In Silence with Jesus (2) | Biblestudy4Starters Chapters

2. In Silence with Lord Jesus

What is essential in your day-to-day life, if you want to grow strong in the Lord and live for God? In other words, what is one of the secrets to have a victorious Christian life?

Matthew 6:33; 13:3-9,18-23; 26:36-39,40-41, 42-46; Luke 21:36; I Peter 2:2,9.

Your quiet time with Jesus, this is top priority! By having this daily devotion, you will be digging very deep to build a strong foundation for your spiritual house! Without it you cannot expect to be an overcomer or to bear good fruit.

Your secret time with the Lord strengthens your “roots” and will give your life eternal value. Start out with at least 15 minutes a day … after a short time you will certainly want to increase your time spent with God. Jesus said to Peter, “What! Could you not watch with Me one hour?”

What is your silent time with Jesus all about?

Psalm 9:1-3; 18:1-6; 63:1-8; Proverbs 8:17; Mark 1:35; John 14:23-27; Philippians 4:6-7; 1 John 5:14-15.

A dialogue with Jesus at a set time, preferably in the morning.

In these moments you listen to what your Father has to say to you out of the Bible, His Holy Word, and you talk to the Lord. You may tell Him that you love Him, that you want to obey Him, and that you want to bring a smile on His face. You can pray for others that they might be saved for eternity.

Indeed, you desire to listen to Jesus, because you love Him and He loves you. How can you say you love Him, while you do not read His love-letter to please Him to know His will and to obey His will?

During the day -whatever you are doing- wherever you are and whenever you want, you can talk to your loving Father.

Important:

Do not forget to thank the Lord and sing a song to Him, your heavenly Father, Holy Spirit and Christ Jesus love it. See several links to worship songs at the end of this Chapter.

If you start the day with praise, it will be easier for you to end your day with praise!

Where should you start reading the holy Bible?

One way is to start at the New Testament the Gospel according to Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. Then, read the first letter of John (1 John 1-5) twice, and continue from Acts to Revelation.

Afterwards, when you read through the Old Testament, systematically, read it together with a portion of the New Testament. By adding the New Testament, you will have a balanced spiritual diet, which will prevent you from becoming overwhelmed by the laws, old covenant sacrifices and disobedience of the people of Israel.

The Old Testament is a foreshadow of things to come and all point to Christ Jesus. Just as many prophesies already were fulfilled in Christ Jesus, other events that are foretold will also come true soon. Indeed, Jesus makes the difference and really makes all things new.

Why memorize a Bible verse?

Although you may not become a living Bible concordance, it is crucial to continue memorizing specific Scripture verses, as it will:

1. Help you abide in Christ Jesus, as His Words are kept in your heart, while the Father is glorified!

[John 15:7-8]

2. Help you to bear good fruit and prosper!

[John 15:1-17; Joshua 1:8; Philippians 4:13]

3. Renew your mind!

[Romans 12:1-5; Proverbs 23:7]

4. Keep you away from sin!

[Psalm 39:1; 51:10-17; 119:9-11,133]

5. Generate health in your body and abundant life for your soul!

[Proverbs 4:20-22; 18:10; John 10:10]

6. Give you the sword in your heart and mouth to overcome temptation and the enemy: even Jesus had to overcome Satan’s temptations by the spoken Word

“It is written … It is written … for it is written!”

[Matthew 4:4,7,10]

Important Vitamin to Memorize:

An awesome vitamin to memorize; make no mistake this should be first priority in our life:

Vitamin F1: “But seek FIRST the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”

[Matthew 6:33]

Why read and study the Word?

Below are more reasons why it is vital to study the Scriptures:

1. The Word (the Holy Bible) is your heavenly Father’s love letter to you, so we are eager to listen to His voice!

[John 10:1-5,7-11,14-18,27]

2. To have an intimate friendship and personal relationship with our Lord Jesus!

[Proverbs 8:17; John 10:28-30; 14:21-23]

3. To better know our heavenly Father God, our Lord Jesus Christ and our Holy Spirit!

[John 1:1-18; 14:6; 2 Corinthians 13:14]

4. To develop Christ’s character!

[Galatians 5:22-26; Colossians 3:1-16; Hebrews 12:14]

5. To hate and renounce sin!

[Psalm 97:10; 101:3a; Proverbs 8:13; Galatians 5:19-21]

6. To inject healing in your body!

[Isaiah 53:3-5; 1 Peter 2:24]

7. To walk in the fear of the Lord (walking in respect, awe and obedience) and to become wise!

[Psalm 119:97-101,130; Proverbs 1:1-8; 9:10-11; 11:30; Matthew 10:28]

8. It will guide you and give direction in your life!

[Psalm 32:8; 119:105]

9. To obtain protection!

[Psalm 91:1-9,10,11-16; Proverbs 18:10; 29:25]

10. To reveal sin!

[Psalm 19:7,12-14]

11. It teaches you how to speak or to stay quiet!

[Proverbs 15:1-4; 18:21; 21:23]

12. Keeps you humble (humbleness of mind in submission to God)

[Matthew 11:27-30; Philippians 2:5-15]

13. To grow and walk in holiness!

[Hebrews 12:10-15; 1 Thessalonians 4:3-9]

14. To know God’s will and obey Him!

[Matthew 7:21-25; Philippians 1:9-11]

15. To make you wise!

[Psalm 119:98]

16. To share the Gospel!

[Proverbs 11:30; Romans 1:16-17; 2 Timothy 2:15-26]

17. To glorify King Jesus!

[Colossians 3:17; Ephesians 1:19-21]

Important Vitamin to Memorize:

Another crucial one to memorize:

Vitamin H1: “Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear HIM who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.”

[Matthew 10:28]

How can you prosper and have God’s favor and blessing upon your life?

Joshua 1:8; Psalm 1:1-3; 73:1-28; John 16:33; James 1:22-26; Revelation 2:8-10; 3:17-22; 12:11.

By walking intimately with God, meditating on and speaking the life-changing Word of God and above all by being a doer of His Word, which certainly is walking in love and compassion. To prosper in God’s perspective, is not measured by fame, honor and riches in this world, but by walking in the center of God’s will and making wise decisions in life!

Also, you might not have earthly success or riches, yet you can be rich spiritually, as you can read in Revelation 3:17-22. Psalm 73 speaks of the prosperity of the wicked, but their end will be a different story. When we are successful in the world, often times it goes together with spiritual poverty. Success in the world is not necessarily a result of obedience to God.

Remember to always keep eternity in mind!

Job 1:1-21, 3:25, 42:10-17; Proverbs 29:25; Matthew 10:28; Romans 8:31-39; 2 Timothy 1:7; 1 John 4:4,15-19.

In the world we will go through difficulties, we may even have tribulation and be persecuted for our faith in our Lord Jesus.

Job was tested and God allowed painful situations in his life, but these were caused by Satan. The enemy wanted to see Job curse God, but Job was faithful to His heavenly Father and God recompensed him abundantly in the end.

Job also teaches us to not focus on the negative, or on the fear of a negative result or outcome, and neither to doubt God’s Word and His Promise. God’s perfect love and His Word kept in our hearts will most certainly drive out all fear!

What is a good way of meditating as a born-again Christian?

Exodus 15:26; 19:3-8; Joshua 1:8; Psalm 119:9-11,97,113-115,130,165; John 15:7; 2 Timothy 2:15; 3:16-17; Hebrews 12:2.

By reading a specific verse of Scripture different times, then think about it, trying to fully comprehend its meaning by asking the Holy Spirit to reveal the answers to your questions concerning its content. Meditation is not keeping a blank and void mind or having a passive, open mind.

Biblical type of meditation is actively pondering on God’s living Word and even boldly declaring Scripture. This will help you to really do His will and stay on the same wave-length of the Spirit of Jesus, so He can give you His insights and direct your thoughts.

What is one of Satan's strategies and what will the enemy try to do?

Philippians 1:6; Colossians 1:21-23; 1 Timothy 6:12; 1 Peter 5:8-11.

One of his goals is to stop you from having your quiet time with Jesus and, as a result of that, to have you stop with your faith in and personal relationship with the Lord Jesus. Be consistent and persevere.

As you stay in God’s hands and you totally trust and depend on Him, the Holy Spirit will give you not a huge light beam but a flashlight to walk with Jesus, step by step by step.

Psalm 16:11; 25:4-5; 32:8; 119:105; Matthew 11:28-29; Ephesians 6:17.

Even if you are a so-called mature Christian, walking many years with God, and even if you were once filled with the Holy Ghost, you could still go astray if you disregard the Word of God. Or, are disobedient or if you take some part of Scripture out of its context. It is therefore of utmost importance to stay humble, be patient in waiting for God’s direction, and always willing to learn.

Is there any other source, besides the Holy Bible?

Psalm 119:140,160; Isaiah 28:10-13; John 16:13-15; Ephesians 4:11-15;

2 Timothy 3:16-17; Hebrews 10:25.

The Holy Bible, the Word, is God’s voice and revealed will. However, do not pull one verse of Scripture out of its context and out of God’s revealed principles and truth. It is an incremental process of actively seeking understanding, each “precept” (or instruction) will serve as a foundation for the next, while “here a little, and there a little” emphasizes that God’s revelation is given throughout Scripture.

We also learn from each other in fellowship, especially from our spiritual leaders that walk in obedience to God. Be open to correction and above all, we need the Holy Spirit to teach us and give us understanding in the Word.

Important Vitamins to Memorize:

Two other great vitamins to plant in your memory:

Vitamin A1: “If you ABIDE in Me, and My words ABIDE in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so, you will be My disciples.” [John 15:7-8]

Vitamin A2: “Watch therefore, and pray ALWAYS that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man.”

[Luke 21:36]

How can you discern God’s voice? How does Jesus speak to our hearts?

Exodus 15:26; 19:3-6; Deuteronomy 28:1-3, 15; Luke 8:21; John 1:1; 10:1-5,14-18,25-30; John 14:21-26; John 16:13-15; Romans 10:17; Jeremiah 29:13; Joel 2:28-29; 1 Samuel 3:1-10; 1 Kings 19:11-13; Hebrews 1:1-3; Revelation 1:15.

God’s voice, that is His will and commandments can first of all be found in the Scriptures. Lord Jesus desires to speak to us each day through His Word, the Holy Bible. Be sensitive as you study His Word, ask what He wants to tell you, and obey His will as God reveals it to you through His Word.

Jesus teaches that His children will recognize His still and gentle voice in their hearts, of course if we love Him with all our heart and are obedient to Him. But, do not be misled to seek hearing an audible voice.

In John 14:26 Jesus explains that it is the Holy Spirit who will teach us, while in John 16:13-15 Jesus states that God’s Spirit of Truth will guide us into -and show us- all truth. Most importantly, it is the Holy Spirit who will speak to us in our hearts everything He hears from Father God and from Lord Jesus. He is the One who will show us and tell us of things to come.

It might be through a specific Scripture (Bible verse), that special Word that is quickened by the Holy Spirit, in other words, it touches our heart and comes alive in our entire being, and we know that it applies to us, read also Romans 10:17.

It might also be through dreams, or visions, or circumstances, or a still voice in our hearts. We therefore pray, 'Holy Spirit, may we always be at the right place and at the right time.'

God can speak in various manners and through different channels. God may use your pastor, an elder, your brother or sister in Christ, and even a complete stranger, who says something and you immediately understand that this is your answer that you were looking for.

Even the example of a born-again Christian’s life can speak to you and give you a message from God. Ultimately, it is the Holy Spirit who reveals God’s will, which will always be in line with God’s revealed will in the Scriptures.

Furthermore, always inform your heavenly Father about (important) decisions that you need to take. God will never compel or threaten you to hastily do something or for you to decide something in a hurry. The latter is a sure sign of the enemy.

Present the information to God and ask Him what to do and learn to wait for His guidance and direction. Pray for discernment to distinguish His answer and not to be confused by other sources such as your own desires, your own will, and other worldly influences.

In Divine order the Holy Spirit will give you -if you are attentive- an inner conviction, a peaceful assurance and confirmation of His voice and/or direction.

Once His will or direction is revealed, it will always be in agreement with His Word and with God’s principles of love and truth.

Worship Songs:

You may want to sing to and worship the Lord with some of the following songs to express your love to Him. Along the way you will certainly come across other songs.

I Love You Lord - Maranatha:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nZSPlHkbABo

Holy Forever - Chris Tomlin:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IkHgxKemCRk

Revelation Song – Kari Jobe:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D-zk-E55dRk&list=RDD-zk-E55dRk&index=2

Here I am to Worship - Chris Tomlin:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FaUTv1pXRyU

Welcome Holy Spirit – Oasis Worship:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c8M1SvGuSjo

Come Holy Spirit (Live) - Terry MacAlmon:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JrqCB11qbVw

I Came to Worship You - Terry MacAlmon:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-qxLQ0NPEtg

You Deserve the Glory - Terry MacAlmon:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Asvp4ysmhVE

Holy Are You Lord - Terry MacAlmon:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8XYQGvDT2pE

Blessing and Honor, Glory and Power - Terry MacAlmon:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dtvthdz2Ji0

Open the Eyes of My Heart – Michael W. Smith:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fadU7b9aa78

Above All - Lenny LeBlanc:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5_cxhf5ISeg&list=RDGMEMMib4QpREwENw3_jAc0YgNw&index=34

Holy Spirit - Jesus Culture:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qNwnOfZ5N8A

Thank You Jesus for the Blood - Charity Gayle:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dhU-Omwg2rU

Nothing but the Blood of Jesus – Leah Mari:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BYjhGeAIG6k

O The Blood of Jesus - LaMar Boschman, Integrity's Hosanna Music:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OK3-mgzweoc

QUESTIONS On Chapter 2: In Silence with Lord Jesus

If you don’t know the answer, return to the text of that specific question and reread/restudy the relevant Bible verses until you grasp it.

“Then He came to the disciples and found them sleeping, and said to Peter, “What! Could you not watch with Me one hour?”

[Matthew 26:40]

Answer these questions in your own words.

1. What is essential in your day-to-day life, if you want to grow strong in the Lord and live for God? In other words, what is one of the secrets to have a victorious Christian life?

2. What is your silent time with Jesus all about?

3. Where should you start reading the holy Bible?

4. Why memorize a Bible verse?

5. Vitamin F1: Matthew 6:33:

6. Why read and study the Word?

7. Vitamin H1: Matthew 10:28:

8. How can you prosper and have God’s favor and blessing upon your life?

9. What is a good way of meditating as a born-again Christian?

10. What is one of Satan’s strategies and what will the enemy try to do?

11. As you stay in God’s hands and you totally trust and depend on Him, the Holy Spirit will give you not a huge light beam but a flashlight to walk with Jesus, step by step by step.

12. Is there any other source, besides the Holy Bible?

13. Vitamin A1: John 15:7-8:

14. Vitamin A2: Luke 21:36:

15. How can you discern God’s voice? How does Jesus speak to our hearts?

by Dennis V. Dare

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