How to win the war for time with God !

HEYY Guys !!

So I have been super MIA For the past however long…. Some of it has simply been down to me being lazy as well as struggling to find inspiration to do this. Lately One thing that has been evident in my absence is the reality of spiritual warfare and the battle for having set apart bible study time l time which I have gathered from talking to numerous people is a never-ending struggle for many of us, one that we often lose. I know I do. Our attention is under attack for vain things and for the personal-approval desires that lure us online. So how do we preserve our time? 

As soon as you wake, there is a war to keep you from the word of God. I feel like this is a daily, constant war for me. When I got a full-time job, the war got even harder.  That’s not to say in school it’s not hard. But I feel like I had more meaningful distractions. You know my assignments, the netball team and plenty of undictated free time to do as I pleased.

I woke up when I had classes and appointments but apart from that I woke up when wanted to wake up. I could spend time with the word for an hour if I chose to. Now, if I want to spend uninterrupted time with God, I either need to wake up at 5am latest or schedule it in after work.

So, I think the war is, Do I make time for God, or do I try to fit God into the time that I feel like I already don’t have? When I wake up, it’s a daily decision. Ultimately the question on the line is how much do I love God?

Now they are many ways which I have found to be helpful to get my time with God in. I think we often including myself we fall into the trap that spending time with God has to be ridged in one spot. I used to beat myself up if my quiet time with God was not structured properly in my head. Then after starting work I realised to make use of all the time I have and that even means having my devotions on the bus on my phone or with my little notebook or when I’m washing the dishes or tending to my patients at work, God is still with me. I might not have the time to write out everything but I can meditate on scripture whilst on my phone or on the computer at work.

One thing I also realised is that I haven’t been properly resting in the lord. God gave us the seventh day Sabbath to rest in him and to study His ways but God showed me myself and I realised many a times I’ve been in church and realised not only did I not welcome the Sabbath properly but at times I’ve sat in church and my heart was on social media or completely distracted by what I have to do the next day when I could be having quality bible study just me and God. I’m someone who loves bible study with a passion and I was often getting upset that I couldn’t do that every day. I remember telling my friend this and she was like “err girl you have plenty of time on Friday evening and on Sabbath to get some quality time with God”. Which Is ever so true. Because let’s face it unless you have more flexible working hours in-depth bible study can be hard to do everyday but you can set apart a day or 2 in the week to do so.

I’ve realised that I’m drawn to whatever I desire and If I’m not delighting in the word of God, then most likely I’m not delighting in God himself. I think that’s ultimately what is at stake — my affections.

Psalm 37:4-6 English Standard Version (ESV)⁴ Delight yourself in the Lord,
    and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord, trust in him, and he will act.
    and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord, trust in him, and he will act.

James 4:8 English Standard Version (ESV)⁸ Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.
  

What are my affections in, and what am I double minded about? If my affections are in my sleep, then I’m going to treasure sleep over the word. If my affections are on Instagram and spend over an hour on there then the proof is I have time I just don’t have the desire and I need to ask God to help me to desire Him and seek Him with all my mind.

I think identifying what really is my joy is helpful. Is it God? Is it my stuff? Is it my peace — or what I think is peace, because I’m able to sit up and watch something online when I could be reading my bible? 

Although these things are great opportunities what’s ultimately at risk 
is me and God being good.

Staying connected to God is key!! Life easily gets in the way and bang I’m distracted. But I notice the change immediately in my spirit and peace of mind when I’m not connected to God. For me, this is vital so the old me doesn’t creep back in because she is not as patient as the new me lol but once you see it happening I want to encourage you to tune off the YouTube, the Instagram, the Facebook and the phone-calls and texts and talk to God. The vision will be clear again.

Just a few tips

1.    Pray for the desire to spend time with God

2.   Realise you can spend time with God anywhere, even on public transport!!

3.   Observe the Sabbath. Use that time for personal time with God and switch off all the distractions. That way you can also focus on being a blessing and being blessed in the presence of God with other believers.

4.   Don’t beat yourself up, once you see the need for God make some changes. God will help your efforts. 😊

Overcoming negative thinking: 5 steps towards more peace in the new year.

In our excitement to welcome the new year it can be easy to forget that just like the previous year, everything WILL NOT be perfect and most likely you will be carrying over the same old mindset into the new. Challenges will arise and there are gonna be issues you need to address. However, I’m so grateful that we serve a constant God, if he could strengthen us through last year, he is faithful to do the same this year. However, to make this life a little bit easier, we have to work with him and protect our peace. This is incredibly vital because eventually the newness of the year is gonna wear off and if we are not careful our emotions are gonna run our lives when people get on our nerves or most importantly when we fail to meet the expectations we set for ourselves. I’ve come to realise that it’s in those moments that it becomes easy to forget who we are through Christ and who we are living for.

Now the reason I thought it was important to write about this, is because that’s an area I sometimes really struggle with and God had to check me on this. If I’m to be completely honest with you, I had one too many tantrums last year and allowed seeds to grow in my life that should have never been planted which led me to be VERY upset. I was an emotional mess until God went and got me together. I remember one night as I was having my devotional I cried in frustration to God because I just felt so attacked by thoughts in my own head!

It was literally as if my mind was plagued with things I wanted to happen, events, and worries about my future. I cried Lord I claim your word that “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:13) and you “…have plans to prosper me and give me an expected end...” (Jeremiah 29:11) but I’m finding it hard to be positive and walk out in faith claiming your promises! What I knew I ought to do, it seemed impossible for me to do and I was about ready to be done. As I sat talking to God I began to cry because of all my anxieties and He spoke to me and said

 “Rejoice, what door is open in your life that you’re allowing the devil to come through and breed these false and negative thoughts? Are you allowing social media such as Instagram, relationship posts and the music you’re listening to, to plants seeds of discontentment? Who are you following, watching and wanting to be like that it's causing you to doubt who I say you are. I need you to guard your heart Rejoice so I can tell you my secrets and show you my heart and things that are unseen, not these temporary earthly attainments. Stop using these things to make you feel good about yourself, I want your entire heart and you have to grow up. Once you let go of these worldly ideals can you then be content in every area of your life. My grace is sufficient for you. My strength is made perfect in your weakness”.

 In that moment, I repented to God for putting other things before him. I also decided to hit back negativity with the word of God and what he says about me, not what is fed on media and other people’s expectations. The world will and IS trying to deceive you by telling you that if you don’t have this or are going through that, then your life ain’t popping, you’re missing out or could be better. Now don’t get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with setting goals for ourselves, but we are to fix our eyes on Jesus for heaven is the ultimate goal (Colossians 3:1-2).  Trusting in the Lord brings ultimate safety, peace, joy and assurance of the future. This is a daily decision you will have to make if you want to win against Satan’s attacks and threatening thoughts. We can't afford to be distracted by silly things when there is heaven on the line. What door have you kept open which the devil comes in to steer you off track? Now I’m going to share with you, my 5 practical tips which help guard me against negativity and fear in order to keep my peace.

1.      Put on the whole armour of God- look at Ephesians 6:14-17. Too many of us are refusing to get dressed each morning and are walking around in rags or even naked, because we don’t read and apply the word of God DAILY and wonder why things aren’t going so well.(Belt of truth, Breastplate of Righteousness, Shoes of the gospel of peace, Shield of faith and Helmet of truth.)We are in a spiritual warfare and our salavation is on the line!
2.    Mind your company- Bad company corrupts good character ( 1 Corinthians 15:33). Whether we like it or not the people and the things we entertain rub off on us, hence why we start to imitate friends’ expressions or characters on the tv shows we watch. If you have friends who are constantly talking down about themselves or other people or better yet if they love to sit and compare other people’s lives etc it's time to evaluate those friendships. If you allow yourself to feed of those types of conversations, they will start to affect you in your subconscious and you wonder why you’re negative?? A person who TRULY loves God will not actively go and engage in an environment which does not cultivate their faith or is contrary to the bible without being UNCOMFORTABLE or CONVICTED.
3.    Believe the best! -  Why are you talking to Satan? You need to capture those thoughts and make them obedient to the word of God. God has not given you a spirit of fear, but through him, you’re more than a conqueror.  I always try and base my thoughts on Philippians 4:8. (whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely and admirable). I like to ask myself Is what I’m thinking true or have I made up this scenario in my head and ran off with it, now I’m making myself feel bad over what’s not a reality? Am I being led by my feelings and emotions which change? What is the goal of thinking these bad thoughts? There is always good in something so dwell on the positive. Track down your stimuli and get tough with them! What gets your mind going? Is it the explore tab on Instagram, music or a particular tv show ?
4.   Know what the Bible says -  if you’re not sure go to the Bible or go and google some verses concerning your situation then go sit before the Lord. If you don’t know of what God says about you and the future how can you have assurance? The bible will put things in perspective for you and help you to stop making bad decisions and running ahead of God.
5.    Spend time with God- How can you have trust and love for someone you don’t know? Time with God is pure JOY and only He can meet your needs and give you the SPECIFIC diagnosis for whatever is happening in your life. Too often we like to look at other people’s spiritual experiences and lives and then compare it to ours etc. Trust me I have done that! The only person we need to be looking at is God for he was the ultimate example. God wants to spent time with you, Jeremiah 33:3 is just one of many examples where God has called us and said “Ask me and I will tell you remarkable secrets you do not know about things to come.”.  Only when you spend time with him and APPLY the word, you are able to be unbothered by negativity and concentrate more on living a life pleasing to God that will draw others to Him. 

No matter what happens this year, let’s not forget the work God is doing in us and wants to complete in us. As we pray for blessings and opportunities this new year, lets pray that God imparts in us a steadfast spirit that will endure all the hardships to come. Let us pray that we don’t feed our imaginations, fantasies and daydreams based on loneliness, anxiety or desperation. Let us pray that the lord will renew us. As Romans 12:2 says “Don't copy the behaviour and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God's will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.” Things will happen and we can’t control all that will happen, however, we do have the CHOICE to depend on the Lord.

REMEMBER Cheerfulness Brightens the Pathway—It is the duty of everyone to cultivate cheerfulness instead of brooding over sorrow and troubles. Many not only make themselves wretched in this way, but they sacrifice health and happiness to a morbid imagination. There are things in their surroundings that are not agreeable, and their countenances wear a continual frown that more plainly than words expresses discontent.2MCP 759.1

These depressing emotions are a great injury to them healthwise, for by hindering the process of digestion they interfere with nutrition. While grief and anxiety cannot remedy a single evil, they can do great harm; but cheerfulness and hope, while they brighten the pathway of others, “are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh.”—The Signs of the Times, February 12, 1885. (My Life Today, 153.)

THIS IS JUST TOO LONG! Rebellion and life callings

At some point during one’s Christian walk, there gets a point when you ask yourself “What’s the point of it all? 

It's either you get overwhelmed or complacent or your walk feels stagnant.  It’s almost like you stop caring about your life because you think God is distant and doesn’t care about you either. Or if you know he cares and wants the best for you, you don't live it out. You start entertaining bad relationships, spend like crazy, some people drink or smoke, or do whatever else that fills their voids rather than seek God, because WHY does it matter anyway?

All this doing "right"— doesn’t seem to be really going anywhere and you have major FOMO (Fear of missing out).This becomes very dangerous because when you start to feel like this, you become blind to your own ignorance which can hinder you in walking the path God intends for you to. It’s almost like there is a glaze over your eyes and ears that we end up not being convicted or if we do it's only temporary before something goes and distracts us.

I think one of the reasons this tends to happen is that we get so focused on someone else’s walk. Or we get too comfortable in our own walk that we stop ceasing to put the work in. Everybody seems to be doing things and making movements towards their “purpose” or life goals. It’s like they have it all figured out and you’re like erm “hey God over here… give me something” or on the otherhand you find yourself overwhelmed with your Christian responsibilities that you start to slack.

As I’m going through my Christian walk, one thing that keeps coming up is that I should seek Christ no matter what I'm feeling or going through (matt 6:33) and pray without ceasing for God will finish the work he has started in me . It can be so easy to get caught up in what God has called us to do, that you may either start something you shouldn’t, or the route of envy begins. On the flip side of things, you may start not to care about your walk at all through your daily actions in life. Don’t ignore Jesus, don't ever stop seeking him or grow weary in doing good. He will make his way plain before your face when you seek him. God is not silent! I’m telling you first hand. God can either communicate to you through your gut instinct/consciousness, people or events, but you gotta be seeking. Write God a note, whisper a prayer... never stop in finding an opportunity to talk to God and pray that he gives you a love for him.

Jeremiah 29:12-14 English Standard Version (ESV)

¹² Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. ¹³ You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart. ¹⁴ I will be found by you, declares the Lord, and I will restore your fortunes and gather you from all the nations and all the places where I have driven you, declares the Lord, and I will bring you back to the place from which I sent you into exile.

Now here I have some MAJOR KEYS which I try to abide by which help me when my walk gets a bit blah or i get overwhelmed with all the variours things i have to be keeping up with.

1. You gotta Repent and RENEW. Read ALL of 1 John. See your life as a tree and that you’re bearing fruit. The fruit of your tree should be rooted from Christ. You can give your life to God at a young age but track your life from then till now look how far you have come. I really recommend journaling your devotional thoughts, prayers and general chit chat to God. Yes, the fruit is in the pudding but fruit grows slowly, so don't be hard on yourself if you aren't growing in certain areas. God is great because he gives us grace HOWEVER you must be INTENTIONAL in GROWING up in HIM.

2.You gotta LISTEN to God. When you get convicted about an issue, purpose in your heart to work it out, there is nothing than having peace with Jesus, otherwise, the complaining will never stop. And if he tells you to do something, take the leap and do it ! you will wish you had started earlier. 

3.Check out your space. Who are you hanging out with as you get overwhelmed in your walk ? REMEMBER sin separates us from CHRIST. (Isaiah 59:2). Ask God for guidance in that area of friendships and as you do so, also encourage those around you as they might be feeling the same too.

4.Be content (it's hard yall). Even though you may not be where you want to be in life right now ...  you have God. Keep your eyes on him and he will open doors that no man can close. WHEN JESUS SAYS YES NOBODY CAN SAY NO. Sometimes life gets dreary bit God will bring you some amazing blessings in your life. There is a time for everything Ecclesiastes 3:1.

Please remember (this is also a note to self) that your life is much greater than your feelings job or your degree or your relationship. It's bigger than you appearing successful to some people, It’s bigger than you appearing to be the perfect Christian. It's bigger than what you think. God has created every single one of us and placed us in our mother’s womb for such a time as this, meaning you have a purpose!

The Christian walk is not an easy one, and sometimes it seems like you're not on the right path.But don't get discouraged just know that.If God woke you up this morning, God is going to use TODAY to prepare you for those things HE called you to do. WE will never arrive there is something to always work on. So, don't get caught up in this silly world & it’s ideas, or that you're not good enough. Don't place yourself around people and situations that bring you down.

Love,

Rejoicexox