselves.
I am convinced, that if you get to know God through His Word, sooner or later, God will show you what you need to know in order to deal with your most difficult issues and how to live godly, fruitful, blessed lives!
I am taking my own story into account. It is a painful story. But one of truth and beauty. In my deepest pain I loved God so much!
I found the most beautiful love I have ever encountered. I hear others say, "why must I go through this pain? God, why would you let this happen?"
It is on our knees where we find Him, When life has beat us down until there is nowhere else to turn but to God.
That is what He wants. We cannot carry this everyday life by ourselves. The load is too heavy, Jesus wants to carry it for us. But we have to ask Him.
For years, I have looked for good resources on how to have daily quiet time. I have used tons of devotional books, but never could find a book that explained how to actually develop a personal devotional habit.
I needed help to meet this need. I wanted a more intimate relationship with God, so I began to write. Journal after Journal, the devotions just came. Everyday. I began to send to my friends, my mom, my family all of these thoughts, inspirations, and what I call "Yay God" Stories :) All I knew how to do was to live my life according to Him, and others would be curious and follow.
Through my deepest pain, (as one friend put it) I was able to still praise God.
My closest friend years ago, had shut his bible for about 12 years, and as he watched me get abused daily.. I would call to cry about the pain I was in, but went on and on about the day I would be rescued! I am hurting. but Guess what we learned in church today!!
He was intrigued at how I could still love a God, that ALLOWED me to be in pain.
God was using my story, and my testimony for a much greater purpose. He calls the weak for His strongest battles. For in the end. It glorifies His name!
Several years ago, once I was freed from this horrible situation. I was able to begin the process of getting back on my feet. I found a job, and began to heal.
I became close friends with a sweet girl.
I just knew she was in the same situation. I saw it in her eyes.
And once she reached out to me for advice, I shared my story.
Today, she is married to an amazing man, two sweet twin girls and one baby boy. I have watched her grow through the years. And I would revisit every second of my pain, if I knew it would help someone have a better life. God uses us. When we are facing battles. He is preparing us for victory. We just have to stand tall and fight!!
EPHESIANS 6
Pick up the Sword of the Spirit, Trust in Him, and fight. The Victory.... is beautiful!
I am also, now married to my best friend. A gorgeous babygirl. Talented, funny, amazing son, and step son. I will never be hurt like that again. God rescued me, and promised me if I stayed faithful to Him, he would give me the desires of my heart.
I want to encourage hungry believers to have a more consistent, meaningful devotional life. But, I do know for a fact. It can be overwhelming, with never ending schedules! One of satans oldest tricks are distractions. It only takes a small jump start to develop the habit of carving out time in your day to spend alone with the Lord. Trust me when I say, I began this blog this morning, and I have fought the enemy for hours now just trying to finish it! I have a headache. My daughter has had an incredibly fussy day and it is super chaotic around my home today. But, I have promised my God, I WILL finish this, and the enemys dirty trick of trying to frustrate me may only hold me down a few hours. But I will rise in Victory, as soon as this blog is posted!
One of the most practical means I have found to help develop a consistent devotional life.. is just a simple as starting out with 30 days. Rather than encouraging a lifelong commitment to have daily quiet time ( a commitment, even myself will most likely not keep for very long) Just start with making a commitment to spend some time alone with God in His Word and in prayer, every day for the next 30 days.
During these devotionals, my life has been beautifully transformed!
At first, even 5 minutes seemed too long. Now, 2 hours isn't long enough!!!!
I don't know where God has you on your walk, and the idea of a daily devotional may be new to you. Or maybe you've started and quit. Wherever you are, I want to encourage you to go further, to press deeper into an intimate relationship with God.
Over the years, whenever I have visited the devotional life, I always asked the question, "Can I admit that I don't currently have a consistent personal devotional life? And can I commit to at least 30 days alone with God each day. God does wonders, and then, I get distracted. Right now, Our pastor is speaking on acknowledging the battles of distraction.
Trying to write this blog today, I have been frustrated, distracted, wanted to give up already 3 times.
I acknowledged it. Prayed a protection over my home, thoughts and heart.
Everyday! We have to put on the Armor of God Ephesians 6... Everyday!!!!
If you are not currently enjoying a consistent devotional time with God, this may be a great start, I would like you to join the challenge with me, through my blog, my thoughts, my words, and my own battles and struggles. I want to be an accountability partner, as well as YOU be MY accountability partner. If you don't see a blog/devotional everyday, call me up and say HEY!!! Don't let distractions keep us from Gods blessings! Because they are amazing!
You may be wondering how you could possibly add "one more thing" to your already overcrowded schedule! Let me assure you that if you will make knowing God the #1 priority of your day, God will show you how to fit everything else into your day that is on HIS "to do" list for your life! Spending time alone with the Lord each day has become an absolute necessity for me, it is one of the richest blessings of my life. That doesn't mean it's always easy! In fact, the enemy fights me on this one every day!!!! But I have determined that this is a battle worth fighting, because I know I cannot be the woman God made me to be, apart from spending time each day in His presence.
Are you ready to take this journey with me????
By Gods grace, out of a desire to know Him more intimately, I purpose to spend some time alone with the Lord in the Word and in prayer, every day for the next 30 days....
Melia Harrington :) Sign with me!! <3
Once you have made this commitment, expect that the enemy will do everything he can to hinder you from keeping it! If you miss a day, DON'T GIVE UP! Simply purpose by God's grace to keep on going. My prayer is that the 30 days, will become a life-long pattern and priority for the rest of your life, and that your life will bear the sweet fruit of an intimate love relationship with Him...
I want to share with you how to find your purpose. To prepare your Heart, to listen to God, to Respond to God, and it will all be followed with scripture.
I am in no way shape or form, some type of bible scholar, I only know what I have learned through the years, and with experience in my own walk. But I do love each of you enough not to share an amazing love.
As with the practice of Jesus, and men like Moses, Joshua, David and Daniel, I try to meet God early in the day. Go watch a sun rise, find a quiet place... grab some coffee..
Early in the day, while it is still quiet and your mind is free from distractions, Whatever time of the day you choose, find that solitary place and make sure you have your bible, a pen and a journal.
I have found that my time with the Lord is generally more meaningful (and my mind less prone to wander) when I record what God shows me in my time with Him. (Also known as Soaking)
PREPARE YOUR HEART
Take time to quiet your heart before the Lord and focus your mind on Him, Ask Him to speak to you. Let Him know that you are ready to listen to Him, to learn from Him, and respond to whatever He says to you through His Word.
LISTEN TO HIM
Read and meditate on a passage in the Word of God, Ask the spirit of God to illumine the scripture to your understanding and apply it to your life, as you read, look for
Observations, What does the passage actually say?
Interpretation, what does it mean?
Application, what should I do with it? And then...
RESPOND TO GOD
ACTS
ADORATION - worship God for who he is, focus on various ones of his attributes, his holiness, his mercy, his majesty, that are all revealed in His word.CONFESSION - Agree with God about anything He has revealed in your life that is not pleasing to Him, receive the forgiveness that He has provided through the sacrifice of Christ on the cross.
THANKSGIVING - Thank God for what He has done, for his gifts, and for how he has spoken to you through his word
SUPPLICATION - bring your request to him, both for your own needs and for the needs of others, (intercession) ask him for grace to obey his words
Keep in mind that it is not enough to just read the Bible, the object is that the words that are printed on the page will become written on your heart, and that you will come to know God intimately and reflect His heart and ways to others. Remember that this blog and devotions are only a tool, you are free to worship anyway your heart wants to. The point is to get into the Word and get the Word into you.
I will begin our Journey in Mark. The gospel of Mark will give us a fresh glimpse of the Savior and His life and ministry. Reading three of Pauls epistle will help us understand how to live as a redeemed child of God <3
Meet Him There
A Quiet Place of Rest
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