TIME WELL SPENT...

Vincent M Newfield What is the secret to lasting peace, joy, contentment, stability, wisdom, protection and every wonderful gift God offers? It is spending time with God in an intimate, loving relationship. This one endeavour is why we were created - it is the fertile soil from which all blessings grow. Spending Time in the Secret Place God promises in Psalm 91:1 that "He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall remain stable and fixed under the shadow of the Almighty [Whose power no foe can withstand]." And in Psalm 31:20, David declares of the Lord that "…in the secret place of Your Presence You hide them from the plots of men;You keep them secretly in Your pavilion from the strife of tongues." What amazing protection! Satan knows this, and that is why he fights so hard to keep you from spending intimate time with the Lord. Something amazing happens in the Secret Place. A restoration of hope… a rejuvenation of strength… and a clarification of vision are established. Nothing equals this powerful union! "The most holy and necessary practice in our spiritual life is the Presence of God. That means finding constant pleasure in His Divine company, speaking humbly and lovingly with Him in all seasons, at every moment, without limiting the conver-sation in any way…" (Brother Lawrence). Fellowship and Wisdom are Found in Secret Psalm 25:14 exclaims, "The secret [of the sweet satisfying companionship] of the Lord have they who fear (revere and worship) Him, and He will show them His covenant and reveal to them its [deep, inner] meaning." Wow! What a promise. What is the Lord saying? Those who worship and revere Him will experience the secret of His companionship and have an in-depth understanding of His Word. Similarly, Proverbs 3:32 proclaims that God's …confidential communion and secret counsel are with the [uncompromisingly] righteous… The Internet and all the libraries in the world cannot compete with the Lord's infinite wisdom! Likewise, no person on earth can compare with His companionship. He is able to touch your life like no one else can, going where no man has gone before - inside your heart! You are Invited into the Secret Place! Jesus says, "Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on reli-gion? Come to Me. Get away with Me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with Me and work with Me - watch how I do it…" (Matthew 11:28, 29 The Message). What do you need? Time in the Secret Place. Jesus awaits your arrival. You can stay as long as you like. In fact, He invites you to ABIDE! www.preparethewaytoday.org