Tuning In With God
Reading: Mark 13
Scripture
“Therefore keep watch because you do not know when the owner of the house will come back—whether in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or at dawn. If he comes suddenly, do not let him find you sleeping. What I say to you, I say to everyone: ‘Watch!’ ” Mark 13:35-37 (NIV)
Observations
Jesus is clearly concerned that some of us who have committed out lives to him will somehow be lost because we have “gone to sleep”. Even Jesus doesn't know the exact time of his return, but his warning suggests it could catch us by surprise if we are not watching.
Application
There is a certain amount of self discipline I require to maintain my relationship with Jesus. I need the Holy Spirit to help me, but I need to consciously “tune in” with him as often as I can think of it.
Daniel had a habit of tuning in with God three times every day. “Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God.” Daniel 6:10 I like this idea. I'm sure Daniel tuned in more often than three times a day, but by making these three times a part of his daily routine he safeguarded himself from “going to sleep” in his faith and remained alert, ready and available to serve his God.
How can I make purposeful “tuning in with God” a greater part of my daily routine? I already enjoy my morning 'snooze time' conversation with God before I get up. Perhaps I could tune in again when I clean my teeth, then with a 5-10 minute lunchtime walk, and in the evening with my “sneaking off with God” time. A short prayer template might be helpful to remind me to give thanks, to listen to God and to ask him for what I need.
Prayer
Jesus, I want to be ready and available to you every moment of the day and night. I know I sometimes get lost in my own thoughts, and might at times be oblivious to your Spirit prompting me, so please help me Holy Spirit to tune in. I want to truly know what it means to “Be joyful always, to pray continually, and to give thanks in all circumstances, knowing that this is (your) will for me in Christ Jesus.” (from 1Thess 5:16-18)
Posted on August 22, 2012, in Hearing God's Voice, SOAP and tagged devotion, self-discipline. Bookmark the permalink. 3 Comments.
Sneaking Off With God... 
Clear and easy to read encouragement, like very much 🙂 🙂
Thanks for that, I often would wonder at Muslims praying to their God 7 x daily and going thru all manner of routines and prayers, well as a Christian I find with the business of daily life even 1x a day is often missed and I feel ashamed at that but the whole point of prayer is to establish a relationship with our Father and so I talk to Him often throughout the day now believing He is right there with me (I talk aloud as well :).
John, thanks for your comment. I love the idea of a continuous conversation with God as you are doing. It makes me think of two people sitting in a room together, enjoying each other’s company, talking occasionally, and then at times spending more focused time in conversation. Don’t let the devil accuse you of falling short. Instead, be encouraged, and keep the conversation going!