Making a Quiet Time Really Work

(Works for Me Wednesday)

Quiet times are so hard. You know? It's so hard to intentionally put aside time each day to spend with God. I want it to be an "intimate" time with the Lord, but sometimes I'm doing good just to read a verse. And sometimes, I just don't want to pray. Sometimes, scrolling through facebook, or checking my email sounds much more appealing that reading the words of my Creator! What is wrong with me?

I'm sinful. That's what is wrong. BUT, I am saved, so I have the Spirit working in me to make me like Christ. I DO want that intimate time with God each day, so I have begun to set up boundaries for myself just like I would if I wanted to avoid any other sin.

I wake up each morning with a routine. I wash my face, take the dog out, feed the dog, make coffee, and fix my breakfast. I do all that within about 15 minutes. That leaves me about 45 minutes of "free" time. I could use this free time to sleep in longer, do laundry, or waste my life away on facebook, but I have made a rule for myself:

 I am not allowed to do anything else until I've read my bible and prayed. 

I know that sounds simple, but it works for me. I'm not allowed to get on facebook, twitter, instagram, or email until I've read my bible and prayed. No one is holding me accountable, but you know what's funny? I think God is helping me out. This morning, I was feeling rebellious and hopped on facebook as I sat down with my breakfast, and facebook proceeded to NOT load so I had to close it and read my bible:)

Spending time with the Lord is important. He speaks to us through his Word, and works in us when we spill our heart to Him. If nothing else, praying each morning has made me realize how much my God loves me and wants me. He wants to know everything-not because he doesn't already know, but because it reminds me that He knows and cares.

Anyway, that's what works for me! What do you do to make your quiet time work each day?

Much love,
-Adrienne

I'm linking up with We are That Family today:)

Sweet Fellowship with the Father

I have found that it takes a firm commitment to make daily devotions consistent. However, I have often felt guilty if this time isn't as long as I think it should be or if I don't cover all the disciplines I think are important. It has taken years for me to realize that God doesn't love me because I have a quiet time--He just loves me! This knowledge alone has increased my desire to be with Him.

How important it is to come to our quiet time, not with the fear that God will punish us if we miss, but eager to meet Him--to learn, to grow and to find sweet fellowship with a Father who loves us far more than we could ever imagine. 

-Sandy Smith from A Place of Quiet Rest by Nancy Leigh DeMoss

(via The Macs)