ICS Daily Devotions
Having Quiet Time with God

Many of us need to make major decisions and as Christians, our faith in God should be relevant to our daily living and the ability to trust Him in all circumstances.

Matthew 14:22-23 Immediately Jesus made His disciples get into the boat and go before Him to the other side, while He sent the multitudes away.23  And when He had sent the multitudes away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray. Now when evening came, He was alone there.

This event happened just after the disciples just experienced the feeding of the 5000 by Jesus when He multiplied the 5 loaves and 2 fishes. There were 12 baskets of left-overs after they had distributed the food to the masses. Jesus also healed the sick when He saw the multitudes and had compassion on them. It was a very busy day for Jesus and the disciples.

All of us are very busy in Shanghai and there is something that we need to learn from Jesus who had to send the crowd away and to be alone with the Heavenly Father. There are many people who find their identity in their busy schedule and the attention of other people. However, as Christians, we should find our significance in being a child of God and that is the basis for everything to flow well. Otherwise, we will be affected by what others may think, say or instruct which oftentimes can be contrary to our Christian values and beliefs.

Having time alone with God will help us to refocus our thoughts, make alignment with His values, be reminded of who God is and what He can do, what we have as a believer and allow the Holy Spirit to bring into remembrance those things that God has spoken to us including the call of God for our lives. Being alone with God will also bring peace and stability back to our mind and heart when we are in the midst of chaos in the office and the home. It gives us another perspective; God’s perspective.

Spending time with the Heavenly Father intentionally is important because we have to be responsible to ensure that we make time for those things that we value and hold in high regards and importance. Isaiah 40:31 tells us that it is in His presence where our strength is renewed, we will not be weary neither will we faint. He gives power to the weak and for those who have no might He increases strength.

Therefore, from today, start to spend quiet time with your God.

Sermon Series: Out of the Boat onto the Water