From The Crucible (by Pastor Linda Pugsley)

We’ve talked about sitting in quiet time with Jesus. But what do you do once you get there? I struggle many times to assure I spend that precious time with the Lord at the start of each day. But once I’m there, it seems my “gotta be doing something” button gets pushed!

When you have a nice conversation with your spouse or friend, or co-worker, do you have to do anything? No, of course not. You just banter and talk; you discuss and opine and they do the same in return. Sometimes a memory is shared, a problem solved or a plan defined. Often the conversation is peppered with humor or loving comments. Sometimes, even a bit of disagreement or misunderstanding. But overall, the conversation and the time shared are pleasant and fulfilling.

So why don’t you just do the same with Jesus? It took me awhile, but once I realized that Jesus and I could “visit” each other, I really started to cherish our time together. We laugh, go over good times and bad, discuss plans and dreams. It is really the best part of my day. I can trust Him to not make fun of my questions or be angry with my mistakes. I can cry with Him in my sad times and, I’m ashamed to admit, have yelled at Him and blamed Him for not doing something I dearly wanted Him to do.

All along though, He comforts me and doesn’t interrupt or correct me at that moment. He lets me get it all out because He knows my heart really belongs to Him. He knows I’ll quickly settle down as I feel His mercy and compassion start to cover my soul in its broken and hurting condition. He also knows I will eventually obey Him in all His directions.

Conversation with Jesus is a no brainer! It’s ours for the taking. I still am in awe that I can actually sit with the King of Kings and Lord of Lords each and every day. Little ol’ me and big ol’ Jesus having coffee together.

He influences me to change for the better. He gently guides me away from thoughts and habits that slow my spiritual progress and personal success. He’s helped me develop a viewpoint on life seen through His eyes. Whether it is money, relationships, health issues or the injustices and pain that still fill our world. No matter what the issue or circumstance, our time together has caused a change in me, that He never forced...it was always a gentle leading. It’s sort of like the old saying that you become what you hang around.

The changes for good that you do desire cannot be accomplished by yourself—it requires the Friend of Friends—Jesus. Go ahead, meet up with Him, He’s dying to meet you and you don’t need to go through a secretary or any middleman. You can have a “face to face” anytime. Make that appointment today—you won’t regret it. Endure the fire…it’s producing pure gold!

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