August 11-13

August 11-12 -

Wikipedia describes 'Quiet Time' as “a term used to describe regular individual sessions of Christian spiritual activities, such as prayer, private meditation, worship of God or study of the Bible. The term "Quiet Time" is used by 20th-century Protestants, mostly evangelical Christians. It is also called "personal Bible study" or "personal devotions". Rick Warren points out that it has also been called "morning watch" and "appointment with God".[1]

Practices vary according to denominational tradition: Anglican devotions, for example, will occasionally include the use of prayer beads, while Catholics may use a rosary. Billy Graham suggests that Quiet Time consists of three main elements: prayer, Bible reading, and meditation. He also mentions that many Christians accompany these three elements with journaling.[2]

Throughout my life I have always known the 'Morning Watch' as a period of the day set aside to have a “Good-morning” chat with God, worship and praise Him, and ask for His directions for the day ahead. Or, as Rick Warren describes it – an “appointment with God”. To me this period of set-aside time has a whole different function to reading the Bible, or study time, which can be inclusive of family, friends, or groups.

I think Greg Johnson, an Evangelical theologian is on the right track when he states that there's a danger that 'Quiet Time' v 'Morning Watch' can be seen as a law, rather than a means of grace.  His concern is that personal devotions can become a performance treadmill with Christians feeling their daily acceptance with God is based on what they do instead of what Christ did.

I don't know what you think, but does it really matter what we call this start to our day? After all, Christians didn't own their own Bible until the printing press with movable type was invented by Johannes Gutenberg in Mainz, Germany (circa 1439). Western printing technology was adopted in all world regions by the end of the 19th century, displacing the manuscript and block printing. - meaning, that before that time, only the select few had access to God's Word.  Others relied solely on a one-to-one with God to start the day – just as did Daniel, who regularly met with God 3 times a day to talk and listen to Him (see Daniel 6:10). Throughout the Psalms King David also mentions his times alone with God (morning and evening).

Today, the Bible has been translated into many languages from the biblical languages of Hebrew, Aramaic and Greek. As of September 2016 the full Bible has been translated into 636 languages, the New Testament alone into 1442 languages and Bible portions or stories into 1145 other languages. Thus at least some portion of the Bible has been translated into 3,223 languages.[1]

Jesus is our example and the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John) record that Jesus Himself withdrew to meet in a quiet, isolated place with His Father on a regular basis (see Mark 1:35; Matthew 14:13; John 6:15), and the Apostle Paul, on several occasions, spoke of spending time speaking to God.

So, does it matter whether we call our time with God each morning 'Quiet Time', or 'Morning Watch?' It's regular, personal contact with God that's important. Time to thank Him for being our God. Time to thank Him for His mercies and blessings – protection through the night - another new day – health and strength. Time to put our plans for the day before Him and to offer ourselves in service to Him and our fellow man. It's a time that is necessary for our sustainable, spiritual growth.

I hold up my hand and confess that I fall far short of all of this, i.e turning over when the alarm clock rings; early appointments; incoming telephone calls; unexpected visitors – you name it, the list goes on, for you too I imagine. I keep asking myself, who is the most important here? All of the above, or precious time with Jesus? It's a no brainer, isn't it! They say that procrastination is the thief of time, but it's so much more than this....it could well be the thief of our best friend....and we allowed it to happen.

Music today is one from Bryn's collection - “We've Come to Bless Your Name”. Click on the picture to listen.