Getting alone with God: Making His story My story

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"Jesus used many similar stories and illustrations to teach the people as much as they could understand. In fact, in his public ministry he never taught without using parables; but afterward, when he was alone with his disciples, he explained everything to them." (Mark 4:33-34, New Living Translation)

“Jesus doesn't take us aside and explain things to us all the time; He explains things to us as we are able to understand them.” (Oswald Chambers, My Utmost for His Highest)

Part of growing as a disciple of Jesus is spending time alone with Him so that we grow in our understanding. This is why many remain anemic in their faith. Hearing sermons, reading books or devotional literature (including mine), attending Bible studies ... All these are good practices, but the deep growth that Jesus wants to bring about in each of us only comes as we come aside with Him.

Spiritual understanding is not about retaining facts, principles, or examples. It is about internalizing those truths and being transformed by them through conversation and cooperation with Jesus.

QUESTION: What are some ways you have discovered to truly get alone for focused time with Jesus?

Help the rest of us out by leaving a comment below.  Let's encourage one another.

God Wants to Talk WITH You

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The Lord has heard my plea; the Lord accepts my prayer. (Psalm 6:9, English Standard Version)

My devotional reading process each morning has a certain flow. I am a part of a private Facebook Bible reading group (along with some of you) who reads a chapter a day and posts thoughts to the group page. I begin there. Then I move to the daily reading in Oswald Chambers' "My Utmost for His Highest". Then I move to my next Bible reading in "The Spiritual Formation Bible" (this one is out of print). I am reading through the Bible about a page a day and considering the devotional for contemplation on each page. Finally, I am reading from "The One Year Book of Hymns" that contains daily devotional and Scripture readings based on great hymns of the faith. (I'm sure my background as a musician and worship leader gives me that desire to connect with God in that way).

After all that is done, then I compose Dr. G's Morning Cup of Encouragement based on something from that morning's reading--whatever God has really impressed on my heart.

I share that flow to encourage you in your own devotional time with the Lord. You don't need to do it how I do it. There are many methods and many resources. This is what works for me at this time in my journey. The point is to connect with God through His word and through conversation with Him in prayer. 

As I read Psalm 6:9 this morning, I was struck with two thoughts. 

1. That is really good news! The Lord has heard my plea and He accepts my prayer. The Creator and Sustainer of the Universe gives attention to me!

2. There is a prayer that He does not accept: the one that is not offered. Can't God read our minds? Doesn't He know what we need and what we want before we even ask? Of course! But He wants us to converse and commune with Him. If I don't acknowledge my need for Him, going about my day as if it were all up to me, He will allow me to do it by myself. How much better to walk and talk with Him (sometimes out loud and sometimes not) throughout the day, constantly relying on His guidance and strength.

QUESTION: What will you do today to keep an ongoing conversation with God?

Leave a comment below.  I'd love to hear your thoughts.  I'd also be interested to hear about your devotional reading flow.