July 5
Give the Bible its place
“Come, I pray you, and hear what is the word that cometh forth from the Lord” (Ezek. 33:30).
“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom” (Col. 3:16).
One must get at least half an hour daily when his mind is fresh. A tired mind does not readily absorb. This should be persisted in until there is a habitual spending of at least that much time daily over the Book, with a spirit at leisure from all else, so it can take in. Then the time should be given to the Book itself. If other books are consulted and read, as they will be, let that be after the reading of this Book. Let God talk to you direct, rather than through somebody else. Give Him first chance at your ears. This Book in the central place of your table, the others grouped about it. First time given to it.
—S. D. Gordon.