Spend Some Alone Time With God!

Becoming a Victoria's Secret "angel" is a big deal in the modeling industry -- but it wasn't enough for Kylie Bisutti to forget her Heavenly Father.

The 21-year-old model recently decided to leave one of America's most well-known lingerie companies because showing off her body left her feeling convicted.

"I'm definitely going to pursue modeling, I just want to be more wholesome about it," Bisutti said February 9th on ABC's "Good Morning America." "The jobs that I choose are going to be honoring the Lord," she added.

In 2009, Bisutti was chosen over 10,000 others for an opportunity to walk the runway and claim those trademark Victoria's Secret wings. At that time, she was a newlywed and just beginning to grow in her Christian faith.

Back then, Bisutti said she would "do whatever it takes" to win, but now her position has changed.

"I just became so convicted about wanting to honor my husband with my body," she explained. "It was more of just a heart issue for me." - CBN News, February 9, 2012

Devotion to God as opposed to wordly things is discussed in the Bible. One simple way we can honor Him is through our private devotion. In fact, great men of God were noted for engaging in private devotions.

Isaac meditated in the field at evening (Genesis 24:63). David prayed three times daily, meditated on his bed at night (Psalm 55:17; 63:6). Daniel's custom was to pray three times daily (Daniel 6:10).

Private devotions is encouraged by the Son of God. Jesus sought solitary places at early morn and late night (Mark 1:35; Luke 6:12). He counseled His disciples to pray in secret (Matthew 6:6).

Now, you may faithfully attend public worship with God's people, but do you also take the time to engage in daily, private devotions...?

Maybe a good question to ask here is, "Why have private devotions?" We do this primarily to draw near to God. God is found by those who seek Him: as David advised his son Solomon (1 Chronicles 28:9), and as Azariah told the king Asa (2 Chronicles 15:2). Think of it this way: God draws near to those who draw near to Him (James 4:8). Do you want a closer walk with God?

Secondly, we have private devotions to receieve spiritual nourishment.We need spiritual nourishment in our lives (Matthew 4:4). Man cannot thrive on physical food alone. We need spiritual food that nourishes the soul.

Spiritual growth comes from the Word of God (1 Peter 1:23; 2:2). We are born again through the incorruptible seed. We continue to grow by the Word of God. Only God's Word provides spiritual strength (Ephesians 6:10-17; cf. Psalm 119:7-11). We need God's help to fight our spiritual battles. Fortunately, the Word of God provides such help! Do you want a stronger, spiritual life?

Yet another reason for having private devotions with God is to find peace and stability. We live in a world filled with anxiety; prayer provides the antidote (Philippians 4:6-7). We live in a world filled with pitfalls; God's Word keeps us from falling (Psalm 119:105,165). Do you want inner peace and outer stability?

More than ever, we need to take the time to draw near to God, to receive spiritual nourishment, to find peace and stability. The habit of daily, private devotions can go a long way.

Okay, so how does one go about doing this? How do I have private devotions with God?First, find a time and a place. The time may vary for different individuals. For "night owls", the best time may be late at night, after the children are in bed.
For "early risers", early morning before the children wake up might be better.

Either way, the key is to find a quiet time, free from worldly distractions. The place may also vary for different people. Some may prefer a place outside, following the example of Jesus (cf. Mark 1:35). Some may prefer a place inside, following the teaching of Jesus (cf. Matthew 6:6). The key here is to find a solitary place, free from worldly distractions. Remember..to develop a habit, the time and place should be the same each day!

Another important element to private devotions is to engage in prayer, meditation, and praise. Approach God in prayer. Thank Him for your blessings (cf. Colossians 4:2). Confess your sins (cf. 1 John 1:9). Make supplication for your needs (cf. Philippians 4:6). Intercede on behalf of others (cf. 1 Timothy 2:1-2).

Spend time in meditation - contemplate on such things as:

a. The Lord Himself (His character) - Psalm 63:6
b. His wonderful Works (both creative and redemptive) - cf. Psalm 77:12
c. His revealed Word - Psalm 119:15,23,48,97-99,148
d. Things that are wholesome and praiseworthy - cf. Philippians 4:8

Praise God in song - perhaps aided by music. This is a natural response to joy in the heart (cf. James 5:13). Think of it as making melody in your heart (cf. Ephesians 5:19). Talk with God through prayer, praise; listen to Him by contemplating His Word.

In summary, living in world filled with sin, there is much that would fill our lives with stress and anxiety; and pull us away from God and things that are good. Making room for private devotions in our lives, will help greatly to walk closer with our Father in heaven; and receive strength of heart and peace of mind in doing His will.

If David, a man after God's own heart, and Jesus, the Son of God Himself, found it needful to spend time alone with God, how much more do we!

Prayer:

Show us your mercy, O Lord;
And grant us your salvation.
Give peace, O Lord, in all the world;
Let your way be known upon earth;
Your saving health among all nations.
Let not the needy, O Lord, be forgotten;
Nor the hope of the poor be taken away.
Create in us clean hearts, O God;
And sustain us by your Holy Spirit.
Amen

God bless you always!

Sarah