What is a Quiet time? Pt 1

I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own.

-John 10:14

In this passage, Jesus describes the kind of relationship He wants with you. He compares it to the relationship between a shepherd and his sheep. A shepherd and his sheep have a very intimate relationship. Maybe you have this relationship with your pet dog or cat-it knows your voice when you call its name. In the same way, a shepherd's voice is very distinct to his sheep.

A shepherd walks and hangs out with his sheep. He takes them to different mountains where he knows there is good grass for them, and he really watches over them. Jesus said He wants the same kind of relationship with you:

I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep. But he who is a hireling and not the shepherd, one who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees; and the wolf catches the sheep and scatters them. The hireling flees because he is a hireling and does not care about the sheep. I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own. As the Father knows Me, even so I know the Father; and I lay down My life for the sheep. And other sheep I have which are not of this fold; them also I must bring, and they will hear My voice; and there will be one flock and one shepherd (John 10:11-16).

Jesus wants you to hang out with Him long enough to learn His voice. He doesn't want you to be a stranger He sees only twice a year at Christmas and Easter. He wants to see you often. He wants you hanging out with Him so much that you are listening to the things that He has to say

A quiet time is a time for you to do just that. You get into the Bible, pray and listen. You pray about the things He puts on your heart, and He speaks back to you. You start your whole day by getting tight with Him.

You've got to be committed to having quiet times and to keeping quiet times, no matter what. It doesn't matter how busy you are. It doesn't matter what happens to your schedule.

You are compelled to say, "I have to get up. I have to pray because I have to get fed. I have to get close to my Shepherd, and I don't care what other people do. If I don't get fed from Him today, I will die."

Take some time today to read John 10:14 and chew on it all day. Make sure to journal your thoughts about Jesus as your Shepherd and you are His sheep.

This article was adapted from Ron Luce's latest book Connecting With God.

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