“If I had eight hours to chop down a tree, I’d spend six hours sharpening my ax.” – Abraham Lincoln

Blessed are those who keep His testimonies, Who seek Him with the whole heart! (Psalm 119:2)

Are you spending most of your time sharpening the ax or cutting the wood?
How much time do you spend weekly in Bible study and prayer?

Dan Tingley, the marketing director for Transformational Leadership Coaching worldwide, is rapidly becoming a very good friend of mine. As mentioned in a previous devotional, I first met Dan at the Leaders Roundtable in Virginia Beach on August 27, 2006.

On December 28, 2006, Dan and I had a lengthy phone conversation. During that, Dan told me how his father repeatedly reminded him to spend 90% of his time sharpening the saw (ax) and 10% of his time cutting wood. That is counter-intuitive. So is God. Dan went on to say that we sharpen the saw through prayer and Bible study. He didn’t say Bible reading. Bible study is a vital part of spiritual health.

My recent conversation with Dan has already impacted me in several ways. On January 2, I went to enroll in my very first course at Life Christian University in Culpeper called “The Life and Teachings of Jesus.” The first class taught in the evening on January 4 by Pastors Sue and George Gregg was outstanding. I woke up the next morning “on fire” for God with new revelations. On January 3, I enrolled in a 6 week course taught by Pastor Randy Orndorff called “Christianity and World Religions.”

Prayer Power
Father, thank You for mentors in my life like Dan Tingley who encourage me to spend more time in prayer and Bible study. Thank You for the gift of transparent friendships. Thank You for the superb leadership of Pastors Sue and George at Life Christian University in Culpeper. Bless them, their church, and their ministry. Bless those who read this message with a deep hunger to know You better through prayer and Bible study. Thank You Jesus. Amen.

Link of the Day
Quotes of Abraham Lincoln [http://quotes.zaadz.com/Abraham_Lincoln]
             
Blessings to spend most of your times sharpening the saw!