I’m reading dusty tomes (actually e-books) from days of yore and discovering that wizened old preachers from centuries ago had some spectacular insights. J. H. Jowett in his book, Thirsting for the Springs, discussed the need for us to continually learn more about God. Learning more about God and His nature can energize our worship and praise. That knowledge of what God is about and what He values will deliver an empowering urgency to our daily life and service.
…increasing in the knowledge of God;
Colossians 1:10 NASB Selected
But how does one increase in the knowledge of God? Jowett turned to the example of two disciples on the road to Emmaus after the crucifixion (Luke 24: 13-35). As they walked along, the risen Jesus joined them, but they did not recognize Him. It wasn’t until the Savior broke the bread for them at supper that their eyes were opened.
When He had reclined at the table with them, He took the bread and blessed it, and breaking it, He began giving it to them. Then their eyes were opened and they recognized Him; and He vanished from their sight.
Luke 24:30-31 NASB
Jowett writes:
When was He made known? “In the breaking of bread.” Then He employed the occasion of an ordinary meal to make Himself known to them. It is a beautiful suggestion. The commonplace shall break open and reveal to us the King. If I invite Him to come into my house and share with me the common life of the common day, through the humdrum life He will make Himself known to me. If He be invited into the kitchen, then through the common ministries of the house He will give revelations of His glory. If He be invited into the office, then through all the mechanical details of the monotonous day we shall see His appearing. If He be invited into the study, then He will redeem the work from formality, and dry duty will be changed into delightful fellowship. If I invite him to share my pleasures, my very joys will be rarefied by the light of His countenance.
Jowett, J. H. Thirsting for the Springs. London: H. R. Allenson. 1907. p 61.
I summarized Jowett’s comments for Shawn, and at breakfast we launched into a discussion of what it means to include God in daily life. Here’s some of what we came up with (in no particular order), and I hope you will share your ideas in the comments section below.
- Greet God as soon as I wake up before my feet hit the floor.
- Schedule and keep a regular time for reading His Word and prayer.
- Make an effort to memorize verses that touch my heart.
- Ask His guidance in the upcoming day’s events and especially that He will nudge me if an opportunity arises to share Him with another.
- On those nights when my sleep is interrupted take time to call out in prayer those people he brings to my mind.
- Marvel over His creation. Take time to observe. Compliment His design ability and creativity.
- Get serious about thanking Him. Consider His provisions of clean water, a warm house, clothes to wear, and food to eat. The list of His gifts is unending.
- Consult His wisdom in the household finances and acknowledge that I am a steward not the owner.
- Thank Him for moments of leisure, and accept them with a grateful heart.
- Recognize moments when His wisdom and guidance are required, and ask His input.
- Honor those He has placed in my life, especially my wife. God commands and expects that of me.
- Talk to Him as I go about my day. Paul captured the essence of that practice with three simple words: “pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17).
- Work on my willing submission to His greater plan as I encounter delays and setbacks in my agenda.
What will happen as we adopt practices like these? We will discover that we serve a wonderful Lord, and our minds will be tuned to discover more about Him as life unfolds.
By the way, I’ve been immersed in research into the character and attributes of God as He reveals Himself in Scripture. My list has reached more than 100 identifiable attributes at last count. I can’t wait to share some of those discoveries.

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