Today’s Key Scripture (all references NKJV unless otherwise noted):

Now in the morning, having risen a long while before daylight, He went out and departed to a solitary place; and there He prayed.

—Mark 1:35

Our Lord Jesus Christ taught volumes with His actions, not just His words. Time after time the Scriptures reveal the supreme importance the Son of God spent in the presence of God the Father and God the Holy Spirit. So it should be with believers today!

The great Methodist minister, Bible teacher, and author, E. M. Bounds (1835-1913), once wrote, “Prayer, in the preacher’s life, in the preacher’s study, in the preacher’s pulpit, must be a conspicuous and an all-impregnating force and an all-coloring ingredient.”

Additionally, he said, “The preacher’s study ought to be a closet, a Bethel, an altar, a vision, and a ladder, that every thought might ascend heavenward ere it went manward; that every part of the sermon might be scented by the air of heaven and made serious, because God was in the study.”

The apostle Paul’s teaching on communion with Almighty God is as true today as it was the day it was written: “The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all” (2 Corinthians 13:14, AMP).

Oh, that all believers would follow Christ’s example, E. M. Bound’s admonition, and Paul’s teaching by seeking to spend time in the Almighty’s lovely presence, every day and throughout the day.

A Prayer for Today:

Lord, I’m amazed that the God of all creation would want to spend time with me this morning! I ask that You draw me ever closer to You, even as I seek to spend more and more time with You. Help keep my heart pure and undivided. Keep me from being distracted by my own desires and plans, but guide me in Your will every day. You way is always the right way, and I know You want the best for me. Thank You, God, that Your love and concern for me is not based on my performance, but on pure love. And may I forever remember and cherish what a gift it is to spend time with You like this. In Your name, Amen!