Hear The Bell

Tuesday, November 7, ‎2023

Good morning, Lord

Verse of the Day: 2 Timothy 1:7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

Memory verse: Philippians 4:8 ►Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

Today's reading: JEREMIAH 40-42 HEBREWS 4

Hear the Bell

Sometimes I need something to remind me of what really needs to be done. What I mean is that in the business of everyday activities, the voluntary stuff must be prioritized. The involuntary, breathing,etc., goes without prompting. The rest of our lives is choice. So, what are the most important things and how is that all managed?

Cultivation of good habits is a must. Back in my youth minister days, we had a camp for one week in the summer for 600 plus 12-18 year olds. Except for a short free period in the afternoon, every minute had to be scheduled.

One of the 'Holy Spirit' ideas was that the bell that stood in the middle of the campgrounds would be rung on the hour and half-hour-every thirty minutes that signaled everyone to stop in their tracks and pray. In games, in Bible study, in meals...all would stop, grab the closest hand and pray.

It was amazing. God changed hearts through this because it took only a few times for the 'thank you for this day' prayers to be recognized as shallow and meaningless and it caused us all to talk to God about what we were doing right then at the moment.

What a concept. We had to recognize that God was there caring about our every move and thought and it cultivated our consciousness of His presence.

The bell was our trigger. Back home from camp there was no bell but some of us coud still 'hear it ring' in that we were conscious of God more than ever before.

No matter what we are doing, it is time to pray. It is time to converse with God-to talk to Him about this entire life-all of it.

Try it just for a short while. Try to stop at set intervals and pray and see what God does with your efforts.

Hear the bell...

...because He loves us...

Father in Heaven.

Let me hear You call me into Your presence. I confess I don't listen well. Break my heart to meet with You and to be conscious of You,

Holy, Holy, God,

In the name of Christ Jesus,

Amen