DAILY PERSONAL TIME WITH GOD
'And he cometh to the disciples, and findeth them asleep, and saith to
Peter, What, could ye not watch with me one hour?'(Mathew 26:40; Mark
14:38).
Daily personal time with
God, also often referred to as personal devotions or quiet time is the secret
for life and ministry success (eg Daniel 6:10, Mark 1:35; 6:46). Every believer
must have time when attention is dedicated to God. One to one with God. Time
when they set aside everything else and personally, as individuals, commit to
seeking and worshiping God. On going prayer without ceasing that happens in
course of life activities is part of general fellowship with God. Dedicated
time is intimate fellowship with God. The cares and afflictions of the world
are draining, blunting and weakening you spiritually. In the same way you
recharge computers and cell phones you need daily recharging. Personal time
with God maintains spiritual cutting edge and fullness of the Spirit. It helps
you rediscover, sharpen and keep your
life axe head. It's time you yield to God's influence and moulding to his
likeness. He shapes your perspectives and convicts you with his word to live
right and better. He also reveals to you
things you need for your work and business. During this time God warns and
prepares you for your life responsibilites and challenges. It is time to pour
your heart to God and cast your cares on him. You both upload and dowload. He
also pours his heart and cast his cares on you. His cares are easy and light
because they come with grace to enable you. You receive instruction and
grace/anointing for life. It is time for growth and opportunity to increase
spiritual dominance. You become more like who you spend time with.
The content, and order of
your personal time with God varies and a matter between you and God. The
dictates of the Holy Spirit, life and your hunger determine the personal
business of each day. God's word, prayer and discipline are however at the
core. You therefore need a Bible and notebook. Note the bible texts you read,
the insights from the Holy Spirit and what you have experienced and are going
to do. The following is helpful as a guide.
·
Allocate or
set aside time for personal time with God. Many people cannot find dedicated
time to God. The solution is to value
God enough to allocate his time before everything else during your
planning (Mathew 6:33). How much time
do I dedicate daily? Mathew 26:10. Start with whatever time (eg 30 minutes) and
establish consistency. Then grow the time in quality and quantity to at least
an hour. Bear in mind the tithe principle.
·
Set an
appointment. Set a specific time and place. Early morning when you are still
fresh is best (Psalm 63:1). Some believe midnight is best because thats when
the new day is setting in (Mathew 25:6; Luke 11:5; Acts 16:5; Acts 27:27 Judges 16:3; Ruth
3:8). For some other times work
well. Set a specific time and fight for
it (Mathew 11:12). Also as much as possible you want a place without
distractions/closet (Mathew 6:6).
·
Take time in
prayer. Pray all kinds of prayer (Ephesians 6:18) as your hunger and heart
burden leads. As the Holy Spirit leads. The time can include making
declarations of resisting Satan through confessing truths about you from God's
word (warfare). The time can also be accompanied with fasting (Mathew 17:21).
Mathew 6:9-13
o
WORSHIP - Our
Father who art in heaven Hallowed be thy name. If you lived in a world without
needs how would you spend time with God? Soend most of the time worshiping,
praying in the Spirit and listening than asking.
o
CONFESSION – Forgive our sins as we forgive. Ask the Lord to
examine your heart and life to reveal any faults and sins so you can change and
grow (Psalm 139:23-24). Receive your forgiveness and confess your righteousness
also (1 Corinthians 5:21; Romans 8:1).
o
PETITION – Give us this day our daily bread. Pray for yoursef
and your daily provisions. Remember to ask more for spiritual intangible needs
than material things, eg Ephesians 1:15-20. Prayer Challenge is not getting God
to give but having a revelation of what he has given already in Christ. Jabez
prayer is a good petition model (1 Chronicles 4:10). Prayer when all is well.
Pray for your plans. Proactive prayer when there is no crisis stores strength
for the hard times. Don't be a reactionary who only prays when things go wrong.
Invest into the future.
o
INTERCESSION – Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done o earth as I
heaven. Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. Pray for
righteousness. Pray for your family, others, community and nation(s).
o
THANKSGIVING
- Keep track of answered prayers and count your blessings (1 Thessalonians
5:18; Psalm 139:17-18).
o
PRAISE – For thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory.
Amen. End with praise and worship.
Take time in the
word. God works in and through you by the word in you. Not in another person or
book or video. Use SPECS given below or similar tool. Daily devotional books
and tools are also helpful. Rely on your Bible. Read the Bible
passage, take time to think and pray about it. Look for:
o
Something you learn about God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit
o
Pomise to ask for and receive
o
Example to follow or avoid
o
Command or instructions to obey
o
Something said about you to receive and
thank God for
(note any other
lessons or insights that do not fit in SPECS)
·
Take time to
be still before God each day - Quiet time.
Listen and meditate on God's word. Listen to what he has to say to you.
Take time to stand in awe.
o
Also take
time to think about the day. Evaluate previous day and plan for today. Reflect
on how things are going and talk to God about it (Ps 46:10; 37:7).
·
Take time to
APPLY in your life what
you have learnt during the personal time
with God. Believe it and show your faith by doing one or more of the following:
o
Do it – act and change behavior
o
Pray about it
o
Think it
o
Speak/confess
it.
o
Sing it
o
Share it with
someone else or others
Tell me your personal devotion life and I can
prophesy your future? Discuss
Message by Dr. Kurai Chitima.
Faith Ministries – Johannesburg Faith Life Center
Ground and First Floors Sunset Bay Building
204B Bram Fischer drive,
Randburg, Johannesburg , South Africa
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