Fresh Bread
      # 16

SERMON OR SELF

      Did it ever occur to you that God really wants to spend time with just you? As your earthly husband or wife cherishes your total attention, just to be with them alone, no one else around, when the company have all gone home?
      Did it ever occur to you that God cherishes His time with you that much?
      He does.
      Have you tried to remain unselfish and preferred to spend your quiet time praying only for others? Have you forgotten how much God cares abut your individual life and the Holy Spirit wants to discuss that life with you?
      I was reading Beth Moore’s book When Godly People Do Ungodly Things – (Arming yourself in the age of seduction.), when a warning jumped out at me.
      She was speaking of pastors and evangelists who spent their quiet time with God...developing sermons, more than personal relationship with Him. From sermon to sermon…without hearing God’s personal love for them and receiving their personal nurturing He is offering.
      As the Holy Spirit continued to pour out messages to me…I could relate to the pressure this could build up in a messenger.
      God always has time for His child to come aside and just “BE” with Him. To worship Him and love on Him and receive His love…and just talk about things; easy things.
      “In quietness and confidence is our strength.” (Isaiah 30:13).

      Oh teachers, guard your Quiet Time.

      It is in this quietness that you find true confidence…as you are under girded then by the anointing that comes from being with Jesus alone. And often, an old song comes floating back to your memory like a sweet prayer.
This is the one that came to me this morning.

Near To The Heart of God
by
Cleland B. McAfee, 1866-1944

                  ♫There is a place of quiet rest, Near to the heart of God,
                  A place where sin cannot molest, Near to the heart of God

                  There is a place of comfort sweet, Near to the heart of God,
                  A place where we our Savior meet, Near to the heart of God.

                  There is a place of full release, Near to the heart of God,
                  A place where all is joy and peace, Near to the heart of God.

                  Refrain:
                  Oh Jesus, blest Redeemer, Sent from the heart of God.
                  Hold us who wait before Thee, near to the heart of God.♫