I have a guest blogger this week–Alexis Goring.
She’s a passionate writer with a degree in Print Journalism and an MFA in Creative Writing. She loves the art of storytelling and hopes that her stories will connect readers with the enduring, forever love of Jesus Christ. I “know” Alexis through one of my writer groups. I’ve never had the pleasure of meeting her in person, but I know she has a heart for God. Enjoy today’s devotion. It comes from her new devotional.
Stories and Songs of Faith: My Journey with God is a 52-week devotional that will bless your heart, soothe your soul, encourage your mind, and strengthen your God-given spirit. Join author Alexis A. Goring on an inspirational journey. Each devotional builds from real-life experiences that impart many faith lessons learned along the way. Each day is built on the foundation of a Bible verse or edifying quote, followed by Goring’s personal story and reflection questions for a personalized experience. All of the devotionals are tied to a song in order to go a little deeper into the heart of the message. A song directory at the end of the book connects the reader with music online to further enhance the study experience and glorify God. Spend a year on a journey growing closer to the Lord through Stories and Songs of Faith, and discover personal transformation as time with Jesus Christ changes your heart to look a little more like His.
Making Room for God
“Now as they went on their way, Jesus entered a village. And a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to his teaching. But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.” But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.”
– Luke 10:38-42 (NIV)
“Now do you have time for me?”
It was that still, small voice that I felt in my spirit and heard in my soul.
Almost like a whisper from God that was only faint because I’d become so busy with the new job that I believed He gave me and my ministry related work that I religiously dove into immediately after returning home from work, that I’d neglected my quiet time with Him.
I am reminded of the Bible story about Mary and Martha. When Jesus came to visit their house, Martha scurried about, staying busy with the hospitality aspects of keeping company while her sister Mary drew close to Jesus, sat at His feet and listened to Him speak.
Feeling like Mary wasn’t helping her serve their guest (and growing increasingly upset), Martha complained to Jesus, telling Him to command Mary to help Martha serve Him. But like the kind-hearted and gentle Teacher Jesus always was, He took that teachable moment to show Martha that there is a difference between being busy serving God and actually taking time to get to know Him.
What a lesson, not just for Martha but also for me!
How often do I become so busy with work, church and ministry-related aspects of my life that by the time I rush through my day and plow through my night serving others and taking care of business, that the next thing I know, I’m asleep, only to wake up the next morning and repeat my life of busyness? The answer for me is too often. And God had to let me know that.
My job let me go and once again, I found that now I had much more free time and one of the first things I did was to return to spending more time with Him. What a refreshing experience! As I spent more time with God, I felt closer to Him. As I delved deeper into His Word (The Holy Bible), I became better acquainted with Him. Quiet time with God reaps so many benefits! It helps you to hear Him and receive strength to make it through your day and gives you wisdom to handle anything that you may face.
There is great value to silencing the world and tuning into God. In Psalm 46:10 (NIV), God speaks to us. He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”
The Creator of the Universe (God) wants to spend time with you. He’s busy running the galaxies but yet He wants to hear from you! God wants you to draw near to Him (James 4:8). Turn off the TV. Silence your cell phone. Take the earphones off your ears and turn your attention from the busyness of your own little world, to the Creator of the entire world and all that exists!
I’m speaking to myself too because I’ve been guilty of not making room for God. But I am so grateful that we serve a God who is faithful! He is kind, patient and His love for us endures forever. But that’s not a reason to take Him for granted. God does so much for us. Can we not make room for Him?
The Bible says in Matthew 6:33 (KJV), “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”
When we put God first in our life, we make room for Him to move in our life! When we make room for God, miracles happen. When we make room for God, He gives His Peace (Isaiah 26:3) as we learn how to trust Him. Making room for God is essential to your everyday life and soul salvation!
The song “Make Room” by Jonathan McReynolds, a gospel music singer, is on the forefront of my mind as I write this devotional. It’s a powerful song that will remind you why it’s important to spend time alone with God every day. The lyrics talk about how we make time for what we want in life and we make room for people who (and things that) we treasure. But Jesus Christ needs to be our first priority in this life. Nothing else should take His place.
The song is a call to action: Make room for God! Don’t just tell Jesus that He’s your number one, show Him! Put Him before Facebook. Check in with Him before you check your social media as you wake up in the morning. Put the phone down, pick up The Holy Bible, open it and allow Him to breathe His words of life into your soul as you spend time searching the Scriptures. Some Christians like to literally prepare a table for two and talk to God as they sip their coffee and study their Bible. I think that’s a great idea if you feel that you need a more tangible way of drawing close to Him.
So dear friends, I admonish you and I admonish me to please, make room for God. Every day that you are in the “Land of the Living” means that He still has a plan and purpose for your life. It’s a plan and purpose that you’ll only know and be able to carry out if you get to know Him personally!
And how do you get to know God personally? You make room.
Reflection Questions:
- Are you more like Martha or Mary when it comes to making room for God?
- How has spending quality time with God helped you?
Thanks so much for sharing this devotion with us. I’m sure all my readers could benefit from your new devotional, Stories and Songs of Faith by Alexis A. Goring.
POWER UP WITH GOD 