Originally posted on October 19, 2011
Whew….as a woman I often feel worn out. I bet you do too at times.
So, once we’ve taken care of the kids, fed the dog, loved our husband,
cooked dinner, cleaned the house and the clothes….how do we find time
for God? I’m sure we’ve all said those “pop corn” prayers along our day
but how do we find quality time with God? We want God in our lives.
Goodness knows we feel the need for God in our lives…..but how?
I
am delighted to have found the “Yes, but how lady” (YBH), Mrs. Elizabeth
George! Elizabeth has written numerous books on how women can live
Christian lives. I feel so fortunate to have found her book, A Woman After God’s Own Heart.
Better than that, there is an entire Bible Study and teaching videos
based on this book. I love her very practical tips on how to seek God in
my daily life amid my long “to do” list.
So, when we decided to
commit a month long study to the topic of how to seek God in our daily
lives, I immediately turned to the “Yes, but how lady”! Here are a few
pointers that we have learned so far:
1. We need to have a heart for God’s word
- YBH? Pray that God will give us a heart for His word. HE WILL!!!!
- YBH? We have to put 1st things 1st. Life management is really spiritual management.
a. We never waste time when we are in God’s word. 2 Tim 3:16
b. First Time – Put 1st things 1st . Honor the Lord with the first fruits of our time. Prov 3:9
c.
Early Time – Spend time with the Lord early in the day just like the
examples we see in God’s word: David – Psl 63:1; 5:3 Abraham – Gen
19:27 Jesus – Mark 1:35
- YBH?
a. Refuse to miss a day of reading God’s word
b. Be a woman of one book – The Book!
c. Beat the family up – Get up earlier than you family for your quiet time.
d. Purpose to get up - pray, set the alarm (allow for the snooze if needed)
e. Open Your Bible! God’s word will guide you to make you a woman after God’s own heart.
2. We need to be women of prayer.
Blessings we enjoy in prayer:
a. We become women of greater faith. Luke 18:1
- YBH – Something is better than nothing.
b. We have greater peace. Phil4:6-7; 1 Pet 5:7
- YBH – Identify the number one problem. A problem defined is a problem half solved.
c. Greater Purity 1 John 1:8-10; 1 Thes 5:17
d. We have greater confidence in decision making. Acts 13:22; 9:6
Idea for 3x5 card – Request at top with 4 questions on the card:
1. Why would I do this?
2. Why would I NOT do this?
3. Why should I do this?
4. Why should I NOT do this?
* follow husband’s leadership
*may want to add fasting
e. We have greater contentment. Phil 4:11-19
f. Greater ministry of prayer. Prayer will make a difference in the history of others people’s lives.
- YBH
- Pray in priority order (Pray for family first then others)
- Treat prayer time as an appointment
These
are great practical tips on ways we seek God in our busy lives through
God’s word and prayer. Just remember “something is better than nothing”.
Even if you start with only 5-10 minutes each day, that’s a great
start!!!!
We would love for you to join us tonight as we talk about spiritual growth….”Yes, but how?”
Written by Amy Harris.
Additional online resources to get started in spending time with God:
- Hello Mornings - this is an online accountability group, if you need extra help getting your priorities in order. The fall session is already closed, but another one starts in the Winter. Instead, you might consider forming your own Valleydale accountability either via email, twitter, or facebook.
- Check out this book, "Savoring Living Water," by Katie Orr and Lara Williams, if you need something in your hands to help guide you.
- Visit this webpage, "Do Not Depart," for more resources and online bible studies in Philippians and on Abiding Fruit.
- Check out the Bible Reading Sheet found on the Resources Page of this blog.
- One of our Valleydale ladies is vlogging and writing devotionally verse by verse in the book of Ruth this month here.
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