— Find a Copy @ Resource Board in Foyer —

This picture is simply an ad from a furniture store that I found in a magazine. But I saved it because it expressed perfectly the way I felt about my red chair where I sat for years every morning and met with God in my quiet time. When travelling, it was difficult to maintain that beginning of day alone time with the Father. Returning to my red chair was always a welcoming (big sigh) emotional feeling.

There are many ways to have quality time in God’s word. I have used devotional books through the years that were helpful, but really, the most meaningful time for me has been just my Bible, an open notebook, and an open heart.

I would recommend beginning by reading through the gospels. It is fascinating to note the differences each writer brings to the story of Jesus. Matthew is very informative about the prophecies Jesus fulfilled. Mark shows him as a man of action. Just look for the many times Mark uses the word “immediately” and you will see the pace of his story. Luke highlights Jesus’ interactions with women and children, and his determination to complete his journey to the cross. Look for the many phrases throughout Luke that remind us that he was “on his way” to Jerusalem. John shows us Jesus’ heart, his love for his Father, and the meaning of faith. In fact, Jesus uses the word faith over 100 times in John. The more we know Jesus, the more we understand our Heavenly Father and his love for us.

Slowly reading through Psalms and Proverbs is also a good way to begin. They cover the entire range of emotion providing wisdom and worship.

Journeying through a Chronological Bible is helpful to understand the “big picture” of God’s love for us. This helped me understand how the entire Bible is a love story with Jesus at the heart of the story.

It’s exciting to know I will never run out of options, because every time I read a book from the Bible again, I see something I did not see before. His Spirit continues to teach and guide me. Perhaps I am a slow learner, but he never gives up on me. He always lets me begin again no matter how I fail or forsake him.

Through the years, this quiet time has made the biggest difference in my quality of life — more than sleep, exercise, and good nutrition. All of these are important, but none can fill my heart with hope and peace in times of trouble. Only God’s Spirit can provide these gifts.

Of course, a red chair like mine is not the only or even the best way for every person to be alone with God, but however you do it, I encourage you to find your version of a “red chair” and visit it often.

The picture on the other side is simply an ad from a furniture store that I found in a magazine. But I saved it because it expressed perfectly the way I felt about my red chair where I sat for years every morning and met with God in my quiet time. When travelling, it was difficult to maintain that beginning of day alone time with the Father. Returning to my red chair was always a welcoming (big sigh) emotional feeling.

There are many ways to have quality time in God’s word. I have used devotional books through the years that were helpful, but really, the most meaningful time for me has been just my Bible, an open notebook, and an open heart.

I would recommend beginning by reading through the gospels. It is fascinating to note the differences each writer brings to the story of Jesus. Matthew is very informative about the prophecies Jesus fulfilled. Mark shows him as a man of action. Just look for the many times Mark uses the word “immediately” and you will see the pace of his story. Luke highlights Jesus’ interactions with women and children, and his determination to complete his journey to the cross. Look for the many phrases throughout Luke that remind us that he was “on his way” to Jerusalem. John shows us Jesus’ heart, his love for his Father, and the meaning of faith. In fact, Jesus uses the word faith over 100 times in John. The more we know Jesus, the more we understand our Heavenly Father and his love for us.

Slowly reading through Psalms and Proverbs is also a good way to begin. They cover the entire range of emotion providing wisdom and worship.

Journeying through a Chronological Bible is helpful to understand the “big picture” of God’s love for us. This helped me understand how the entire Bible is a love story with Jesus at the heart of the story.

It’s exciting to know I will never run out of options, because every time I read a book from the Bible again, I see something I did not see before. His Spirit continues to teach and guide me. Perhaps I am a slow learner, but he never gives up on me. He always lets me begin again no matter how I fail or forsake him.

Through the years, this quiet time has made the biggest difference in my quality of life — more than sleep, exercise, and good nutrition. All of these are important, but none can fill my heart with hope and peace in times of trouble. Only God’s Spirit can provide these gifts.

Of course, a red chair like mine is not the only or even the best way for every person to be alone with God, but however you do it, I encourage you to find your version of a “red chair” and visit it often.