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Spending Time with Your Best Friend

CTA - Christ to All /Aug. 19, 2019
Spending Time with Your Best Friend

By Cherie Werner

Today is the day! You get to spend time with your best friend! It doesn’t matter what you do, just being together is what you want and you are excited! You will talk and laugh and share your heart. It is going to be great and you can’t wait!

Do you feel that way about your time with Jesus? Sometimes working in ministry can become so much a part of your faith life that you might not really think about it. Making quiet time with God a part of your routine is the first step. But it shouldn’t feel like more “work.” Time with Jesus doesn’t have to be ordinary or boring, or worse yet, tiresome! Keep reading to find some ways to make your time with Jesus exciting and special.

  1. Change the scenery: Bible study doesn’t have to be humdrum. Just like you go different places and do different things with your friends, do something different during your devotions. Get outside, take a walk, or take your Bible to the coffee shop. Jesus is a Friend that is with you everywhere you go, so talk to him while you do the dishes or wait in line at the grocery store.
  2. Sing: Choose songs or hymns you like and add some musical worship to your devotions. Really think about the words as you sing. Turn the lyrics into prayers of your own. Adding music to your time with Jesus will lift your spirit and bring joy to your heart that will stay with you throughout the day.
  3. Study the Scriptures: God’s Word is packed full of so many good things—it is impossible to absorb it all! Reading the Bible every day is helpful, but maybe trying something different will help energize and deepen your understanding. Consider one of the following ideas:

Read a whole book: There are many books in the New Testament that are short enough to read in one sitting. Reading a whole book at once can give you a different perspective and might help you see something you haven’t noticed before.

Do a word study: Pick a word, phrase, or idea and use a concordance to see what God has to say about it throughout the whole Bible.

Search the Scriptures: Read through the Book of Psalms (and other books) and underline all the words of praise. Go back through again with a different color and highlight all the words that talk about God hearing you or answering your call. You will be amazed at how often God gives words of help and comfort! Also, having all those things marked will help you when you are in need of reassurance and strength.

Take it with you: As you read through a section, choose one or two verses that jump out at you or tug at your heart. Write them down and “chew” on them throughout the day. Let God speak to you and ask him to show you what he wants you to learn or remember.

Memorize the Bible: It is God’s love letter to YOU! He has shared his heart, his love, and his grace through his Word. God’s Word has power and healing for you. “My child, pay attention to what I say. Listen carefully to my words. Don’t lose sight of them. Let them penetrate deep into your heart, for they bring life to those who find them, and healing to their whole body” (Proverbs 4:20–22 NLT).

Choose verses that encourage and strengthen you: Write them on index cards so you can take them with you to refresh your memory quickly. If the idea of memorizing verses feels overwhelming, you can make it easier and even more interactive by setting them to music, adding actions, or illustrating the verses that speak to you.

  1. Start a prayer journal: God shares his heart with you and he invites you to share your heart with him. Writing down your prayers helps you focus your thoughts. Pray God’s Word back to him. Write down how you see God working in your life. Record God’s answers to your prayers. Ask him questions. Write down action steps you think he would like you to take. Go back through your journal periodically. You will discover how God has helped you to grow, how he has worked in your life, and how he has answered your prayers.
  2. Be still: We live in a very busy, noisy world. It is hard to find a quiet place. Not many people take time to just sit still. It is a hard thing to do, but being still will help you to receive the peace and rest that God wants to give you. Being still can help you focus on the truth of his deep and unconditional love for you. Being still can help you “hear” what God has to say to you.

How can you share these tips with the people in your ministry?

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