– Secret Place Insights –
Dear One, I came across a quote I would like to share with you. If the habit mentioned in the following Oswald Chamber’s quote is not one you practice, you may find what Chamber’s has to say highly interesting. Chambers lived from 1874 to 1917. He was an evangelist and teacher. His best selling book, a devotional, My Utmost for His Highest, has been a favorite of mine. Having worn out my first copy, I am on my second.
Chamber’s quote:
“Get into the habit of dealing with God about everything.
Unless in the first waking moment of the day you learn
to fling the door wide back and let God in, you will
work on a wrong level all day; but swing the door
wide open and pray to your Father in secret, and every
public thing will be stamped with the presence of God.”
I agree with all but one word of his quote. I would strike the word ‘public.’ Not that it isn’t true, but because it is only partially true. When Man sincerely, obediently…lets God in…everything in Man’s entire day is stamped with the presence of God – be he alone or out in public.
I found it interesting that while in the midst of this essay, when I went into the kitchen for a glass of water, I heard Jay Sekulow, President Trump’s attorney, on the radio. He was proclaiming the same ideas mentioned in Chamber’s quote. I certainly do not remember word for word what Mr. Sekulow said, but it was something like this: “I pray constantly. I pray all the time. I ask for wisdom. Why would anyone not want to receive guidance from the God of the Old and New Testaments.”
He was speaking to television, and radio, talk show host Sean Hannity. Hannity, a professing Christian, began saying something to the effect that he didn’t take much time for prayer. That is not uncommon. No wonder the Church is losing its influence in American society. Many know about God, but few take the time to let God in…into their daily lives.
This topic is particularly interesting to me, for as of late, I am more often in situations where I am speaking one-on-one with questioning individuals. Too often, the overarching problem is lack of prayer. One cannot benefit from God’s guidance without seeking His guidance. God invites us to come to Him. And He waits, with great patience, for us to do just that.
Some months ago. I asked an inquiring person if he thought of God much. He hesitated, and then replied, “Well…I go to church on Sundays.” I explained that God wanted to be a daily part of his life. At that moment the movement of the Holy Spirit became evident. The man looked at me, his eyes widened, and out of his mouth came, “Wow!” I have not seen the man since, but I am praying, praying that he is praying. For Oswald Chamber’s words are true, if he isn’t praying he is working on a wrong level.
The next day, after finishing this essay, I heard a man on the radio saying, “Making one positive change in his life led to a lifetime of many acquired disciplines.” I believed him. For I have seen it happen, and have heard of it happening again and again when God’s people truly begin to let God in.
“Then you will call upon me (God) and come and pray
to me, and I will listen to you.” Jeremiah 29:12
Blessings,
Susanne
For a printed copy, with or without photo, click green dot on left side at the bottom of this page.
If you would like a Monday reminder, and quick link, in your email to next week’s post, just sign-in at the secure registry at the top of this page, and click GO. For a private conversation, please write your message on the Contact page found at the right on the Home page.
