Leisurely Listen

Do you remember learning to write? With that [crazy] large pencil onto extra wide-ruled paper, bearing down with steady hand and great care, forming those early letters. What if we applied the same tenacity - unwavering goal of reading The Bible? "Study to show yourself approved unto God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." (2 Timothy 2:15 KJV) Note God says to "study" His Word - that's more than just a quick-and-done "read" ... it's a bearing-down to find the hidden treasures. I've often said a "good day" is to sit with a cup of coffee and the open Word. Let's be honest, few of us find enough time when we're to bear-down in study and let The Holy Spirit lead us into the treasures of God's Word. Listen to the words of Vance Havner: "Not for a moment would we discourage hard application and full attention to Bible study. But have not some of its choicest treasures come to us when we sat down just to enjoy it, when we ate its milk and honey because it was good ... There is much in the Book that escapes you if you set out to crash it by a frontal assault." (Pleasant Paths). God's Word is most certainly to be read and studied, memorized and meditated upon; let us not neglect, however, the need to seize moments to just sit quietly with It and listen to the tender teachings of The Holy Spirit as He speaks Its truth to the open and attentive heart. Do not neglect the opportunities to bear-down [in serious study] but always be open and welcome to those times to ... leisurely listen.