To Be With Him

“Then He appointed twelve,that they might be with Him and that He might send them out to preach...” – Mark 3:14 (emphasis mine)

The first priority of the Christian is “to be with Him.”  In Acts Chapter 4, Peter and John were recognized as men who “had been with Jesus.” (vs. 13)  I hope people can say that of my life.  Here is a man that walks with Jesus.  When we spend time with the Lord it shows.  When I spend time with the Lord, I can sense His Love, His peace, His Spirit flowing more freely in my life.  That doesn’t mean I’m perfect, or that I don’t still get frustrated or angry sometimes, struggle with temptation, get discouraged, or say things I shouldn’t say.  Nevertheless I can sense God’s Spirit in my life, and I hope others can see Jesus through me too.

I think it is important to spend quality time with the Lord.  Some people may talk to the Lord as they go through the day or as they commute to work.  Of course, that is great!  I don’t want to take away from that.  God certainly speaks to us as we go through out our day. We can worship Him at all times and in every place.  Yet, I also think that quality time alone with the Lord is important.  We need time alone with Him (or as alone as is possible), in a room, or perhaps in the living room, in worship, in the Word, and seeking His face.  I know that often the busyness of life threatens our ability to seek the Lord.  Sometimes it’s a challenge for me to make time with the Lord a priority, and we don’t have kids yet!

Perhaps the greatest impact on my life, as a child, was seeing my mom worshiping and seeking the Lord in our house.  It was common to hear her seeking God.  She was not quiet about it.  I believe mom’s relationship with God impacted me profoundly.  She was a woman who was hungry for God.  She also had some intense struggles in life, and I think she was often crying out to God for help.  But I believe I grew up knowing God's presence because mom prayed.

I want to challenge you (and myself) to spend more time with God, to “be with Him.”  Maybe it’s getting up 15 minutes early with coffee and your Bible at the breakfast table.  Or maybe it’s an hour in the morning or evening, seeking Him.  Prayer is life-changing.  God is powerful in us when we pray.  He changes us, and gives us His power to change the world.