Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation:
the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak. –Matthew
26:41 (KJV)
I can do all things through Christ who strengtheneth
me. –Philippians 4:13 (KJV)
As I type this I reflect on how my faith, outlook
on life, and my coping strategies have grown in the last couple of years.
What has made the difference? For me, the difference is more time
devoted each day to prayer and God’s Word. Up until two years
ago I was not what you would describe as a morning person. I would
have daily prayer and time in the Word, but rarely before sunrise.
Over time the Lord began to work in my heart a gentle conviction that
this simply was not enough. I needed to go deeper in my walk with
God.
Two years ago after much prayer and consideration,
I undertook a challenge to rise each day at 4:00 AM for 40 days for
the sole purpose of prayer and meditation on God’s Word. This
was for me a life changing experience. I continue the practice
of rising each day well before sunrise for time alone with the Lord.
The result is deeper insight into the truths of God’s Word and stronger
faith. If I can do this, so can you. But enough about me;
let’s talk about you.
Allow me to challenge you to seek a new and fresh
perspective on the time you spend each day in prayer and meditation
on God’s Word. Countless believers are only scratching the surface
in terms of their personal devotion to Christ. I have read a number
of troubling statistics about pastors walking away from the ministry
and Christians in general becoming stagnant in their faith. This
would change if followers of Christ would commit themselves anew to
prayer and time in the Word. My friends, do not settle for a hurried
prayer and Bible verse here and there. Instead, seek to go deeper
into prayer and the Word. This will require setting aside a daily
time for this purpose and perhaps a complete reorienting of your schedule.
Believe me when I say the rewards are well worth the effort.
God is calling His people to go deeper into their
walk with Him. Not only is faith strengthened, but we also become
more calm, relaxed, and patient with others. Do not be like the
man I read about who was pulled over one day by the police on suspicion
of driving a stolen car. The driver was incredulous and asked
the officer why in the world he thought the car was stolen. The
officer relied, “Well, I noticed you had a bumper sticker which read,
‘Honk if you love Jesus,’ and another that says, ‘Follow me to
Sunday school,’ and I also see you have a Jesus fish attached to your
windshield. Then, when I saw how you yelled at that other driver
a few miles back, made an obscene gesture, and then called him a vulgar
name I just assumed the car was stolen.”
Let us strive to be positive witnesses for Christ
as we walk each day in faith and integrity, shining the light of
Jesus to a lost and hurting world.
God bless you today.
