Reclaiming "Quiet Time" | Encouragement

Reclaiming Quiet Time: 1. An Introduction | 2. Discipline and Devotion | 3. Encouragement 

Over the past couple of weeks, I have written about reclaiming "quiet time." A time that is intentionally set apart for the purpose of encountering God through prayer and His word; a discipline toward spiritual growth. I have walked through what this time isn't and what it actually is, biblically. Today, we'll look at the practical approach of this time of worship. There are many forms that this time can take and while there's isn't a "one size fits all" formula, there are some things, I think, are important as you approach this discipline.

Whether you're looking at starting "quiet time" or re-starting it, here are 4 things you can do to not only have success, but more importantly to be fruitful. 

1. PICK THE TIME

Perhaps it's simply church/Christian culture, but many have often argued that this time of worship is best reserved for the mornings. For starters, don't listen to them. Secondly, for many, yes, the morning's work out best for them because they may be early risers and morning devotions are great ways for them to start the day off right. But not everyone is a morning person so if that's not you, the idea in this section is to merely pick a time--mornings, lunch time, after work, evenings, etc. 

The point is that this time is (1) intentional and (2) sacred. Guard this time because it's a time you should look forward to; encountering God through prayer, engaging Him through the Scriptures, and spiritual growth that is practically applied in the daily.  Additionally, I'd add that whatever time you pick, know that it can be seasonal. In other words, different stages of life call for changes in schedules so if you know your schedule is changing, don't be afraid to move this time. Here's a quick example: before I was married and was a father, my time with God was always spent best in the evening, after the day was completely done. I loved reading, praying, and writing at night. Now, I look forward to an early bedtime and my time "quiet time" is in the mornings right before breakfast, generally around 7:00 a.m. That works for me, I'm awake enough to function and can concentrate better than I can at 5:00 a.m. 

2. BE FAITHFUL WITH A LITTLE BEFORE YOU'RE FAITHFUL WITH MUCH

For some, these posts may have built conviction and so they're pumped about scheduling their time with God for an early Monday morning worship and by Wednesday, they're discouraged and done because they couldn't keep the schedule. Start by doing two things in this section: (1) choose the amount of time--maybe starting off with 20 minutes and (2) choose the amount of days you know you can be faithful with---perhaps starting off with 2 days a week. 

While prayer and meditation should be something we do throughout the entire day (1 Thessalonians 5:17), the goal of this particular time is faithfulness. I lead a small group of dudes in a monthly bible study and many of them have to schedule this time in the mornings due to their schedules, but also struggle waking up at 5:00 a.m. everyday, especially when they've never done it or they're brand new parents and sleep is scarce right now. So, we set up, for them, two days a week for a month at 45 minutes- 60 minutes each day. So far, they've remained faithful to that time and have seen fruit in their relationship with God. That's what we're going for: faithfulness. Next month, we'll increase the amount of days. 

3. START A JOURNAL

So many have told me they can't journal--it's difficult and can they can hardly see the benefit. In some cases, that may be true; journaling isn't their thing. However, I would argue that you at least try. Especially if you are starting with something like 2 days a week for your "quiet time." The point of journaling is to slow down in order to write and process your thoughts and prayers. It's a fantastic little tool you can use as a way of helping you memorizing scripture and something you can look back to so you can see how God has been at work in your life.

A journal, for me, helps me answer two questions when my mind is going several hundred directions: (1) What has God done? and (2) What is God doing?  One of the men in our group hated journaling; he gave it a shot while walking through James and hasn't stopped since. Another uses journaling as a way of helping him remember general things apart from Scripture, it also helps him communicate and articulate his prayers instead of feeling scatterbrained. 

4. PRAY

A pastor once told me, "you can't read scripture without praying and you can't pray without using scripture." When you begin to read your Bible, pray and ask God to reveal Himself to you through the scriptures and as you pray, incorporate what His word is teaching you and what has been revealed to you. This is also a great way to improve your memorization of Scripture and to be aware of what is being revealed to you. Prayer is a must during this time--approaching God boldly, in confidence, and as a result of our relationship with the Father (Hebrews 4:16). 

There are a ton of resources out there to help you with your quiet time, but all you need is God's Word and to be faithful. This short list are things that are vital to my time and have helped and encouraged me the most. Remember, this time is intentional and we should look forward to it; yes, life and schedules will happen--they're inevitable--but be faithful to protect and guard this time as it's time spent glorifying God and recognizing our need for him. 

RECOMMENDED READING: A Praying Life: Connecting with God in a Distracting World by Paul Miller; Praying the Bible by Donald Whitney; New Morning Mercies: A Daily Gospel Devotional by Paul David Tripp

Reclaiming "Quiet Time" | Discipline and Devotion

Reclaiming Quiet Time: 1. An Introduction | 2. Discipline and Devotion

Last week, I began a short series on reclaiming "quiet time." If you haven't read the first post, you should start there as we continue this series. But as a quick recap, I mentioned that "quiet time" is a period of time that is dedicated to devotion in God's word and prayer. Additionally, I began last week's post by noting that "quiet time" does not change how God views us; it is not a reflection of your maturity nor should it keep you from approaching the grace of God because of your sin. This week, I wish to dive a little more into what "quiet time" means and why it's good for us; addressing whether it's biblical or not. 

Let's begin by defining "quiet time" a little more clearly since last week we primarily looked at what it isn't. "Quiet time" is a concentrated time devoted to encountering God in His word and prayer for the purpose of spiritual growth and so that we might live out what we learn during this time. 

"Quiet time" is a discipline with the central focus of this time being encountering God privately and personally; worship. Further, let me add that this is a devotion. In other words, I understand that we may pray throughout the day or even listen to sermons, but I wish to emphasize that this time is specific, intentional, and purposely set aside. This time should help us in our spiritual development as we engage and encounter God through His word and prayer; lead us to confession and repentance; and ultimately leading us to our worship of Jesus. Remember, time in devotion should be a great reminder of our need for a Savior. This time should best help us develop and understand the renewal of our minds, conforming our lives to the grace of the gospel.  

The end goal, in my opinion, is that we would engage our need for Jesus during a time such as this daily. Paul, in Ephesians, tells us that we are to be imitators of God and as we look to Jesus throughout the content of the gospels, we see Him in constant, concentrated times of devotion and prayer (Mark 1:35; Luke 6:12; Luke 11:1). So, should you have this time in the morning or evening? And should you always have a journal alongside of you? I don't think that's the point. Regardless of what your time looks like, the crux is setting intentional and regular time alone with God for devotion, prayer, and worship. For me, it's early in the morning with my Bible and journal, lots of coffee, and headphones. What about you? 

RECOMMENDED READING: Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life by Donald Whitney

Guest Blog: EDC | The Essentials

*The following is a guest post by Jonah Riley. Jonah is a missionary in the RGV, local EMT, and minimalist; valuing Everyday Carry--enjoy! 

What are Daily Essentials? Ever hear of Every Day Carry (EDC)? EDC are the daily essentials to help you do life better. Everyone's EDC is different.  For some, it’s the watch that was handed down from their father and one day be handed down to their son. For others, it’s the cigar cutter that gets put in the same pocket everyday and placed on their night stand every night. (cough, cough, Marco). For myself, I like to take the minimalist approach and only carry what is needed for everyday tasks.

To help you build your personal EDC, here are my top 3 EDC Essentials, excluding items that go without saying (phone, keys, wallet, etc.)

1. A KNIFE

Plain and simple, I am a firm believer that every man should carry a knife. A knife can be used for a number of things: self defense, opening boxes/packages, or simply cutting an apple for you and your wife to share. It’s a tool that was in every pocket of everyone’s grandfather.

Above is the beautiful Spyderco Tenacious. A budget friendly item that is sure to tackle anything you put it through.

2. POCKET NOTEBOOK

My addiction to notebooks like Field Notes is strong. I use mine for everything: to-do lists (honey-do), sermon notes, journal entries, rough calculations, and a place for my chicken scratch to end up.

Field Notes pocket note books are visually appealing, weather well, and fit in your back pocket.

3. A PEN

Tactical or not, it’s always good to have a pen on hand. Don't be that guy that always asks for a pen, just carry one.

Above is the Smith and Wesson Tactical Pen: a machined aircraft aluminum with screw cap design and a sturdy pocket clip.

“A tactical pen is a deadly survival weapon in the right set of hands. In the wrong set of hands, it’s a harmless writing utensil.”                       -Will Brendza

Again, everyone's EDC is going to be different; that's what makes them fun and unique. What are some of the items you carry on the daily? I'd love to hear them in the comments below!

WANT TO KNOW MORE? 
Follow Jonah on Instagram
Visit and Support Los Rileys

Reclaiming "Quiet Time" | An Introduction

Last week I had some great conversation with dear friends about "quiet time." A time that's devoted to solitude, prayer, and God's word--I suppose that for many, it's a time spent in the morning, at least it is for me. As we began to nerd out on the type of notebooks or journals we prefer, it quickly led to a place of conviction in our conversation as we realized we engaged in quiet time for the wrong reasons or simply not engage in it at all. To begin, I want to say (or type) that I am by no means awesome at having consistent quiet time. Additionally, as a pastor I often get asked about my thoughts on quiet time or how to best approach it. So, I decided to write a short series on quiet time mainly to reclaim this time of devotion because I think many, including myself, often miss the mark.

In order to reclaim this time, we must first define what this time doesn't do--that's a good place to start. The time you spend in the morning journaling, praying, and reading God's word is not the measure of your spiritual life; it's not a status. Often, I think we over spiritualize this formative discipline and see it as a metric to evaluate our standing before God. Our confidence in who we are doesn't lie in how many pages we journal or how early we're waking up, but in the finished work of Christ alone. Through Jesus, we have been reconciled to the Father; sonship. Quiet time isn't about performance but worship. Performance is the result of pride that's a false sense of confidence in Jesus.

On the flip side, reclaiming quiet time is not necessarily because we view ourselves as having "arrived," but quite the opposite. This is where I fall into. Quiet time is only approached until I have "cleaned up first" before approaching God in anything. In other words, I believe I need to be cleansed through works in order to approach this time with God. This is not a dependence on the grace of God rather a dependence through seeking righteousness in our works rather than the finished work of Jesus. 

Your time that is spent alone with God should be intentional and for the purpose of worship; that is, a worship of who He is, what He's done, and how we are in need of Him. Time alone with God is an awareness of our need for Him because of our weakness and need for Jesus in everything. Your time that is spent alone with God does not promote you to a higher standard with God nor does it mean you need to be "clean," rather this time should humble us to boast in Christ alone. 

In this short series, I want to write a little more about feeling like I/we need to "clean up" before approaching God during this time of devotion and I wish to write about what this time actually is--why it's important. Our theology on prayer and solitude or "quiet time" will fuel our philosophy which leads into our practice. I hope this short series encourages you; you're definitely not alone. I'll share a few suggestions and if you've learned anything along the way, whether through these posts or other resources, I'd love to hear them. 

RECOMMENDED READING: The Valley of Vision: A Collection of Puritan Prayers and Devotions

The Church and Disciple Making

Last week, I was fortunate enough to get a few days in Dallas, both for an Acts 29 conference and a coaching cohort I'm a part of with some pretty astounding men; both were incredibly refreshing and encouraging. For my wiring, when I'm able to step out of my context for a brief moment and collaborate, not only are my mind wheels turning, but my thinking is much more clear. 

This season, in a word, has been intense. In a later post, I'll be sharing all that's been going on and why everything took off at 200mph. But until then, I simply wish to share an on-going conviction. Apart from preaching and teaching the word of God, my passions are to make disciples, develop leaders, and plant churches--all things that help to expand the Kingdom of God; not my own. What I'm most convicted and convinced by is that the primary way for the kingdom to be expanded is by making disciples that make disciples; multiplication. 

When we look at the great commission, Jesus said to "Go, therefore, and make disciples..." and at some point, the church cultivated a culture of the great commission being a building that says, "we've built this, therefore they will come..." Those are two incredibly different points of view on how to make disciples. For Jesus, the content and process of making disciples was immersing Himself into his culture and the people; sharing life with them; teaching them along the way. For many churches, the content and process of making disciples has become institutionalized through programs and really good music. 

When we commit to making disciples who make disciples, we not only participate in the great commission, but the kingdom is expanded where more and more come to hear and know the person and work of Jesus Christ. And before I continue, let me say this: nothing is wrong with great church programs or really good music, but that's not the priority of the church--it's to make disciples through cultural renewal (1 Peter 2:9-11) and missional engagement (John 1:14). While a church can have several marks that constitute it as a healthy church, I would first argue to say that if a church (the people) are not making disciples then they are not a church to begin with. 

We, the church, have been chosen by God to reveal his manifold wisdom; as a watching world looks in, they should be able to see glimpses of the Kingdom; existing to be a church that shows the beauty and glory of Jesus to the heart of our cities. 

Recommended Readings: On The Block: Developing a Biblical Picture for Missional Engagement by Doug Logan; A Meal with Jesus: Discovering Grace, Community, and Mission Around the Table by Tim Chester; Saturate: Being Disciples of Jesus in the Everyday Stuff of LIfe by Jeff Vanderstelt