Posts
by Samuel E. Ward
April 7, 14, & 21, 2013
View PowerPoint slides by clicking on this link: http://www.slideshare.net/samward1/alone-time-with-god
Introduction
1. Great men of God were noted for their quiet times with God...
a. Isaac meditated in the field at evening, Gen 24:63.
(Gen 24:62-63 NIV) Now Isaac had come from Beer Lahai Roi, for he was living in the Negev. {63} He went out to the field one evening to meditate, and as he looked up, he saw camels approaching.
b. David prayed three times daily and meditated on his bed at night, Ps 55:17; 63:6.
(Psa 55:17 NIV) Evening, morning and noon I cry out in distress, and he hears my voice.
(Psa 63:6 NIV) On my bed I remember you; I think of you through the watches of the night.
c. Daniel's custom was to pray three times daily, Dan 6:10.
(Dan 6:10 NIV) Now when Daniel learned that the decree had been published, he went home to his upstairs room where the windows opened toward Jerusalem. Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before.
2. The Son of God made time for quiet times with His Heavenly Father...
a. Jesus sought solitary places at early morning and late night, Mark 1:35; Luke 6:12.
(Mark 1:35 NIV) Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.
(Luke 6:12 NIV) One of those days Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God.
b. He counseled His disciples to pray in secret, Mat 6:6.
(Mat 6:6 NIV) But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.
You may faithfully attend public worship with God's people, but do you also take the time to engage in daily, private devotions?
I. It Is Important to Have Regular Quiet Times with God.
A. This Is How We Draw Near to Him.
1. God is found by those who seek Him...
a. As David advised his son Solomon, 1Chron 28:9.
(1 Chr 28:9 NIV) "And you, my son Solomon, acknowledge the God of your father, and serve him with wholehearted devotion and with a willing mind, for the LORD searches every heart and understands every motive behind the thoughts. If you seek him, he will be found by you; but if you forsake him, he will reject you forever.
b. As Azariah told King Asa, 2 Chron 15:2.
(2 Chr 15:2 NIV) He went out to meet Asa and said to him, "Listen to me, Asa and all Judah and Benjamin. The LORD is with you when you are with him. If you seek him, he will be found by you, but if you forsake him, he will forsake you.
2. God draws near to those who draw near to Him, James 4:8 -- Do you want a closer walk with God?
(James 4:8 NIV) Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.
B. This Is How We Receive Our Spiritual Nourishment...
1. We need spiritual nourishment in our lives, Mat 4:4.
(Mat 4:4 NIV) Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.'"
Man cannot thrive on physical food alone. We need spiritual food that nourishes the soul.
2. Spiritual growth comes from the Word of God, 1Pet 1:23; 2:2.
(1 Pet 1:23 NIV) For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God.
(1 Pet 2:2 NIV) Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation,
We are born again through the incorruptible seed. We continue to grow by the Word of God.
3. God's Word provides spiritual strength, Psa 119:7-11.
(Psa 119:7-11 NIV) I will praise you with an upright heart as I learn your righteous laws. {8} I will obey your decrees; do not utterly forsake me. {9} How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word. {10} I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. {11} I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.
We need God's help to fight our spiritual battles. The Word of God provides such help!
C. To Find Peace and Stability...
1. We live in a world filled with anxiety; prayer provides the antidote, Phil 4:6-7.
(Phil 4:6-7 NIV) Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. {7} And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
2. We live in a world filled with pitfalls; God's Word keeps us from falling, Psa 119:105,165.
(Psa 119:105 NIV) Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.
(Psa 119:165 NIV) Great peace have they who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble.
More than ever, we need to take the time to draw near to God, to receive spiritual nourishment, to find peace and stability. The habit of daily, private devotions can go a long way.
II. How to Have a Personal Quiet Time With God
A. Find a Time and Place...
1. The time may vary for different individuals.
a. For "night owls", the best time may be late at night.
b. For "morning larks", early morning.
c. The key is to find a quiet time, free from worldly distractions.
2. The place may also vary for different people
a. Some may prefer a place outside, following the example of Jesus, Mark 1:35
(Mark 1:35 NIV) Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.
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b. Some may prefer a place inside, following the teaching of Jesus. Mat 6:6.
(Mat 6:6 NIV) But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.
c. The key is to find a solitary place, free from distractions. To develop a habit, the time and place should be the same each day
B. Engage in Prayer, Meditation, and Praise...
1. Approach God in prayer.
a. Thank Him for your blessings, Col 4:2.
(Col 4:2 NIV) Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.
b. Confess your sins, 1 John 1:9.
(1 John 1:9 NIV) If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
c. Make supplication for your needs, Phil 4:6.
(Phil 4:6 NIV) Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
d. Intercede on behalf of others, 1 Tim 2:1-2.
(1 Tim 2:1-2 NIV) I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone-- {2} for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.
2. Spend time in meditation - contemplate on such things as:
a. The Lord Himself (His character), Psa 63:6.
b. His wonderful works (both creative and redemptive), Psa 77:12.
(Psa 77:12 NIV) I will meditate on all your works and consider all your mighty deeds.
c. His revealed Word, Psa 119:15, 23, 48, 97-99, 148.
(Psa 119:15 NIV) I meditate on your precepts and consider your ways.
(Psa 119:23 NIV) Though rulers sit together and slander me, your servant will meditate on your decrees.
(Psa 119:48 NIV) I lift up my hands to your commands, which I love, and I meditate on your decrees.
(Psa 119:97-99 NIV) Oh, how I love your law! I meditate on it all day long. {98} Your commands make me wiser than my enemies, for they are ever with me. {99} I have more insight than all my teachers, for I meditate on your statutes.
(Psa 119:148 NIV) My eyes stay open through the watches of the night, that I may meditate on your promises.
d. Things that are wholesome and praiseworthy, Phil 4:8.
(Phil 4:8 NIV) Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things.
3. Praise God in song - perhaps aided by recorded hymns and songs.
a. A natural response to joy in the heart, James 5:13.
(James 5:13 NIV) Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise.
b. Making melody in your heart, Eph 5:19. Talk with God through prayer, praise; listen to Him by contemplating His Word.
(Eph 5:19 NIV) Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord,
Conclusion
1. Living in world filled with sin, there is much that would fill our lives with stress and anxiety and pull us away from God and things that are good.
2. Making room for private devotions in our lives will help greatly to walk closer with our Father in heaven and receive strength of heart and peace of mind in doing His will.
If David, a man after God's own heart, and Jesus, the Son of God Himself, found it needful to spend time alone with God, how much more do we!
(Psa 119:147-148 NIV) I rise before dawn and cry for help; I have put my hope in your word. {148} My eyes stay open through the watches of the night, that I may meditate on your promises.
Sources for Meaningful Quiet Time Meditations
1. A "Read Through the Bible in a Year" program.
2. Review of Sunday School lesson for the coming week.
3. Review of notes taken from the Pastor's Sermon.
4. Pray through the Psalms.
5. Pray through "Wednesday Prayer Meeting" list.
6. Pray for one family a day from the Church Directory.
7. Choose to take action on any "promptings" or convictions from the Holy Spirit.
