Time Spent Seeking Him
The amount of time we spend with Jesus—meditating on his Word and his majesty, seeking his face—establishes our fruitfulness in the kingdom. (Charles Stanley)
Why is Spending Time with Jesus so Important?
Many Christians seek to do God’s will, using natural talent, energy, training and spiritual gifts to bring glory to His name. This is especially true in the United States. We’re achievers and go-getters. We like to cross things off our to-do lists.
But how often are our thoughts focused on the Almighty?
During group prayer, how many people feel comfortable sitting in silence? Shouldn’t we be listening too? Wanting to hear what the Holy Spirit has to say?
Prayer should be a two-way conversation, right?
It can be—but we need to seek Him more often.
Accomplishing God’s Purpose
In the Scriptures, Jesus made one truth very clear.
5 “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5 NIV)
8 This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples. (John 15:8 NIV)
Jesus likens himself to a grapevine. The branches bear all the grapes, but the vine provides all the nutrients which allows the branches to thrive and produce fruit.
A broken branch withers and dies.
As branches we produce eternal fruit because the life of Christ flows through us. Want to increase the flow? Then we need to focus more of our time and attention on the Trinity and less on our own selfish wants and desires.
It has a side benefit too. Worshipping the Lord and sitting in His presence often lifts the burdens we carry.
28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30 NIV)
Jesus’ parable imagines a young inexperienced oxen being yoked to an older, stronger ox, who pulls most of the heavy load. They remain yoked together.
Jesus invites us to walk in step with Him.
But it’s our choice.
My Spiritual Point
To seek our God in a greater way, each of us has to develop a individual plan. What works for you won’t necessarily work for me. But why not ask the Holy Spirit, who’s infinitely creative, for ideas?
Also, if you want to see what happens when believers make pursuing God a priority, check out the Chinese testimonies below.
The corn image came from Pixabay.com. The pocket watch I downloaded from Pexels.com
Resources:
The believers in China clearly understand how to abide in Christ (John 15:5) and the supernatural quality of the fruit is amazing.
Non-stop Prayer Movement Grips Atheist China
