Harry A. Ironside (1876-1951) was one of the most loved and most effective Bible teachers of the early 20th century. According to a close friend, Ironside devoted the first hour of every day to Bible study and prayer. It was his "morning watch," as he put it, and a necessary part of every day.
On one occasion when Ironside was lecturing at a seminary, a student came to him and said, "Dr. Ironside, I understand that you get up early every morning to read and study your Bible."
"Oh, I've been doing it ever since I became a Christian," he replied.
"Well, how do you manage to do it?" the student asked. "Do you pray about it?"
"No," Ironside said. "I get up."
Ironside knew that his spiritual life depended on a regular time in the Word of God. He didn't need to ask God if he should do it, or to give him the desire to do it. He regarded this discipline as absolutely necessary in the development of his spiritual life and his influence on others. He couldn't get along without it.
The psalmist wrote, "Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path" (Psalm 119:105). Do we realize how much we need the light of God's Word each day? Are we developing the habit of reading it regularly? —DHR — David H. Roper
When reading God's Word, take special care
To find the rich treasures hidden there;
Give thought to each line, each precept hear,
Then practice it well with godly fear. —Anon.
Open your Bible prayerfully; read it carefully; obey it joyfully.