Its not the amount, but how we receive them.....

Sometimes I only read a verse or two of scripture in my morning study and prayer time.

I believe that is absolutely on target. It isn't how much, but what you do with it.

Proverbs says it this way, "pay attention to my words of insight.” Proverbs 5:1

Many get a bit "exhausted" by Bible study and prayer....because they try to do too much, too quick and give little heed to really engaging, integrating, meditating on the message God has written for you.

Do you ever get overwhelmed when you sit down to read your Bible? There are so many books, deep thoughts, spiritual insights and life altering truths… where do we begin for today?

I try to get to the office each morning, an hour or so before, others. Not because I want no one else around; but I want to focus on God being about.

I get out my Bible, open my computer, my messy prayer journal and lists (yes, a pot of coffee) and I savor the Word. It is as nourishing and essential as the breakfast that gets my body started for the day (or the three pots of coffee).

But lately, instead of reading quickly and extensively; I have started pacing my time with God. It is more often than not, one or two verses -- perhaps a paragraph, and frankly, seldom at the most a chapter.

I am trying to incorporate that great advice from Proverbs. Pay attention. Listen instead of speed reading. Enjoy the simple, personal exchange.

God is right there. I am with Him and His very Word. I want to really pay attention. I need to listen well to what God is saying. I look for one verse that I can savor word by word, letting it sink in deep… interrupting me, rearranging me, redirecting me.

And I pray…

“God, what plans have I made for today that this verse needs to interrupt?”
“God, what thoughts did I bring in from yesterday that this verse needs to rearrange?”
“And God, what heart attitudes have I been carrying that this verse needs to redirect?”

His Word is the protective covering over my plans, my mind, and my heart. Instead of rushing through, it has become so meaningful and pleasurable to enjoy the casual pace and meaningful exchange.....it keeps me from tripping and certainly from listening as if it were "elevator music" to hearing what He is saying.

....what is the result?

I am more sure footed, more founded, and ready to enjoy the day and do what we just shared. When I made it a dash; instead of a "walk with my eternal Friend; I was always tripping over my own selfishness, insecurities, and weaknesses.

These days, perhaps its just the inate wisdom and reality of growing older....I've slowed down. And it is grand.

I like this "pause" study and prayer method that has become my ritual at the first of each day.

I pause.....

I pause.....just as His word so simply and clearly directs: Pause....let's just enjoy, savor this time....listen to my words, to guide this day.

He reminds me to pause- pause- pause.

Pause and let the Holy Spirit intervene in my real daily hills and valleys (and ditches and traffic jams)

Pause so I don’t make the conversations all about me.

Pause and remember I’m not always right.

Pause to see the blessings, so many blessings, how real they are if you....pause.

Pause to serve, pause to give, pause to encourage when everyone else rushes by.

“My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you, turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding, and if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding…Then you will understand what is right and just and fair-every good path” (Proverbs 2:1-3, 9).

Here is what I tHINK aBOUT tHESE tHINGS....

Don’t get overwhelmed with the enormity and depth of the Bible.
It’s okay if we read just a verse or two today.
But more importantly than reading His words, we must choose to receive them. And even more importantly, we must live them.

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Dear Lord, help me to see You today in a single word or in a single verse. You are all powerful and anything is possible through You. May Your words and Your truth seep into the plans I make and every thought I think today. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.