DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT THURSDAY – A QUIET TIME WITH THE LORD.

Out in front of us is the drama of men and of nations, seething, struggling, laboring, dying... but within the silences of the souls of men an eternal drama is ever being enacted. On the outcome of this inner drama rests ultimately, the outer pageant of history. - Thomas Kelly.

After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone - Matthew 14:23.

In a letter to his friends, hymn writer Wendell P. Loveless related this story:

One evening a speaker who was visiting the United States wanted to make a telephone call. He entered a phone booth, but found it to be different from those in his own country. It was beginning to get dark, so he had difficulty finding the number in the directory. He noticed that there was a light in the ceiling, but he didn't know how to turn it on.

As he tried again to find the number in the fading twilight, a passerby noted his plight and said, "Sir, if you want to turn the light on, you have to shut the door." To the visitor's amazement and satisfaction, when he closed the door, the booth was filled with light. He soon located the number and completed the call.

In a similar way, when we draw aside in a quiet place to pray, we must block out our busy world and open our hearts to the Father. Our darkened world of disappointments and trials will then be illuminated. We will enter into communion with God, we will sense His presence, and we will be assured of His provision for us. - Our Daily Bread.

Early African converts to Christianity were earnest and regular in private devotions. Each one reportedly had a separate spot in the thicket where he would pour out his heart to God. Over time the paths to these places became well worn. As a result, if one of these believers began to neglect prayer, it was soon apparent to the others. They would kindly remind the negligent one, "Brother, the grass grows on your path." - Today in the Word.

Loving Father, help me by the power of the Holy Spirit, to spend some quiet time alone with you, that I may grow stronger through your presence. I ask this, in the wonderful name of Jesus and for His glory! Amen!

Be encouraged!
GBYAY