THE LEISURE HOURS
It is in the leisure hours, when we are free from constraint and observation, that we are more apt to reveal what is truly important to us. In the spiritual life this is true as well. When extended periods of relaxation occur, and we are free to do exactly as we wish, we may find that Bible study and fellowship with God in prayer do not come so naturally. And so the time of leisure becomes a test of character, the proof as to whether one could say with Job, "I have treasured the words of his mouth more than my daily bread." (Job 23:12). The abrupt relaxation of regular habits and the subtle thought that we are at liberty to do as we please, sets many a person back in his Christian life.
The progress of months may be lost by the neglect of your quiet time in the course of one week. We do not know at what hour the thief may come.
The spirit of the morning watch means constant vigilance all day and every day. Just as we need during the leisure hours to eat regular meals and breathe fresh air, so we need to daily eat the bread of life and breathe the air of heaven. The morning devotional hour is not only a duty but an unspeakable privilege and pleasure. Fellowship with God, abiding in Christ, loving His Word and meditating on it throughout the day is life and strength to the Christian, health and gladness to the new nature.
God has created us and redeemed us so that through us He may -- as the sun illuminates the world -- shine His light and life and love upon the people around us. In order to do this, we need to be in daily communication with the fountain of light.
THESE WORDS WERE WRITTEN OVER 100 years ago by the famous preacher, Andrew Murray. Good words to ponder on this Wednesday. – Bill Welte is President and CEO of America’s Keswick
Compass Pointers: “Is not such a soul most obedient to God in all things by this faith? What commandment is there that such obedience has not completely fulfilled? What more complete fulfillment is there than obedience in all things? This obedience, however, is not rendered by works, but by faith alone. On the other hand, what greater rebellion against God, what greater wickedness, what greater contempt for God is there than not believing His promise? For what is this but to make God a liar or to doubt that he is truthful? –that is to ascribe truthfulness to one’s self but lying and vanity to God? Martin Luther, On Christian Liberty
Anchored to the Rock: Prayers have no boundaries. They can leap miles and continents and be translated instantly into any language. Billy Graham
No comments:
Post a Comment