Last Feb. 15 to Feb. 22, 2009, God blessed me with an awesome opportunity to have a one to one time with Him, away from the hustle and bustle of daily living. I intentionally left my lap top and other distracting materials at home, and just brought my Bible, devotionals and journal with me. Ironically, I spent my Sabbatical at one of the most unlikely places: Las Vegas, the "Sin City."
God is everywhere, after all.
It was the best vacation I ever had. Why? Because I gave God the priority He so deserves.
I recommend this quality time of solitude with God for every busy moms, stressed out dads and anybody who is in the verge of desolation and desperation due to many circumstances that are burdening their souls right now. It will refresh your mind, rejuvenate your spirit, and most of all, renew your relationship with God.
From this one week of solitude and time alone with God, He reveals to me many things. Spiritual discipline is one of them. Here are few of what I learned if we want to grow in our walk with the Lord:
1. No Bible, no breakfast!
Breakfast is the most important part of my day. It’s one of the main reasons I jumped out of bed in the morning- the smell of fresh brewed coffee, scrambled eggs, bacon, and toast. I am disciplining myself that if I don’t start reading my Bible at least 15 minutes in the morning, I won’t eat breakfast.
2. Read one short book of the Bible everyday for seven days. I learned this suggestion from one of the authors of a Bible Study book I read. I started with First John. After one week of reading this everyday, you will be enlightened more with assurance of your salvation and learn more about our God of love.
3. Journal your thoughts as you learn to “listen” to God’s silent whisper.
4. Pray before, during and after reading the Scriptures.
5. Repent of any sins. Ask God to reveal to you any hidden sins or sins you are not aware of. Ask for forgiveness. First John 1:9 says, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness."
6. Pray for your enemies. This is the only way you can learn to love them.
7. Practice putting yourself in someone’s shoes. Ask, “Why is she or he behaving that way?” This will help us gain better understanding of others. "We love because He first loved us." 1st John 4:19
You may say you don’t have time to spend alone with God. How about cutting few minutes from your tv and computer time to just sit alone, talk to God, and open the dusty Bible in your shelf?
Stop and listen. He’s been whispering this all along…
“Be still and know that I am God.” Psalm 46:10
Blessings,
Gloria Tiquia
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Gloria, You have encouraged us, once again. Everytime I read your messages, I feel inspired to 'get going' and do more than I have been as far as devoting my time and energy to the Lord. The suggestions you listed are excellent and DOABLE. Thank you... you have laid it all out for us, now we need to follow your lead. God bless you, dear Sis! With love, Peggy
Hi Sis, you have brought forth a very meaningful and thoughtful way of developing a relationship with our wonderful God. I can understand why it was the best vacation you ever had! It was because it was with the most interesting and dynamic person one could ever hope to meet. I love you, Sharon
