Keep Bright By use - Chambers, Oswald
General maxims
(a) if you lack education, first realise it; then cure it.
(b) beware of knowing what you dont practise.
Cultivate mental habits give attendance to reading.
(1 timothy 4:13)
If we wish to excel in secular things, we concentrate; why should we be less careful in work for god? Dont get dissipated; determine to develop your intellect for one purpose only to make yourself of more use to god. Have a perfect machine ready for god to use. It is impossible to read too much, but always keep before you why you read. Remember that the need to receive, recognise, and rely on the holy spirit is before all else.
Constantly aim at the highest
Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine. (1 timothy 4:16)
Remember that preaching is gods ordained method of saving the world (see 1 Corinthians 1:21). Take time before god and find out the highest ideal for an address. Never mind if you do not reach the ideal, but work at it, and never say fail. By work and steady application you will acquire the power to do with ease what at first seemed so difficult. Avoid the temptation to be slovenly in your mind and be deluded into calling it depending on the spirit. Dont misapply Matthew 10:1920. Carelessness in spiritual matters is a crime.
Concentrate on personal resources
Neglect not the gift that is in thee. (1 timothy 4:14)
In immediate preparation dont call in the aid of other minds; rely on the holy spirit and on your own resources, and he will select for you. Discipline your mind by reading and by building in stuff in private, then all that you have assimilated will come back. Keep yourself full to the brim in reading; but remember that the first great resource is the holy ghost who lays at your disposal the word of god. The thing to prepare is not the sermon, but the preacher.
Constrain yourself to be spiritually minded
Follow after righteousness. (1 timothy 6:11)
It is possible to have a saved and sanctified experience and a stagnant mind. Learn how to make your mind awake and fervid, and when once your mind is awake never let it go to sleep. The brain does not need rest, it only needs change of work. The intellect works with the greatest intensity when it works continuously; the more you do, the more you can do. We must work hard to keep in trim for god. Clean off the rust and keep bright by use.
Commune with god continuously
Be instant in season, out of season. (2 timothy 4:2)
You cannot always be in conscious glowing touch with god, but dont wait for ecstasy. See that you make all else secondary to the one purpose of your life. My one aim is to preach Jesus by lip and life, and i will allow no other interest to dominate, then every other thing will be related to that purpose. Instant in season, out of season; never give way to discouragement. 8. Spooned meat: liquefied food that requires no chewing or effort baby food