Lake Travis United Methodist Church

So, we started off really big last week, to start to get us to think about what our next steps with God may be…to help to start drawing us in, and to start yearning for more.  This week is going to feel more like a baby step…but God’s good at working with baby steps 😊.  This week I just want you to spend some time in anticipation and preparation; some time in prayer for what God is inviting you into.  Remember, prayer is simply a conversation with God 😊.

So, when you meet a friend to talk or hang out, what do you do?

Depending on what you’re doing, you probably have at least one thing with you.  It might be your water bottle for a long walk or your keys and wallet to meet for coffee or food.  And you probably have been thinking about the-get-together prior to the moment that you actually meet up. 

Well, it’s truly the same thing with God.

When we set aside time to read our Bible, it’s not about us and the Bible in front of us…or rather, not only about that.  It’s about making time to get together with God and getting to know Him better.

We’ll need some basic things with us for this - our Bible, a journal, and a pencil or pen.

And it’s also important to take some time to make it special.  I am not a good housekeeper, but before a friend comes over I try to make it look as if I am 😊.  And it’s not so that I can show off my clean house, but it’s so they feel comfortable.  And I usually try to have at least an idea of what we’re going to eat or drink and where we can sit and talk.  And I usually try to do something just a little special, because it makes them feel special and it gives me an opportunity to show them how special they are to me.  That may be sitting outside with a blanket, or having some tasty hot tea options, or making some homemade cookies.  Now, when you do come over though, you have to understand that my “Martha” only works in my preparations and once you come in my “Mary” kicks in and I will totally forget to ever offer you even a drink because all I can think about is spending time with you - so I promise, I have it all ready; just please make yourself at home! 

So, what does this mean for our special time with God… because it is special.  He is special.  He is special to us.  And it is a good thing to take it seriously and to look forward to spending time with our Father.

So think about where you’re going to read the Bible and talk with God each day.  It can be the same place every day, or you can change it up each time.  Where is a place that you will be able to focus and enjoy your time with your Father?  Where is a place that you will be comfortable to sit for a while?  You can think about having your coffee or tea with Him, and even a yummy snack.  And you can be thinking about it before you do it - in anticipation and excitement!

As you might be starting to wonder… from the question - do you have a place that you will be comfortable to sit for a while?  We are not preparing for a daily devotional.  This is not a quick check in or a line of scripture that you can read quickly and move onto the next thing.  This is a journey.  This is learning and practicing how to develop a deep, personal, meaningful relationship with our Father.  Don’t get me wrong - I have devotional books that I enjoy reading and I get a daily scripture in my email every morning that I enjoy.  But I also have practiced how to work in, honestly, about an hour of alone time with God as often as I possibly can, with the goal being every day.  I have not always been able to do this.  To be totally transparent, it has only been in the last four years that I have been able to do this on a pretty consistent basis.  So I understand it’s not an easy thing to figure out.  But what keeps this a priority for me, is that I make the time for my family and friends…so why wouldn’t I make it for my Father in heaven, who created me, and loves me unconditionally, and who has shown me that my life truly is beautiful when it revolves around Him, and not me?

So enjoy making a special place to meet with God each day.  Grab your coffee (or tea in my case 😊), a comfy chair (possibly with a great view), your Bible, a journal, and a pencil -  and look forward to your special time with your Father.

So, I encourage you this week to just spend some time with these thoughts - with this preparation.  Ask God where He wants to sit and talk with you!  Get excited for meeting with your Father - your friend, next week!  Maybe even put some flowers at the table where you plan on sitting, or a candle, or a favorite picture!  We get excited about a lot of different things here on this earth - let’s make getting together with God and sitting and talking with Him one of our top things we get excited about!

May you open your heart this week to God and let Him fill your heart, mind, and soul with excitement for Him!

May God bless your time with Him this week.  May you look upon the face of Jesus and see Him in all His glory.  May the Holy Spirit move in you in ways you’ve never felt before.  May the God of hope, and love, and peace, be your full and complete protection throughout your every day.  Amen...So be it 😊.