Twice a day, every day but one, then it is only once that day, and I will continue to do so until either I am told to stop, in whatever manner He chooses, or the internet is turned off. Usually within just a few minutes of waking up in the morning, and then again in the late afternoon.
“But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.” (Matt. 6:7)
At the moment, I am reading the Psalms, 1st Samuel and 2nd Peter, a book by William Gurnall and one by A.W. Tozer. My lovely wife reads devotions for us at least twice a day, usually from Spurgeon’s books, and at our evening meal out of one I have read earlier and marked places in that I believe to be of value in our walk with the Savior.
“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” (2nd Tim. 2:15)
I believe that any habit we perform without thought first can become not only a dangerous function in our lives, but one that can create callouses upon our hearts, it makes as much sense to use your turn signal in your vehicle when there is no one else around as it does to study the Word of God without forethought, prayer and guidance from the Holy Spirit.
I walk down those steps with very little, if any, preparation as to what I am to place on this notepad that my lovely wife will type up for me and put on the website. But I am nearly always contemplating in some form His words, His truths, following in my mind that serves Christ where I am supposed to go. And about thirty minutes later I look down and see both sides of the page are full.
“Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” (Prov. 3:5-6)
This unlearned old man has been trained how to do that.
There is a path to be followed that leads to a strait gate, the way to find and stay on that path can only be found in the Word of God. Many men of God have traveled that same path long before us and have been used by the Living God as well, told to pick up their writing utensil and assist those who will come after us. But His Word is our foundation.
“Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.” (John 17:17)
Everything we need to be profitable servants is found within its pages, how we are to live our lives, and for whom. The “why” we would do so can only come to those who have been born-again, to those who are dying to self, being sanctified, willingly giving all they have into His care.
The contemplative mind my friends, the mind that is stayed on Christ, that seeks the face of God, that can find no place for the world within it.
I walk down those stairs twice a day, an empty vessel, trusting that He will lead me, trusting in the Holy Spirit to guide my hand, and then reading in amazement that which in all honesty I do not see within myself.
Every time.
“He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.” (Psalm 23:3)
That He would be glorified, if you want to be used for the glory of the Most High, that is priority number one, you must do all for the glory of His name. I can offer no more assistance than those few words to you.
If that truly becomes the desire of your heart, He will lead you in the way to do so. You will be empty as you walk down your own staircase, you will feel unworthy as you do, as well as when the task is completed, but you will know what it is like, at least for a few moments, what it means to be filled to overflowing.
I don’t need to look at the clock beside me to know how long I have been sitting here, it’s almost always the exact same amount of time.
There is a big difference between a habit and being an empty vessel waiting to be filled my friends.
Learn that difference.
