Devotional Week One: We Need To Spend Time With Jesus
DAILY DEVOTIONAL
Come Away With Me
Week One: We Need To Spend Time With Jesus
Matt Reece
Day 1: Embracing Restorative Rest
Rest with a purpose is an invitation to be replenished in strength and spirit. It is not about ceasing all activity but about engaging in rest that rejuvenates and prepares one for the journey ahead. In the quietude of Jesus' presence, there is a special kind of rest that goes beyond physical relaxation. It is a divine rest that fills the weary with new energy, equips the burdened with courage, and provides clarity to the confused. This rest is a sacred time to reflect, to be grateful, and to align one's heart with God's will, finding peace that surpasses all understanding.
"Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls." (Matthew 11:28-29 ESV)
Reflection: How can you incorporate a daily time of restorative rest into your routine to ensure you are being replenished in the presence of Jesus? [49:33]
Day 2: Prioritizing Presence Over Performance
The transformative power of Jesus is often most evident in the stillness of His presence. Choosing to sit at His feet, as Mary did, is a conscious decision to prioritize spiritual nourishment over the endless list of tasks that demand our attention. This choice signifies a deep understanding of the value of being filled with God's presence. It is in these moments of quiet communion that one's faith is strengthened, and the soul is enriched. By choosing the better part, one affirms that the most important aspect of life is not the doing but the being with God.
"But the Lord answered her, 'Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.'" (Luke 10:41-42 ESV)
Reflection: What is one activity you can reduce or eliminate from your schedule to make more room for spending time in Jesus' presence? [34:15]
Day 3: Building Life Around Divine Priorities
Creating time with Jesus requires intentional prioritization of one's relationship with Him. It is a deliberate act of structuring one's life in such a way that time with Jesus is not just another item on the to-do list, but the foundation upon which all other activities are built. This commitment reflects a deep understanding of the importance of spiritual growth and the recognition that every other aspect of life is secondary to the relationship with the divine. By placing Jesus at the center, one's daily life becomes a living testimony to the faith they profess.
"Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually!" (1 Chronicles 16:11 ESV)
Reflection: How can you restructure your daily schedule to ensure that time with Jesus is your first priority rather than an afterthought? [35:33]
Day 4: Transformation Through Surrender
The story of Jesus turning water into wine is not just a display of His miraculous power but also a metaphor for the transformation that occurs when one surrenders to Him. Just as the water was transformed into the finest wine, so too can our lives be changed when we enter into Jesus' presence with faith and openness. This transformation is not superficial but profound, affecting every aspect of our being. It is a reminder that no matter how ordinary we may feel, in the hands of Jesus, we have the potential to become extraordinary vessels of His grace and love.
"Jesus said to the servants, 'Fill the jars with water.' And they filled them up to the brim. And he said to them, 'Now draw some out and take it to the master of the feast.' So they took it." (John 2:7-8 ESV)
Reflection: In what ways do you need to surrender to Jesus to experience His transformative power in your life? [50:11]
Day 5: Valuing Being Over Doing
In a world that often measures worth by productivity and accomplishments, it is vital to remember that our true value lies in our identity as children of God. Resting in His presence allows us to embrace this truth, understanding that our worth is not tied to our output but to whom we belong. This perspective shifts our focus from doing to being, from striving to resting, and from self-reliance to dependence on God. It is in His presence that we find the assurance that our lives have meaning and purpose beyond our earthly achievements.
"For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them." (Ephesians 2:10 ESV)
Reflection: How can you remind yourself daily that your worth is found in your identity as a child of God, not in your accomplishments? [38:31]
Come Away With Me
Week One: We Need To Spend Time With Jesus
Matt Reece
Day 1: Embracing Restorative Rest
Rest with a purpose is an invitation to be replenished in strength and spirit. It is not about ceasing all activity but about engaging in rest that rejuvenates and prepares one for the journey ahead. In the quietude of Jesus' presence, there is a special kind of rest that goes beyond physical relaxation. It is a divine rest that fills the weary with new energy, equips the burdened with courage, and provides clarity to the confused. This rest is a sacred time to reflect, to be grateful, and to align one's heart with God's will, finding peace that surpasses all understanding.
"Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls." (Matthew 11:28-29 ESV)
Reflection: How can you incorporate a daily time of restorative rest into your routine to ensure you are being replenished in the presence of Jesus? [49:33]
Day 2: Prioritizing Presence Over Performance
The transformative power of Jesus is often most evident in the stillness of His presence. Choosing to sit at His feet, as Mary did, is a conscious decision to prioritize spiritual nourishment over the endless list of tasks that demand our attention. This choice signifies a deep understanding of the value of being filled with God's presence. It is in these moments of quiet communion that one's faith is strengthened, and the soul is enriched. By choosing the better part, one affirms that the most important aspect of life is not the doing but the being with God.
"But the Lord answered her, 'Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.'" (Luke 10:41-42 ESV)
Reflection: What is one activity you can reduce or eliminate from your schedule to make more room for spending time in Jesus' presence? [34:15]
Day 3: Building Life Around Divine Priorities
Creating time with Jesus requires intentional prioritization of one's relationship with Him. It is a deliberate act of structuring one's life in such a way that time with Jesus is not just another item on the to-do list, but the foundation upon which all other activities are built. This commitment reflects a deep understanding of the importance of spiritual growth and the recognition that every other aspect of life is secondary to the relationship with the divine. By placing Jesus at the center, one's daily life becomes a living testimony to the faith they profess.
"Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually!" (1 Chronicles 16:11 ESV)
Reflection: How can you restructure your daily schedule to ensure that time with Jesus is your first priority rather than an afterthought? [35:33]
Day 4: Transformation Through Surrender
The story of Jesus turning water into wine is not just a display of His miraculous power but also a metaphor for the transformation that occurs when one surrenders to Him. Just as the water was transformed into the finest wine, so too can our lives be changed when we enter into Jesus' presence with faith and openness. This transformation is not superficial but profound, affecting every aspect of our being. It is a reminder that no matter how ordinary we may feel, in the hands of Jesus, we have the potential to become extraordinary vessels of His grace and love.
"Jesus said to the servants, 'Fill the jars with water.' And they filled them up to the brim. And he said to them, 'Now draw some out and take it to the master of the feast.' So they took it." (John 2:7-8 ESV)
Reflection: In what ways do you need to surrender to Jesus to experience His transformative power in your life? [50:11]
Day 5: Valuing Being Over Doing
In a world that often measures worth by productivity and accomplishments, it is vital to remember that our true value lies in our identity as children of God. Resting in His presence allows us to embrace this truth, understanding that our worth is not tied to our output but to whom we belong. This perspective shifts our focus from doing to being, from striving to resting, and from self-reliance to dependence on God. It is in His presence that we find the assurance that our lives have meaning and purpose beyond our earthly achievements.
"For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them." (Ephesians 2:10 ESV)
Reflection: How can you remind yourself daily that your worth is found in your identity as a child of God, not in your accomplishments? [38:31]
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1 Comment
Day 2 what can I eliminate to spend more time in the presence of God...I have eliminated social media. What a time and energy zapper.