Discipleship

“If you want to be a disciple, you need more face time with God.” (Father Matt Russick)

 When did you last have face time (or direct personal interaction) with your loving Heavenly Father? Are you afraid to spend time with God because you’re unsure of what He’ll do if you don’t? If you’re honest there have probably been times where Bible reading and prayer have become another boring wasteful chore rather than a way to make an intimate connection with an Almighty God. (It’s all another spiritual guilt trip.)

 Deep down we all desire to connect with the Almighty. He wants to connect with us in return. Figuring out the best way to do that individually can be a challenge at times. The Almighty can be huge, mysterious, everywhere, and invisible.

We don't connect with God in the same way we would with a human friend. Like any parent, The Heavenly Father wants to spend time with His children. A genuine friendship with the Heavenly Father can deepen through regular face time with Him in Bible study and prayer.

1.   Face time with the Heavenly Father must become a regular practice.

“I have taken your words to heart so I would not sin against you.” (Psalm 119:11, ICB)

“The primary purpose of reading the Bible is not to know the Bible but to know God.” (James Merritt)

2.   Face time with the Heavenly Father needs to be in a quiet place.

“Jesus often went away to other places to be alone so that he could pray.” (Luke 5:16, ERV)

“Prayer is less about changing the world than it is about changing ourselves.” (David Wolpe)

3.   Face time with the Heavenly Father requires a right attitude.

“Your prayers, rather, should be simple, like this: Our Father in Heaven let Your name remain holy.” (Matthew 6:9, VOICE)

“Holiness is nothing less than conformity to the character of God.” (Jerry Bridges)

The more face time you spend with your Heavenly Father. The more it will show in your life.  If face time seems to be a waste of time for you, turn your heart over to your Heavenly Father.

“Don’t be like the people of this world, but let God change the way you think. Then you will know how to do everything that is good and pleasing to Him.” (Romans 12:2, CEV)

“The reason we spend time with God is not so that we will feel invigorated and ready to face the day, and get through our agenda. The reason we spend time with God is so that He can set the agenda.” (To love, honor, and vacuum)[i]

 

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[i] Inspired by the sermon “Face Time: Calling on God” (installment one) Sunday, August 20, 2017 Pastor Dave Jansen, CenterPoint Gahanna Church Gahanna, OH

 

Sources used:

·        “Face Time” from the Urban Dictionary

·        “Make a Habit of Spending Time with God” by Carol Smith