S.O.A.P. for 02-16-2009 Quiet Time

S: Mark 1:35-38 Now, in the morning, having risen a long while before daylight, He went out and departed to a solitary place, and there He prayed. And Simon and those who were with Him searched for Him. When they found Him, they sad to Him, "Everyone is looking for you", But He said to them, "Let us go into the next towns that I may preach there also, because for this purpose I have come forth."

O: Jesus took time to pray. Finding time to pray is not easy, but it is the vital line of communication between us and God. Jesus modeled this for us for a reason. Like Jesus, we must break away from others to talk to God, even if it means rising at inconvenient times to do so. In so doing, this prepares us mentally and spiritually to go out and share the Gospel whatever the means it is that we use. Jesus didn't want to share His message and His gifts with the same people over and over again. He saw the importance of spreading the message to as many unsaved people as possible. He also knew that His time in each place was limited, for He knew His days were numbered. We, too, should live like we don't know what tomorrow brings in that we should try and refrain from being "stale" and to always offer what we have in new ways, or to entirely new people.

A: I must figure out a way to have a special "one-on-one" time with God, for only He can fill me. Only HE can prepare me for the great commission so if I truly believe that I must "go to the next towns" and share there, I must be prepared, but I also see that in learning to disciple, the "one-on-one" time will also deepen my relationship with my one true Father. That above all, excites me and brings me great joy.

P: Father God, I pray that You reveal to me ways to adjust my schedule or things I can eliminate from my schedule, in order to be with You. I am truly blessed to think that You desire that of me. Father, you truly make me feel special. I love You and want to know You more and I want to learn to just BE with You. I thank You for using those times to deepen my relationship with you. I pray that You deepen and convict my heart to Yearn for You, and to yearn for the tools that would be able to invite others into Your loving haven. You are my King, You are my Greatest Love, You are my Father, My God. I pledge and hope to never falter,
In Jesus Name,
Amen