Matthew 6:33 NIV — But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

I pray you have taken some time this week to sit still and quietly listen to God. Sometimes solitude is just what we need. Monday I shared with you that at one time I was what I call a “devotional junkie.” I read a minimum of 8 devotionals each morning. Just so you know, Julie was also a devotional junkie. As I look back on those days, I think God was filling me with understanding and preparing me to write for Him. I have since downsized and only read a few devotionals prior to writing each morning. Although I don’t read as many each morning, I still feel it is important to spend time each day with God, filling up with His word, and listening for guidance and direction. Do you have a daily routine of spending time with God? Do you have a favorite devotional you like to read each day? Below are some of the emails/websites Julie, Ray, and I read or have read over the years. Check them out. Just be careful not to become a devotional junkie and forget to take time to quietly listen to God.

Daily Hope With Rick Warren

Steven Furtick 1-Minute Motivation

Girlfriends In God

Christine Caine

Encouragement For Today

Our Daily Bread

Let’s pray. Dear God, thank You for speaking to me through the writing of others. Fill me up so I may reflect more of You. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

As Jesus said in John 16:13 NIV — But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears and he will tell you what is yet to come.”

I began this week by telling you about a time I shattered my cell phone and was forced to do without it for a couple days. I spent those two days remembering how to sit still and listen to God. God reminded me that our time together shouldn’t be filled up with me pouring out my thoughts and concerns, but also time to be quiet and listen to God. I encouraged you to do the same this week. Have you taken the time to sit and listen? Did you hear God speaking to you?

While texting with Julie and Ray this week, Ray gave a wonderful analogy. He said, “Like we use cell phones to talk with others, God uses the Holy Spirit to talk with us if we have a good connection and listen!” We have to be willing to be still and quiet to foster a good connection. Part of hearing from God is being open to the leading of the Holy Spirit. How is your connection? Are you listening? Spend a few moments listening to “Holy Spirit” by Francesca Battistelli and invite the Holy Spirit into your quiet time.

Let’s pray. Dear God, Thank You for our Advocate, the Holy Spirit. Open my eyes, ears, heart, and mind to the leading of the Holy Spirit. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.