Day Nine: Ambush at Dawn

Every New Day I Turn to You

      When the disciples-to-be went to find Jesus they said, "Everyone is looking for you." The value of his outward mission seemed more pressing to them than Jesus' solitary time in prayer. And you almost feel like Jesus confirms that when he comes back and says, "Let's go on to the next village so I can preach there because that is why I have come." But it makes me wonder if it was not that time in solitary prayer that kept him on track with his outward mission. Why does the bible make a point of having him spending time in solitary prayer before he boldly stated his purpose?
      I believe it is this solitary prayer time that God uses to set our course and put purpose into our hearts. Without private times with God, we are just tossing around in the wind without a rudder. Maybe it was this geniune desire for personal direction that was needed before they could be called legitimate disciples.
      Corporate worship and group studies are great and they are good at fanning our flames and making them grow higher.  But the fuel of that fire must be started in our private, personal relationship with Christ. Without someone putting new fuel in the pit soon there will be no fire to stoke. What value do you put on your solitary times with the Lord?
You can measure this in minutes or frequency and compare it with how long and how often you engage in other activities. I have found this personal study of John by Beth Moore to be helpful in keeping me on track daily. I love the fact that it is set up in a scripture reading, scripture  reflection,  personal reflection, and prayer. God has revealed so much to me through this study especially how much I enjoy this personal time in his word.
      When I get distracted from my personal study, things seem to coast a long for awhile and then the bottom falls out of my little world. I have nothing left to grasp when the waves get rough. One thing I have done to make sure that does not happen is to set aside two times a day for short studies of the word; currently this 90 day study of John. Delaying the daily paper or facebook updates and emails for ten minutes while I read my daily bible passages, has continuous blessings throughout the day. Often I find the morning scripture is perfectly suited to help a friend in need or give me the courage to handle a situation more appropriately. I also plan an evening short study before we sit down for our evening movie or sitcom. This time right after the evening meal is a great time to share with my sons but also ensures that I have a back up plan if I miss my morning study. How has your plan of study helped you combat the disctractions that keep us from engaging in prayer and personal time with Christ through his word?

STUDY GUIDE:

 Follow along in JOHN: 90 Days with the Beloved Disciple by Beth Moore pages 43-46
 Read Mark 1:35-39
 Answer the following questions in your study guide:
              1. What do you think was still missing from their carton of character traits before they could legitmately be known as disciples (learners and pupils) of the Messiah?
              2. What keeps any of us from putting higher value on the times we spend with the Lord in solitary places?
 Share a brief highlight or two from your thoughts and answers in a comment posted to the group. (Read guidelines and cautions posted August 1, 2010 before you post).
 Read the comments of others and share your thoughts and encouragement with them by replying to their comments. Identify which post you are responding to by addressing them and their subject or pasting a brief portion of their reply at the start of your post.

PRAY WITH ME:
Lord, not only do distractions make it difficult to schedule our private time with you but they make it hard to focus on your word during those times. It seems more difficult to drop a distraction than drop out of time with you. We may feel like we're mising out on other things or feel pressured to take care of other business. During our time with you we may find it difficult to pay attention, letting our mind and thoughts drift far from you. I pray that each individual reading this blog would come to know the joy of spending time with you. I pray you meet them in a real way in quiet, solitary prayer and study times in your word and that they would realized the value and come to know the blessings in their lives that only come from turning to you every day. In Jesus name, Amen.