Inspired by Tozer: 59 Artists, Writers and Leaders Share the Insight and Passion They've Gained From A.W. Tozer

Author:Lauren Barlow [Barlow, Lauren]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Christian Books & Bibles, Christian Denominations & Sects, Christian Living, Devotionals, Spiritual Growth, Religion & Spirituality, Spirituality, Inspirational
ISBN: 0830759298
Amazon: B00LA9LLAS
Publisher: Bethany House Publishers
Published: 2011-10-13T22:00:00+00:00

35

THE IMPORTANCE OF GETTING A GOOD START

Sometimes when we get overwhelmed we forget how big God is.

A. W. TOZER

It’s amazing how easy it is to sprint out of bed when the alarm goes off, brush your teeth, do the shower-and-get-ready thing, rush out the door, hit traffic and plead, “God, please help me get there in time,” arrive in the nick of time and begin another series of events—and then come home exhausted and stressed. Only if we pause to reflect do we realize that we went through the entire day in our own strength and own power, even though we have a heavenly Father who yearns to walk with us daily. Our God is eager to give us an endless provision of guidance and His supernatural strength and power—which consistently provides a peace that surpasses understanding and a more efficient direction for each day . . . if we quiet ourselves, talk to God and listen.

When I start each morning reading the Bible and spending time in prayer, I experience God intimately in my soul throughout the day. When I don’t, I feel overwhelmed by the day’s struggles. Here’s a snapshot of my daily routine of spending time with

God—embracing how big He truly is—which I share only to help those who may not know how to pray:

I pray for God to open my heart so I may hear His voice. In the movie I Am . . . Gabriel, the characters kneel on a prayer mat, which reminds them that God wants them to talk to Him, and that He hears and answers their prayers.

I read the day’s devotion in the book Jesus Calling by Sarah Young. My mother-in-law gave me this devotional while I was filming Doonby. This has been a beautiful blessing to my mom and me in helping us experience God during our morning devotions.

I spend time reading the Bible. I like to read the entire chapter that corresponds with the Scripture verses for that day in Jesus Calling.

In my journal, I write out praises to God for His goodness, grace and His magnificent creation. I seek forgiveness and ask for guidance for any areas of struggle, pray for family and friends’ needs, and then continue writing—listening to hear God’s voice and guidance. When I was going to school for acting in New York City, my friend Laura and her mom taught me how to hear God. Having a conversation requires us not only to talk to God but also to be still and listen. Just like how we build a relationship with a friend by talking and listening.

I finish my prayer time by asking God for His strength, guidance, peace, protection, wisdom and joy for the day. One time when I was serving as a greeter for a big industry event at the church I was attending, I was really tired and depressed. I asked God to fill me with joy and strength, and by the end of the evening, I couldn’t believe the supernatural power with which the Lord’s spirit filled me.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.