It is currently my routine to read one chapter of the Old Testament, one chapter of the New Testament, and a Psalm each morning. I started this a while ago so it doesn’t really follow any of the printed Bible reading plans, wherever I am in either Testament I just keep reading, one chapter at a time. Currently I am in Deuteronomy and John, and just read Psalm 75. I tell you this not to humble brag or boast, but to bring attention to one of the benefits of this practice. It is without fail that each morning I will see something, not only that I have not noticed before, but I find that each time there is a word, a topic, a phrase, that the Holy Spirit lays on my heart and which I think about most of the day as I go about my other business. I’ve come to believe that this is the type of thing Paul has in mind when he exhorts the Colossian and Ephesian Christians to allow the word of Christ to dwell within them richly. It is also one of the key ways God has provided to sweep out the idle (and idol) thoughts of the devil and the old man. The more the Scriptures become the language of the heart then less room is there for sin and temptation to grab hold, and for me I can always tell a big difference in my own war against transgressing the Holy Law of God when I miss, forget, get lazy about this daily, ordinary means of grace blessing of spending time in the Bible.
I could at this point remind you that yes, you have time to read a couple of chapters and a psalm each morning if you wanted to, and I am also reminded that many of you already do. But shaming and cajoling is not really on my agenda this morning. We all know this should be done and that you know you should be doing it, but the world always seems to get in the way. We get up late, we have kids to feed, chickens to let out, dogs to walk, etc… Life is busy. We tell ourselves that as soon as we get this one project done then we’ll get into some devotional time. Then 10:00pm rolls around. So much for morning prayer. Why is it such a burden for us? Why do we struggle with spending a moment hearing from our Master and Redeemer? Like I said we all know this to be true. This is the battle we wage every day, at least I know I do. However, the conflict within my own soul is not near as difficult as it used to be. Habit has a powerful effect on the mind and body. To encourage it in my own daily life I have a place where I always have my morning reading. A Bible is already there. It is away from the television; I leave my phone and all electronic devices to the side. Just me and the Word. However, I still have my own heart to deal with, giving me things to think about that are unrelated to the task at hand. So, before getting down to the nitty gritty of reading Moses or Peter I turn my mind and soul over to the Lord in prayer, asking especially that He humble my flesh and cause the eye to see and the heart to listen. To be honest this is a daily struggle for me, but all good things come to those who want it. When Christ is teaching the disciples and calling on them to not look back once they have put their hand to the plow it is this kind of thing that He undoubtedly has in His thoughts. If you’ve ever tried to turn over fresh ground you know how hard it is and how many obstacles you can find. A good friend of mine back home told me a story of a time his grandpa found a wagon buried in the ground when he was opening up a new field. It is never going to be easy or simple to spend time in the Scriptures, but like the act of plowing if we do not put the plow in the ground we will never receive the benefit of the harvest.
And there is a bounty awaiting us.
As we close with this morning’s prayer and worship help I do want to encourage you to make a right preparation to begin the day. If we are to be about the Lord’s work then it is important that we get our marching orders from the mouth of the King. What is more important to helping you deal with trials at work, at home, at school, or whatever you will face in the providential moments God has prepared for you? Hearing about the latest Pirate blowout loss? The most recent shooting in Charlotte? Does it help your soul to drive to work, or feed your kids with the anxiousness of the world weighing you down? Would it not be better to enter into those labors with, “Come to me all who are weary and heavy laden and I will give you rest” on your tongue then, “What are we going to do about Syria?” coursing through your veins?
We mean it when we say that these things are passing away, that they are trifles in comparison to the richness of the word and the promises contained in the Scriptures. They are a never ending source of blessing and peace. A keen remembrance of the redemption purchased by Christ is the morning jolt you need for your soul and life.
For today’s reading here is a link to a piece by Ryan Hugeley
https://www.ligonier.org/learn/articles/importance-our-devotional-lives/
Blessings on your day!
In Christ,
Rev. Benjamin Glaser
Pastor, Bethany ARP Church