Reflections

Setting aside a regular time of quiet reflection for prayer and to soak up God's word, is as necessary to me as breathing. This scheduled time with the Lord, forms the centrepiece of my day.

I committed my life to the Lord when I was sixteen years old. All went well until after school when I joined the "real" world. Gradually I began to backslide and my faith became watered down and weak. For the next 30-odd years I called myself a Christian: I did all the “right” things. I attended church every Sunday; in fact, I was church organist for more than three decades. But I served God on my terms; I had no relationship with Him. I used to be a great worrier. I'd sit through a Sunday service but straight afterwards, as I drove home, the worries and anxieties settled on me again. I had a negative attitude, a sharp tongue and a critical spirit. The closest I got to God, was when times were tough. Then I’d beg and plead with Him to help me. Once things settled and seemed more or less normal again, I’d forget all about God and go on doing things my way.

I read my Bible and prayed regularly, but I did it "my way". Every night I'd randomly choose a couple of Scriptures; I always looked for “good luck” charms in my reading. If I was facing some sort of problem or trials, I’d read a Scripture whereby I thought I could “see” the answer or outcome. When things went smoothly, I’d read a few verses but not really take anything in. Often I’d test myself. I’d read a whole chapter or just a few Scriptures. I’d close the Bible and try to remember what I’d just read. 9 times out of 10, I had NO idea what I’d just read!

Two years ago in July 2006, I came to know the truth. I joined a Bible-based church and during the message on the second Sunday , I knew that I had to rid myself of all my religious self-righteousness and piousness. I learnt that I had to serve God in obedience to His holy word. With the help of the Holy Spirit and through regular fellowship with other believers, I’ve grown closer to God and still I continue to grow.

I also learnt to spend quiet time with the Lord. (Mark 1:35 "The next morning Jesus awoke long before daybreak and went out alone into the wilderness to pray") In order to become like my Savior, I am led to follow His example. I set aside an hour a day for quite reflection in prayer and Scripure. This scheduled time with the Lord, forms the centrepiece of my day.

May God bless you as you seek to serve Him in obedience and with total commitment.