22 | April | 2012 | Susan Spess Shay

I woke up this morning with a few questions floating around in my head. I’ll answer them, and then I’d love it if you would, too.

Isn’t it important to take time to be with the Lord? The difference inside me when I take time for it is amazing.

Of course, we need to worship with others. Churches met in houses in Bible times. Acts 20:7 says they came together on the first day of the week. And we’re told not to stop meeting with other Christians so we can encourage one another.

^{Hebrews 24} “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, ²⁵not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”

I made the bold part, well, bold so I wouldn’t forget what I was talking about. 🙂

Just like we need to spend time alone time with each of our kids, we need alone time with our Heavenly Father, too. Most people in my life call it their Quiet Time. Yes, it has capital letters when they say it. What do you call it?

Jesus looked for ways to escape the crowd that followed Him so He could have a Quiet Time.

Remember David? He started life as a shepherd. Much of his time watching the sheep was spent communing with the Lord.

Psalm 103: ¹ Praise the LORD, my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name.

² Praise the LORD, my soul, and forget not all his benefits—

³ who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases,

⁴ who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion,

⁵ who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.

So here are the questions floating between my ears this morning.

1- Where is your favorite place to spend your Quiet Time?

I read a book years ago by Evelyn Christenson called, “What Happens When Women Pray.”

In that book, she talks about spending her time alone with the Lord in an old green chair. Later, when she’d either recovered the chair or bought a new one, she still referred to the place where she met with the Lord as her green chair. I loved that.

So my question this morning could be, “Where is your green chair?”

My Answer: My favorite green chair (when the weather is right) is on my deck, overlooking my garden. If I’m not at home, my favorite place is outside if at all possible.

I could make the argument that it’s Biblical because life began in a garden and Jesus prayed in a garden, but I don’t know that it matters WHERE we spend time with Him as long as we spend it. Why do I ask? Because I like to be able to envision you when you’re there.

2- How is your favorite way to spend your Quiet Time?

My answer: I love reading during my QT. Over the years, I’ve gone through books by Anne Ortlund, Chuck Swindoll, Max Lucado, Beth Moore, Chip Ingram and many others. Sometimes, I like to choose a book of the Bible and read through it, writing down my own impressions about what God is saying to me. It might not make sense to anyone except me, so I don’t share it. 🙂

Sometimes I listen to speakers. I’ve listened to several of Beth Moore’s Bible Studies during my QT.

Once in a while I sing to the Lord, and of course, I spend time in prayer.

3- Do you need anything besides your Bible for your QT?

My answer: I’ve heard people say you should have your QT before you do anything else in the morning. One of the authors I read (Anne Ortlund, maybe?) thought you should brush your teeth before you spend time with the Lord. LOL. If I’m going outside, I like to get dressed in case someone happens to come by.

The main thing I need is whatever book I’m reading through, my Bible and a hot cup of coffee. And something to write on. (For some reason, writers write. Go figure!)

4- Do you see a difference in your life when you take time for QT and when you don’t?

My answer: Absolutely. I respond differently to problems and people in my life when I’ve had time with Him. My days are smoother and I’m happier (so are most of the people around me.) It seems as if I see the nicer, brighter side of life when I’m Quiet Timing than when I’m not.

Now how about it? Will you answer the questions?

Happy anniversary Danny and China. I wish you many, many more!

And a very HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my man! I love you!