The podcast discusses the influence of prosperity teachings, the importance of recognizing God's sufficiency, the significance of abiding in the Lord, the impact of distractions on prayer, finding time for God in different life seasons, and using a book as a resource for time with God.
Seeking God in the morning allows us to prioritize Him and experience His presence.
Being honest with God about lacking desire for Him can ignite a deeper passion and affection for Him.
Educating ourselves on study methods and relying on the Holy Spirit deepens our understanding of God's Word and overcomes insecurities.
Deep dives
The Importance of Seeking God in the Morning
Seeking God in the morning is crucial for developing a close relationship with Him. It is a time when distractions are minimal and our attention can be fully focused on Him. While society bombards us with various forms of entertainment, spending the first moments of our day with God allows us to prioritize Him and His Word. By seeking Him upon waking, we acknowledge His sovereignty and give Him the opportunity to govern our day. It is in these quiet and intimate moments that we can experience His presence, receive His guidance, and be transformed into His image.
Being Honest with God About our Lack of Desire
It is important to be honest with God about our moments of lacking desire for Him. He understands our weaknesses and can empathize with our struggles. We serve a God who condescended as a human and experienced the challenges and temptations we face. He is not offended by our honest confessions of not wanting Him, but rather, He desires to help us in those moments. It is through our honesty and dependence on Him that He can ignite a deeper passion and affection for Him, filling us with His spirit and guiding us into a more intimate relationship with Him.
Overcoming Insecurities in Bible Study
Feeling confused or insecure about studying the Bible is a common struggle. It is important to educate ourselves on practical study methods and seek guidance from leaders and teachers who can help us understand the Scriptures better. Additionally, we must rely on the Holy Spirit to illuminate the Word to us. Through prayer and dependence on the Spirit, we can gain greater understanding and learn to trust that God will reveal His Word to us. It is a combination of practical study techniques and spiritual discernment that will help us overcome insecurities and delve deeper into the riches of God's Word.
Looking to Jesus for Transformation
Looking to Jesus is the key to transformation. As we fix our eyes on Him and behold His glory through Scripture, prayer, and worship, we are transformed into His image. Our affection and love for Him deepen, and we begin to resemble Him more and more. Just as gazing at an object for extended periods affects our vision, continuously looking to Jesus shapes us into His likeness. It is by seeking Him with our whole hearts that we will discover a deeper understanding of His Word and experience true transformation in our lives.
Upon Awakening: An Appetizer for a Deeper Relationship with God
Upon Awakening serves as a tool to establish a disciplined time with God and foster a deeper relationship with Him. While the book is valuable, it should ultimately lead us to the Word of God as the main source of our spiritual nourishment. Each reading should be accompanied by the corresponding Scripture passage, allowing us to dive deeper into the Bible. By seeking God earnestly and consistently, we can experience His presence, gain a greater affection for Him, and grow in our understanding of His Word.
The thought of writing a devotional never crossed Jackie's mind, but the Lord changed that. In this episode, the Perrys highlight a few things that compete for our attention and take away from adequate time in God’s Word. Jackie's new devotional, Upon Waking, was created to help us all cultivate a daily habit of seeking the Lord before anything else.