The Heart

The quiet time we spend with the Lord every day is the heart of our relationship with Him. That time is initiated by Him, led by Him, and enriched by Him. He has given us everything we need for intimacy with Him: His Word, prayer, the Holy Spirit, the companionship of Jesus, and the fellowship of good friends! Our quiet time with Him is the most important part of our day. Yet there are very few who have cultivated a consistent quiet time with the Lord on a regular basis. There just seems to be so many things that get in the way. Can you imagine how different our days would be if we spent time with Him before each of those days got started? We would be changed ourselves. No doubt about that.

Why don't we do it then? Is it really something HE wants us to do? Look these up and see.

Psalm 46:10
Jeremiah 9:23-24
Matthew 11:29
John 7:17
Revelation 3:20

What will this intimacy with Him lead to? Knowing Him. What's so important about that?

Exodus 33:13 (It is something HE delights in - us getting to know Him!)

Catherine Martin say:

* He invites us to a pilgrimage of the heart (Psalm 84:5) to find our home in Him while jouneying in a foreign land until we reach our final destination - heaven.
* He invites us to personal, spiritual revival (John 7:37-38) to constant renewal, and to a restoration of God's purpose and plan for our lives.
* He invites us to share His heart (Psalm 46:10), to move in perfect step with Him as He leads us through life, and to enjoy intimate fellowship with Him.
* He invites us to influence the world (Luke 24:32) with a heart burning with a contagious love that spreads to those around us
* He invites us to an eternal perspective (2 Corinthians 4:18) seeing life from His point of view, looking beyond the temporal to the eternal.
* He invites us to radical discipleship (Matthew 4:19) paying the price in time and energy to sit at His feet and learn from Him.

I guess that pretty much leaves the ball in my court. So I think what all this is saying is that God wants to have an intimate relationship with me. He has given me everything I need to have it. He has told me what good will come of it. I JUST HAVE TO CHOOSE TO DO IT. I have to make that choice EVERY DAY. Yes, things will get in the way. I WILL HAVE TO CHOOSE TO NOT LET OTHER THINGS GET IN THE WAY. Yes, there will be deadlines to meet. I WILL HAVE TO CHOOSE TO PRIORITIZE MY TIME WITH HIM. Yes, I will be traveling. I MAY HAVE TO GET UP EARLIER. IT IS ALL A MATTER OF CHOICE!

Are you with me?