The Morning Watch

Posted on October 28, 2019 by America's Keswick in Freedom Fighters

He wakes me in the morning, wakens my ear to listen like one being instructed. The Sovereign Lord has opened my ears. Isaiah 40:5

It has been called many things:

  • The morning watch
  • Daily quiet time
  • Devotions
  • Time alone with God

Over the past several years, I have read books and even listened to some podcasts were Christian leaders have downplayed the importance of getting alone each day with the Lord. That scares me … but let me explain.

I am a list-keeper. I always have a running to-do list. I couldn’t really function in my role without a to-do list.

Having my daily time alone with God isn’t about doing it so that I can check it off my to-do list.

The purpose of my daily time alone with God isn’t to get any more of God’s love. He doesn’t love me more if I have my daily quiet time seven days a week or less if I only do it for three days.

I can’t gain any more love from God than the love He has already given me. The day I was saved, I received all the love and more that I will ever receive. He isn’t a Father who says if you do this and this, I will love you more. If you do this, I will love you less.

The reason that my daily time alone with God is so vital is that it helps me to fall more in love with Jesus. It is time for Him to speak to me through His Word. It is my time to pour out my heart to Him, and if I am willing, He will speak to me as I pray. I am not suggesting that I hear and audible voice, but I can tell you – He speaks to me.

Dr. Ron Blue, a former professor at Dallas Seminary, taught me years ago when I spoke at Sandy Cove that he put his daily quiet time in his appointment book just like he did for a doctor’s appointment. I have practiced this discipline now for over 35 years.

I would be lying to you if I said I never missed a day. But I have done better this year than last year. And I have learned this lesson when we watch men and women who drift in their relationship with the Lord, whether they are in ministry or in addiction recovery programs. When the bottom drops out, I always ask the question, “What about your quiet time?” 99% of the time, they say, “That was the first thing I let go.”

Preacher/Teacher/Commentator, Dr. Warren Wiersbe, said, “Surrender your mind to the Lord at the beginning of each day. I suggest you discipline yourself to spend in a daily systematic reading of God’s Word. Make this ‘quiet time,’ a priority that nobody can change.”

Anne Graham Lotz, daughter of the late Dr. Billy Graham says, “Knowing God involves an intimate, personal relationship that is developed over time through prayer and getting answers to prayer, through Bible study and applying its teaching to our lives, through obedience and experiencing the power of God, through moment-by-moment submission to Him that results in a moment-by-moment filling of the Holy Spirit.”

The bottom line is this: if you do not have a daily quiet time, would you consider doing it this week? Start out by taking ten minutes to read a passage of Scripture and pray. Grab a journal or notebook and start recording what God is teaching you.

I will share more on this next week. By the way, if you have a daily quiet time, I’d love to hear what you do too.

Relentlessly pursuing Christ,

Bill Welte, President/CEO
America’s Keswick

Written by Bill Welte, President/CEO of America’s Keswick: Bill has been married to his childhood sweetheart for 40+ years and has four married kids and 11 amazing grandkids. He loves music and is an avid reader.

Think About This: If thou may not continually gather thyself together, do it sometime at least once a day, morning, or evening. Thomas A Kempis

The Daily Bible Reading: 2 Samuel 9-11, 1 John 2| You can download our 2019 Daily Bible Reading Plan by clicking here

This Week’s Verse to Memorize: But it is good for me to draw near to God; I have put my trust in the Lord God, that I may declare all Your works. – Psalm 73:28

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the doctrinal and theological views held by America’s Keswick.

 

 

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