Sequestered

Have you ever been on a jury where you were sequestered for a time so you wouldn’t be influenced by media or anyone outside the courtroom? I can’t say I have, but today, I am on a self-imposed sequester in a hotel room in Austin, Texas.

Why?

Because I’m trying to eliminate distractions as I seek God’s presence and His download for two upcoming messages for our Pearls of Promise Level-Up Conference.

I’m a people person and I love getting together with people. I have a tendency to get pulled in many directions. Does that describe you? When I’m out-of-town, it forces me to focus on what needs to be done. Because I’m in another city, I’m unavailable, for everyone except God. It’s a divine date!

I’ve already been on my knees in this room, asking for a word—okay, many words from my heavenly Father. I’m praying for revelation, something fresh and new for the ladies to help them “level-up” some aspect of their spiritual life.

The view won’t take me off my focus.

The hotel décor isn’t too lush.

It’s just me, my Bible, prayers and laptop.

Come Holy Spirit. I’m listening!

Have you ever intentionally run off with your heavenly Father for a day or two, simply to bask in His presence, and to receive a message from above?

A lot of our most famous role models from the Bible did this kind of thing. Moses spent days up on Mount Sinai with God. Exodus 33:11 says, “The LORD would speak to Moses face to face, as one speaks to a friend.”

It was a normal activity for Jesus to slip away. “But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed” (Luke 5:16). After his conversion, the apostle Paul retreated to Arabia for three years before he got to know the other apostles. I’m sure he had to take an accelerated course on the Gospel before he could begin his mission trips.

So when you decide to carve out a day or two in your schedule, here’s a plan:

• Start by repenting of any known sin.
• Lift up praises to God before you open your Bible. (Praise invites His presence into the room.)
• Ask God to speak to you through His Word.

He’s an equal opportunity communicator. All you have to do is make time for Him.

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There’s still room at the Pearls of Promise “Level-Up Women’s Conference, September 29th at New Day Church in Southlake. Tickets are currently half-price so just click on the link to the Eventbrite site and type in the Promo Code: “LevelUp.” https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2018-level-up-womens-conference-tickets-44917660933?aff=eac2. Our special is about to end!