"Then Jesus got up early in the morning
when it was still very dark, departed, and
went out to a deserted place, and there he
spent time in prayer" (Mark 1:35, NET).


Our Savior's example of spending time with His Father in prayer is the essential witness to us in these modern busy times. Jesus made spending time with His Father
priority. Peering through the window of His relationship with the Father gives us a real witness and insight as to what is necessary for our spiritual lives today. It was life-blood for Jesus. When we spend personal time with God it will have a monumental effect on our lives.
We will begin to notice many positive changes taking place. It won't happen all at once, but as we spend time with God, we will receive a spiritual connection that will outweigh the
things of the flesh.
Here are some HUGE benefits that will become very evident in our lives as we spend time with God on a regular basis:

* You will grow in your faith. Read Romans 10:17.
* You will receive power. Read Acts 1:8.
* You will have victory in your life. Read 1 Corinthians 15:47.
* You will have clear direction. Read John 16:7.
* You will become more like Jesus. Read Ephesians 4:13.

Finally, spending personal time with God will heighten your desire to remain in His presence. You will grow stronger, and your praise and worship experiences will become richer.

Peering  through the story pane of Mary and Martha, we see Jesus placed the greatest value on spending time with Him, (meaning today in prayer and His Word), rather than the stressful busyness or the overbearing preparation for service. "Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his word. But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me. And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her" (Luke 10:38-42, KJV). 

What works for you?  Does the busyness in ministry keep you from spending time with the Source of ministry?  Discuss your personal time habits with the Lord on our facebook page.

"do good, seek justice, defend orphans" (Isaiah 1:17, NLT).

 

While studying the Scriptures recently, I was reminded of God's specific instructions for His people to care and provide for the orphans. Spirit of Prophecy counsel in Testimonies to the Church, vol. 6, pages 280-288 clearly supports this passage in God's Word and shows that care for the orphans is a charge assigned to us Christians in trust for God.

 

There is a movement within our body of believers to accomplish this orphan care as outlined in Isaiah 1, 58, and many other passages woven throughout the Bible. This movement is an integral part of the movement we must join to finish God's work and hasten Christ's Second Coming. The movement is called the do (defend orphans) Movement. This is a movement that can stir our hearts to greater passion for God's unreached and unrestored souls. It is a free membership movement for young people and the young at heart. We would encourage all who carry Christ's name to join this movement.

 

NAD Ministerial, NAD Education, and NAD Youth Departments have issued press releases in NAD NewsPoints about our partnership with Restore a Child in its newest initiative, the do Movement's do fast. Restore a Child is a non-profit 501 (c)(3), a ministry for orphans that was birthed 14 years ago while Norma Nashed, founder and president, was battling cancer and working at the General Conference.

 

The four entities are joining together to launch a fast

 

For more information go to http://restoreachild.org/do/