It’s not a good place to be, but, we don’t have to stay there. For me, I just had a hard time devoting a period of time each day to reading my Bible or be in prayer. I know, we always find time for the things that are important to us, but, there can be a multitude of reasons why our quiet times become a low priority. Sooner or later, though, we feel its effects in every area of our lives. Is it a lack of focus? Laziness? Spiritual warfare? Lack of discipline? Or, is it simply, that our reading has become dull and lacks application. When we’re in the depth of our desert experience, at just the right time and in the most unique ways, God speaks to our hearts in a variety of ways. Sometimes it’s a song played frequently over the radio, or scripture that takes on new meaning and “pops-up” not once but over and over again. Or, it’s an encouraging word from a friend… then another friend… and another. All, a clear indication that God just might be trying to get our attention.

Just this morning, I picked up a book that one of my dearest friends gave me for my birthday, Intimate Encounters with God (Honor Books) and flipped to the “chapter”, The Living Word by Carol Kent. I read, “I walked into the chapel service, and our guest speaker was Dr. Charles Woodbridge. He had white hair, stately posture, and a commanding knowledge of God’s Word. He held the Bible as if it were his most precious possession.” I silently cried out to the Lord, “That’s what I want. I want your Word to be my most precious possession.” Then, the next words seemed to leap off the page. It’s just what I was looking for. “Halfway through the message, he said with intensity, ‘Young people, if you want to know the Word of God, pick one book of the Bible - any book - and read it every day for a month. YOUR LIFE WILL NEVER BE THE SAME AGAIN!’” (Caps are mine.)

Carol continued to share how she chose the entire book of Philippians as her book to read - every day for the next month. Not only was it short, but it’s theme was on joy. Something we all need more of these days! It was truly life-changing for her in the most exciting ways.

August 1 is imminent. Let’s commit to reading one book (our own choice) of the Bible - every day through the month of August. I CHALLENGE YOU as I challenge myself. We’ll be reading the book we each choose for ourselves, over and over again, each and every day! Then, if we find it to be truly a life-changing experience, let’s share how God moved in each of our lives. God’s blessings pour forth out of our obedience to Him. Allow the Holy Spirit to move in ways as you’ve never seen Him move before!