HISTORIC INAUGURATION

I hope that you all had the opportunity yesterday to witness history as Barack Obama was sworn in as the 44th president of this great country. We gathered in the Worship Center with Prestonwood Christian Academy students, teachers, parents and our church staff to view the ceremony. As I said to those watching with us yesterday, it is critical that we pray for President Obama and America’s leaders during this time of transition. Please take a few moments to hear my comments regarding this monumental event.

Time With God

It is essential to spend time with God in order to fully develop as a follower of Jesus. In fact, Jesus Himself taught us to have a time alone with God in order to personally engage His presence in worship and prayer, Bible reading and study, and the contemplation of spiritual realities. He said:

“But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.” —Matthew 6:6

Over the years, I have always advised believers to develop a disciplined devotional life. But how? How do you actually spend quality time with the Lord that is life-changing and God-honoring. Maybe the question of how is best answered first with the question of why … Why would we take time every day to pray, read, meditate. Not because it is an obligation, but because it is a huge opportunity. Imagine the privilege of being in God’s presence! So don’t put yourself on a guilt trip about prayer life. Instead, view this as a privilege and possibility to know God as never before.

Your devotional life should be something you enjoy, not endure. When you spend time with God you are experiencing spiritual life which is the “real world.” Jesus said, “Man shall not live by bread alone but by every Word from the mouth of God.” When you spend time with God you are nourishing your soul. You are in comfort with spiritual realities. So, every day, before the world rushes in, decide to close the door, get alone, and consider what matters most, and what really lasts. More tomorrow as I continue to talk about your time with God.

DEVOTIONAL LIFE

By now, we are full speed ahead into 2009. Tell me...how are you doing on your resolutions? With all our desires to lose weight, floss, walk the dog, get out of debt, etc., I hope we are all highly motivated to grow in our faith and obedience to our Great God. There is no greater goal, nor joy in fulfillment, than to honor Christ with a life fully devoted to Him. One of the keys to success is a daily time of prayer and Bible reading, study, and memorization. A quiet time or devotional is essential to spiritual growth and personal faith. Why not make it your holy ambition to know and grow in God's Word as never before? In the next several blogs I want to share some things I have learned about enjoying a daily time with God. In the meantime, make the Lord Jesus a promise that you will spend more time with Him and live each day in the fullness of His Spirit.