From: The Pastor’s Heart
To: You
Title: “Quiet Time w/HIM”
I often think about these words that Paul spoke to the church in Philippi. It’s recorded in
Philippians 3:10, and if you will, allow me to share it with you from the amplified version:
“And this, so that I may know Him [experientially, becoming more thoroughly acquainted
with Him, understanding the remarkable wonders of His Person more completely] and [in
that same way experience] the power of His resurrection [which overflows and is active in
believers], and [that I may share] the fellowship of His sufferings, by being continually
conformed [inwardly into His likeness even] to His death [dying as He did].”
It’s very clear that Paul’s desire is to know the Lord not through the teachings of others, or
historical facts and biblical accounts, or even through personal testimonies of eye
witnesses and recipients of His miracles. No, Paul’s heart longs to have purposed and
constant encounters with the Lord to the degree that he can fully understand Him in all
levels of his human ability. His hope is that quality time with God will not only empower
him, enlighten him, and encourage him; but ultimately he hopes that quality time with
God will literally CHANGE him.
There’s an old saying that goes, ‘You can’t teach an old dog a new trick.’ The longer I live
the more I come to realize the unfortunate truth in that saying. Now I realize it’s not an
absolute for everybody, but REAL and permanent change is hard for a lot of us. It’s hard for
most chain smokers to just quit even when their health’s at risk. It’s hard for habitual liars
to tell the truth even when it works to their advantage. And it’s hard for those who’ve
always worried about life’s challenges to just turn it ALL over to the Lord and trust Him to
work it out. Change is NOT easy, but it’s possible if you’re willing to increase private
devotional time with the Lord.
Look at your regular routine and ask yourself is there more time that you can give to
private, intense encounters with the Lord in settings where interruptions are unlikely? We
are so busy trying to manage our way through life’s ups and downs that sometimes we
don’t make adequate time to just get to know our God. I know it takes a lot to be
successful in this world in which we live. If we want healthy relationships, families,
careers, and even bodies, we have to work hard on them and that takes time. But we can’t
do those things at the expense of our relationship with God. The more we fellowship with
Him, the better our lives will be in all it’s areas. Today, I want you to reaffirm your love
with Him by increasing your time with Him. Find a place where you can be alone with
Him and like Paul says, “Get to KNOW HIM and the power of His resurrection.”
EVERYTHING WE DO MOVING FORWARD WILL BE INTENTIONAL AND DRIVEN WITH
PURPOSE TO REPRESENT THE KINGDOM OF GOD IN THE BEST POSSIBLE LIGHT!
NOTHING WILL BE DONE WITH ENERGY LESS THAN OUR BEST AND EFFORT BELOW
OUR MAXIMUM POTENTIAL.
OUR SERVICE IS LOCAL, BUT OUR REACH IS GLOBAL – SO WE CANNOT REDUCE OUR
PRESENTATION DOWN TO WHAT’S CONVENIENT, BUT RATHER WE MUST RAISE IT TO
THAT WHICH IS EXPLOSIVE!
Get ready for major change that’s coming systematically, intellectually, purposefully, and
professionally. Nothing we do moving forward will be done haphazardly, sloppily, poorly,
or carnally.
We Are the LIGHT!
Sincerely,
Pastor J.E. Chandler, Sr.
(CEO/Pastor of MLCM)