Originally published Monday, 01 May 2017.
www.insideoutwithcourtnaye.org
Do you have a regular devotion time? You know, a moment when you set aside time to spend with God alone in His word? The reason I’m asking is because, I believe that this is a very important component to incorporate in your Christian life. We all need it. Actually, I have to have it!
I love getting up in the morning and enjoying a nice hot cup of French Vanilla coffee with my journal, Bible, a few books, and my laptop. Sometimes, I even have my memory Scriptures with me for that season. For a change of scenery, every now and then I may go to the local coffeehouse or drive down to a lake or park and just sit by the water under the open sky to do my devotion (which I absolutely love!). I simply take advantage of that time to pray, reflect back the day before or the season I'm in, read, and write.
During my devotional time, I listen for God through His word, His still small voice, or inspiration around me (like framed quotes or encouraging words from a book, bookmark, Bible verse, coffee mug, etc.). And as you can probably already tell, this time is very precious to me.
However, even though I have these precious moments above, it’s not always pretty. Sometimes God calls me closer to Him to show me my heart and attitude (mindset). It’s almost like when your parents used to call you by your whole name when you were in trouble. Yeah, well, sometimes God the Father, has to call us to Him to show us the error of our ways (like unforgiveness, bitterness, anger, impatience, lack of love, being mean or harsh, complaining, etc). Have you ever had Him calling you to come and listen or talk to Him about where you are?
When God checks us on these things sis, this does NOT feel good. Trust me. I know! However, I’ve found that over time it brings freedom when we are honest with ourselves and God. The Bible says in Proverbs 3:11-12, “My child, don’t ignore it when the Lord disciplines you, and don’t be discouraged when he corrects you. For the Lord corrects those he loves, just as a father corrects a child in whom he delights.”
So you see. Godly correction is love. Not many people like to see this side of God. But He’s balanced. He's loving and just. So let me ask you a quick question. Do you sense that God is calling you to a deeper walk with Him through daily personal devotion? Do you sense that He want to have a little talk with you to show you that there are some things that you may need to confess, repent of, or receive His deliverance on?
Listen, your devotion doesn’t have to look like mine. However, I do encourage you to pray and ask God to help you find what works best for you, because it’s in this quiet time when you can connect with Him in a great way. It's in this time when you can tell Him all about your shortcomings, hurts, struggles, and issues. But you can also share your hopes, dreams, aspirations, and even questions that you may have during this time.
God is a great listener. Talk to Him. And guess what? He’s actually the best safe-partner you will ever have! James 4:8 says, “Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you…”.
So go and spend some quiet time with Him today (if you haven't already done so). And purpose in your heart to stay connected in the days, weeks, months, and years to come. Today is a new day. He's calling you sis, I pray that you'll pick up. ;-)
Remember, Jesus is coming back soon! And those who endure unto the end shall be saved. So let’s be ready from the Inside Out!
~Courtnaye
QUESTION: Do you feel the need to draw closer to God right now, more now than ever? Do you feel Him calling you to spend more time with Him in this busy time? What are some of the hindrances that prevent you from spending this quality time with God? If you need prayer today, let me know here or you can email me directly @ insideoutwithcourtnaye@gmail.com. I look forward to hearing from you and praying for you.
ALSO, just want to encourage you to grab my NEW book, “IDENTIFIED: Knowing Who You Are in Christ & Moving Forward in Your Purpose!” ORDER IT TODAY right here on Amazon.com! And if you already have it and have read it, please give me a REVIEW on Amazon.com. Thanks so much in advance.
*Tune in every Monday at 7:30am for new posts, “Like” my Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/InsideOutWCourtnaye), and follow me on Twitter at https://twitter.com/InOutwCourtnaye. Also, share this blog with friends, family, co-workers, or your women’s group or ministry. I’d love to stay connected and help more women grow in the Lord! Thanks again and may God be with you!
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