Holding Fast to the Word of God: Part Two

Our virtual 2020 National Convention centered on the importance of Holding Fast to the Word of God. This blog series addresses the topic of how we as believers should seek to incorporate the Word of God into our everyday lives, and our authors share how they have practically done so in their personal lives. This post is written by Field Director, Lori Gaines. 

“Have a great day, or not…. the choice is yours.”  

This phrase was recited in a high school valedictorian’s speech that I once heard. The graduate said that each morning after giving announcements, the principal always ended with this phrase. Since hearing it, the phrase has stuck with me as I found it’s premise to be not only profound, but also very accurate.

No matter what circumstances we face, we always have a choice in how we react and respond. As a follower of Christ, I want to be more like Him, and my desire is to always approach difficult relationships, challenging situations, or a day gone wrong with humility, grace and a positive witness for Him. 

Sadly, I fall short of this godly aspiration all too often.  However, when I take time to begin my day with the Lord in a time of personal worship, or as some call it, a “quiet time,” I’m grounded in God’s Word and better equipped to face the unknowns of the day in a manner more closely resembling my longing to be a reflection of Him.

You might be thinking, “that’s a great concept, but I don’t have time or know what it should look like.” Reality is, there is no “one size fits all” approach. The importance and focus needs to just rest on being intentional in spending time alone each day with God. Here is a glimpse of what has worked for me; I hope it will help encourage you in shaping your own quiet time.

My Personal Quiet Time

My personal times of worship usually begin with me waking up, grabbing a cup of coffee, and curling up in my favorite overstuffed chair along with my Bible, journal, and an assortment of daily devotionals. I almost always read a daily dose of the gospel in New Morning Mercies, by Paul David Tripp followed by reading scripture and spending time in prayer. 

Sometimes I follow a specific Bible reading; other times I read through the Psalms. Some days I search scripture for wisdom about a challenge I’m facing. If my schedule is tight, I might just read a devo along with its accompanying scripture and pray over my day before (or as) I launch into it.  Days that have more flexibility might include spending time at the piano, playing hymns or worship songs while reflecting on and praising Him for His grace and faithfulness.

I don’t know about you, but I don’t always wake up feeling grateful, joyful, and blessed!  It’s especially on those days that developing a habit of spending time with God, ideally before I open my mouth or encounter anyone else, is so important to realign my heart and my gaze on Jesus.  When I’m intentional and active in seeking to know and follow Him first thing in the morning, my attitudes and responses throughout the day tend to be a much better reflection of Him and the transforming work of the Holy Spirit in me.  

So, have a great day, or not…. the choice is yours. I encourage you to spend focused time alone with Jesus each day to direct your heart and thoughts to Him; that your reactions and responses throughout the day might be more a reflection of His amazing grace at work in you.

Editor’s Note: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official views of TeenPact Leadership Schools. To learn more about our Vision & Values, please visit teenpact.com/vision-values/.