Why have “God time”?

Mornings are my jam, most of the time that is. All it takes is the final decision of – “alright, it’s time,” and then I am out of bed and getting ready as fast as I can to get to that morning cup of coffee.

With my coffee in hand, I pull out my journal (if you know me, you know just how much I love my journals), and Bible and I am set, ready to start the day just the way I like it. This routine is what I like to call my “quiet time” or “God time,” and sometimes it is the favorite part of my day.

It makes me feel good – having time to write down my prayers to God and putting my nose in my little blue backpack Bible.

But hold on. God time is not supposed to be about making me feel good or accomplished, but it is supposed to be all about God. It is about glorifying His name through my time. The prayers I write aren’t supposed to be just a way to get a worry or a frustration off my chest, but it is supposed to be a way of communicating with Him. In 1 Thessalonians 5:17, we are called to “pray without ceasing.” Think about a relationship you have in your life. Think about how important communication is in that relationship. Communication, simply talking with one another, is how we grow in relationship with others, and this is also how we are called to grow in relationship with God.

And the words of the Bible shouldn’t just make me feel good inside, but they should transform my thoughts and actions throughout the day. Obeying His laws give us joy, and trusting in Him give us hope. The Bible, the true Word of God, brings us so many good things. It teaches us, it surrounds us, it engulfs us in His love, and it serves as a lamp that shows us the way (Psalm 119:105).

So “God time” is not just about “feeling good” afterwards, but it is for all these benefits which ultimately lead back to glorifying Him.

It’s an open road, but where does it lead?

An open road ahead of me, but where does it lead?

               I can see a little bit ahead, but the air is foggy. I can’t see what is way up ahead.

                              I trust that the road continues, but where does it lead?

                                             What is ahead?

Danger? Excitement? A roadblock? An opportunity?

               Anxiety builds up at the uncertainty.

Jesus is sitting in the passenger seat, chuckling at my intuitions.

               He offers to take the wheel, but I decline, thinking I know what is best.

                              But the anxiety continues.

On the backroads, I let Him be in the driver’s seat.

               And then my anxiety begins to disappear.

                              My fears slowly fade away.

                                             I can enjoy the scenery and the ride, and not worry about what is ahead.

                                                            Because I know that the One Holy and Almighty is leading me.

But I take back the wheel on the highways, because I still think I know what is best when it gets fast.

               If only I would allow Jesus to take the wheel on the highways too.

                              Then I could experience a ride free of anxiety and full of peace.

Hebrews 11:1

Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.

It is amazing how we can be so sure of our faith, that we can give Jesus the steering wheel of our life and He will lead us, even in the midst of hardship and uncertainty.  That is what faith is – believing without seeing, knowing that what we hope in is true.

2 Corinthians 4:18

So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

Just a shift in focus off of what is of this world and onto God can change everything.

Maybe you haven’t been doing the best lately, but you are doing the best you can. That is all that really matters to God. If you keep trying, He will be the one to ultimately lead you to where you are to go.

This next semester, I will be studying abroad. This brings up feelings of excitement, but also of fear and anxiety. But I know He will be the one guiding my path.

I have created a new blog where I will share my study abroad experiences. Appropriately titled One Chance, it includes a theme verse from Joshua 1:9. Check it out here: http://onechance19.blogspot.com/

Thank you to all those who have supported me thus far in my writing. I hope you are inspired to allow Jesus to be the driver of your life, and I pray that your open road is filled with joy even amongst difficult circumstances.

No discipline seems pleasant at the time…but I am not just talking about finals…

No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. – Hebrews 12:11

I have been reading over this verse as I study for finals. It pretty much sums up studying for me – it isn’t pleasant, in fact, it can be pretty painful at times. But, I know that it will all be worth it, and I will feel at peace when all my finals are done.

However, I don’t just want to talk about finals in this post. I want to touch on some more important things in life as well.

The verse above is found in Hebrews 12, a passage about how God disciplines us for our spiritual good. There will be trails in our life, and we will be bogged down by sin, that is why looking to Jesus and keeping our focus on Him is so important.

Sin. We all commit it, sometimes without even knowing we are committing it. A sin that is easy to miss is one that I find myself personally committing on a regular basis – selfishness.

Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. – Philippians 2:3-4

Being selfish has to do with being too focused on me instead of on Him and how He has called me to bless others.

So how do I stop being so selfish? Maybe by thinking of one thing nice I could do for someone else today, instead of freaking out about how much studying I have to do to get a good grade on this exam. Maybe it is focusing on what gifts I will bless others with this Christmas, instead of making a list of all the things I “need.” It is hard to take the focus off yourself, but remember…

No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. – Hebrews 12:11

Now time for the best part of this post (and a time for a sentimental moment) – recognizing a few people in my life from the list of many that have done such a great job of taking the focus off of themselves, and in the process, blessing me greatly.

First is the worst (I hope you know I am kidding, I love you!)

 Zach – Thirty-one months ago you came into my life, and I couldn’t be happier. You have blessed me with your many puns, and on a more serious note, the way you care about me. Thanks for being my best friend.

First and one half (if that makes sense)…

Zach’s family – Along with dating Zach came meeting all his family, what a blessing! Some people don’t particularly like meeting their significant other’s family, but I have absolutely loved the experience. You have welcomed me into your home and invited me to family gatherings, shared stories, and blessed me by your kindness. Thank you. 

Second is the best.

Rachel – I can see God’s joy radiate just by being around you. You have definitely blessed me in more ways than I can count over my lifetime. If you could stop growing up I would really appreciate it.

Third is the one with the treasure chest.

My Family – Thanks for always being there, to laugh with me when things are funny and to support me and love me when things aren’t so funny. You don't get to choose your family, but I would have chosen you guys in a heartbeat if I had to make the decision. 

As we receive His blessing, and then in turn, take the focus off of ourselves to bless others…

Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. – Hebrews 12:1-2

May He be your One Strength. All glory to Him. 

In Him

Spending time with God, being in Him, looks different every time. Often times after a busy week, I make sure to block off time to sit down and have protected time with God. I sit down someplace, usually with a cup of coffee, with expectations of exactly how this time is going to look, but it rarely ever goes exactly how I plan. God has different plans. I end up giving someone a call or writing a friend an email, or getting up and going for a walk instead of sitting down and solely reading the Bible or writing. And this is ok, because when God leads me a different way during my quiet time, I remember that I am to be a blessing to others. To get outside of myself, and interact with the world around me. To take His blessings and pass it on. It is a reminder that no matter where we are or what we are doing, we can always be in Him. We just have to make that simple choice to follow Him and where He is leading us.

This Christmas season…

Let’s remember to remain in Him. Making time to remember what the season means, and that without Him we cannot do what He has called us to do.

Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. – John 15:4

Let’s learn to be content, in all circumstances. We can get caught up in “if only this could happen or if I could just get this for Christmas, I would be so much happier.” God has provided us with so much already, let us remember to use what we already have to bless others, not get caught up in having more.

I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. – Philippians 4:12

Let’s remember that because we are in Him, we can overcome. Reflecting on past holiday seasons, remembering those special people that won’t be joining us at the family gathering this year, can sometimes bring up feelings of sorrow. The realization of what is happening in our world today may bring feelings of fear, and thinking about what is ahead for the next year might make us feel anxious.

I can do all thing through Christ who strengthens me. – Philippians 4:13

We are to be blessed, be satisfied and be in Him.

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.  – John 10:10

It’s not about me

It is not about me. It is not about what I can do with my own strength. It is about what I can do through Christ who strengthens me. I want to live my life with God in the center, He being the sole purpose in where I am and what I am doing.

With this, I would like to talk a little bit about this blog. What does each blog post mean to me? It means me pouring out what is on my mind and heart and putting it into words. It gives me the ability to use my writing skills in a way that touches others. I want it to mean more to God though. I want Him to work through me, and for His name to be glorified with every single post. I want His name to be uplifted more than my own.

This is really hard sometimes, especially since often times I am writing about myself. However, my goal is that you may read my posts, and not just think about me, but also relate my story to your own. Know that each post is intended for good and my purpose is not to have the spotlight on me, but to help God’s name be glorified.

We are doing a series in my church called “Honor: Reclaiming what matters most in life.” It is about honoring the Ten Commandments, and therefore, honoring God in tandem. Last week the message was about lying. How do we honor truth in today’s society? We shall not lie to one another, but in reality, that is easier said than done. I also want to take this idea of honoring truth here to this blog. I think truth in written words can be very powerful, and that is what I am trying to do through this blog, share truth. By putting my unique spin and integrating my experiences into this blog, I am able to make finding truth and meaning personal, but with all the spotlight on Him.

Truth in today’s world can be hard to find. Honestly speaking, I struggle day in and day out to keep good, biblical thoughts in my mind all day long. It just doesn’t happen, lies always sink in. And I think for those who have been reading my blog, you understand that about me. In this blog, I integrate the twisted and untruthful things in life, putting them on the table, and trying to see if there is a way to turn them around because I know with God, there is always a way.

Truth is important, and I want to bring that into the light. The biggest truth I want to bring into light is that our lives don’t revolve around us and how much we do on this Earth, but how much we do for Him and how much His name is glorified. I hope that through this post, you may come to understand more of my purpose and intentions for this blog, and that your sights may be set on His truths in your own life. 

A flashback to a relaxing Saturday morning…

I am sitting down this morning, a crisp Saturday morning in October, knowing I want and need to spend time with the Lord.

It was a busy and exhausting week, like many weeks this fall, and I did not have much time to sit down and talk to God. I have a million other things I could be doing right now. I could sleep more or do one of my tasks written in my planner. There is always something to get a head start on. But I know, right now, I need to do none of those things. I feel a tugging at my heart to just sit down, relax, and let God’s Word press into me.

So I found a spot in the house, where I couldn’t get distracted with anything or by anyone. I have my cup of coffee beside me and here I am, ready to go. Alright God, I’m ready.

I am expecting a grand revelation to come over me right now, but nothing is happening. I am confused and wondering what to do.

I have been sitting here for a few minutes now wondering what I should be doing, wondering what God wants me to be doing – should I just sit here and listen to music, write in my journal, read my Bible or articles online? I am unsure of what God wants from me today.

I have now started looking at articles online, still wondering if I am doing this “God time” right.

I landed on a good one, a Christian article titled “what am I supposed to be doing with my life?” It seems to fit what I am thinking and feeling right now. I am finally realizing what I was worrying about this whole time is silly…

God doesn’t care how we come to Him, whether it is through song, prayer or His Word. He just wants us to come to Him, with all our needs and burdens. He wants us to come just the way we are. He will speak to us, just don’t always expect to do nothing in order for that to happen. God still wants us to take action.

Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. ~ Matthew 11:28

This fall has been more than I can handle at points. Many times I feel disappointed in my words or actions due to sin and not focusing on God enough. I want more God, I just don’t know how or where to start a lot of the time. Sometimes, I even worry that I am not good enough to go back to God, that I haven’t spent enough time with Him so when I do block off a chunk of time to spend with Him, He won’t take me back.

I know this all isn’t true, but sometimes that isn’t enough to stop me from thinking these thoughts. God accepts us for who we are and wherever we are at. We know this is true, but do we always believe it deep in our hearts?

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know this full well. ~ Psalm 139:14

Before we were even born, we were accepted and loved forever by our Heavenly Father. We aren’t perfect, but we are enough. We are always enough to go back to God with all that we are, all that we have been, and all that we want to be.

How do you define yourself?

Do you ever feel like a terrible person when you need to back out of something you said you would do? Or when you try to do something, but you can’t do it to your best?

A lot of times, we see ourselves through the stuff we do, we define ourselves by those standards. And when we do that, others see us that way too. So when we feel like we have failed at whatever we doing, our positive self-image becomes very rusty and it is hard to see ourselves for who we truly are.

You are not defined by what you do, but by who you are in Christ.

Focus on that truth. Focus on the things of heaven, not of earth.

You can’t do everything. You aren’t here to please everyone. You aren’t even here to please yourself all the time! You are here to honor God by obeying His commands, so that when it comes to the end of your life, you can hear the words of “well done, good and faithful servant.”

When you fail to please, when you disappoint, God still loves you and sees you the same.

Lord, forgive me for those times I feel I have failed and then think poorly of myself. Help me to see myself the way You see me. Help me not to get caught up in the expectations of others, but help me to focus on honoring You and becoming more and more like Jesus every day. I am in this world, but not of the world. My identity lies in You.