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Ever look at your life and wonder how you might change it? 

A key piece of wisdom - look at the habits of those you admire. After all, why would you attempt to emulate anything less?

 

 

As I was preparing for Men's Group tonight, it occurred to me that I could give this greater exposure by posting it here. We are currently discussing how to take care of your soul - how to maintain your relationship with the God you love. This is not something that happens casually, you must make an effort to pursue Him. Just as your relationship with your wife will die over time if not maintained, so too will your relationship with Jesus die unless you take care of it.

Do you have a regular time with God? I'm not talking a few minutes while you drive to work or a few minutes as you're on the "john" - I'm talking dedicated time reading and "being" with God. There really is no shortcut and no other way - you need to spend time to get to know Him.

What follows is from Pat Morley of Man in the Mirror. I hope it gives you a little perspective as to what "time with God" looks like.

GodWhat is a Quiet Time?

In our Christian culture we hear a lot mentioned about a device called "the quiet time". A quiet time is a routine period, usually at the beginning or end of the day, in which five, fifteen, thirty minutes, an hour or more are set aside to read and study God's Word, pray, and possibly perform other spiritual disciplines. For example, sometimes I sing hymns (no one besides God would want to hear), journal or read devotional materials.

Actually, the Bible calls for continual prayer and Bible meditation. "Pray continually" (1 Thess.5:17). "Pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests" (Eph. 6:18). "His delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night" (Psalm 1:2).

The quiet time, then, is an accommodation to an overly busy culture. Nevertheless, the concept of setting aside a regular time for concentrated meeting with the Lord can greatly enhance anyone's walk with God. In fact, without it, it is questionable if you can really hae an ongoing relationship with Christ.

READ, CHRISTIAN, READreading
 
When you come, bring the cloak I left in Troas with Carpus, 
as well as the scrolls, especially the parchments. 
 
2 Timothy  4:13, HCSB
 
"The  average Christian man doesn't read books" - This is a well-worn axiom among some Christian publishers. Some  blame the shortage of good materials that interest and challenge men. Others blame the demands of career and family. Neither explanation holds much water.
 
The pursuit of  knowledge and truth is one way  we can demonstrate  our love for God. If we are to love God with all our minds, as Jesus instructs us in Matthew  22:37, one of the best ways we can do that is by reading. Consider the apostle Paul's request to Timothy to bring him his scrolls and parchments. The man who wrote  more than half of the New Testament and planted numerous churches still felt the need to stimulate his mind by reading.
 
Some  consider  the reading of good  books to be optional, but the Bible itself comes to us in the form of a book, and Christians have often been known as "people  of the Book." Reading is an acknowledgment of our need to learn and grow  and of the fact that we don't know everything. It requires a posture of humility.
 
Reading  isn't the only tool for spiritual growth, of course, and on its own it cannot guarantee spiritual wisdom. But every Christian man should prayerfully pursue a disciplined life of the mind, and for that, reading is essential.
 
Thankfully, it's not just a duty but also a great pleasure. So, guys, make reading a priority.
 
BOTTOM LINE
 
Many Christian men pursue the reading of good books. And they enjoy it! Have you read any good  books lately that have stretched your faith?
 
Moment of Strength:  Matthew 22:37 

From Daily Moments of Strength - Walk Through the Bible

 

" A real Christian is a person who can give his pet parrot to the town gossip. "
Billy Graham

 

 

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