For this newsletter, I would like to try something a little different. Please let me know if what follows encourages, edifies, or equips you in your spiritual development. Feel free to share it with others in your spheres of influence and responsibility.
Over the years, I have developed what most would consider a rigorous devotional practice. Rigorous is not for everyone, but I can testify that every bit of time and attention invested into God’s kingdom receives a King’s reward. He is ever faithful; and ever present. As we’ve been known to say: The Father loves speaking with His children.
For those who are interested, here is the gist of it: I begin each day on my knees, aligning my will with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. It is important to me to address each person of the Trinity, not only because they are different beings, but because our relationship with each one is different. Let me know if you want more on this.
Next, I invest whatever time is necessary praying God’s will for those on that day’s list. Just to be clear, my intention is not to pray what I think they need, but the will of God for them.
Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him. 1 John 5:14-15
I also pray daily for persecuted Christians – either specific individuals or countries – as a way to remember them (Hebrews 13:3). Voice of the Martyrs and Open Doors have great resources for that; let me know if you need help finding them.
After prayer, and while maintaining a prayerful attitude, I study the Bible and several devotionals. At the moment, I am going through Oswald Chamber’s My Utmost for His Highest, (A. W.) Tozer on Leadership, Bible Gateway’s C. S. Lewis Daily, and A Year with C. S. Lewis. All but the last of these are available for free on the internet. Again, let me know if you need help finding them.
As for my method of Bible study, I do not adhere to any Bible reading plan, but instead depend on the Holy Spirit to direct me to a particular book. Once there, I will read a portion that makes sense based on the Spirit’s teaching for that day, usually no more than a chapter and often just a few verses.
My study includes taking notes, usually summarizing what I have read or what the Holy Spirit has shared. I highlight those bits of information and instruction that most resonate with my heart. At the end of each day’s reading, I attempt to discern and record the Holy Spirit’s overall lesson for the day.
Each Sunday, I go through my study notes looking for the most important bits of wisdom, truth, and instruction, recording these in my “Sunday Summary.” I go on to review the summary every Wednesday.
So, what do you think? Too much for most people? I understand, but hope not. If the studies are true, most people waste the time required for this kingdom investment scrolling through their favorite social media platform. I hope and pray the following “Sunday Summary” example will encourage, edify, and equip you to make such an investment. Please let me know if it helps you in any way.
Sunday Summary – July 7-13, 2025
- I cannot give up my will; I must exercise it, either as my own or as belonging to the LORD. O. Chambers
- Do not be surprised or disheartened when you choose to be loyal to Jesus Christ and find you are consequently and often a witness against yourself. O. Chambers
- Everything we do must be measured against the accomplishment of the true work of Christ on earth. In other words, is it advancing God‘s kingdom?
- Choosing a better way requires wisdom, courage, and discipline.
- Only those who do the will of the Father shall enter in (Matthew 7:21).
- It seems the Lord has encouraged me to ask Him to give me back my memories. I hesitate for fear of the bad, but realize the good will be worth the pain, if only to love Him more for whatever He reveals. And so, I have asked.
- Belief is eventually a matter of our will; we must choose to believe. C. S. Lewis
- A short dream about gathering around a table to pray with people of all races and ages. Another group was waiting on us to come together; we were waiting on a couple of people to join, including Matthew. There were kids playing in the room at the same time. We were apparently going to allow them to continue during the prayer time or we were waiting to get settled ourselves. Either way, it felt like a very good thing.
- While it is important to steward God’s provision well, to find little joy in what He graciously bestows must be an affront to Him.
- We must reject the world‘s methods of decision-making. The Word and the Spirit have all the answers we need.
- The saint sees everything he is dumped down into as the means of securing the knowledge of Jesus Christ. O. Chambers
- The Holy Spirit is determined that we shall realize Jesus Christ in every domain of life. Our attempts toward self-realization work contrary to His efforts. The Christian life is not found seeking after who we are in Christ, but Who He is in us. C. S. Lewis
- Leave room for God to work and look for Him to do so.
- Our work is not good work. God would have us risk more.
- The relationship we have with a loved one who has passed on does not end, nor must it be lived solely in memory. There is a going on with that person in us and in others. Memory is important, but we must not get trapped there. C. S. Lewis
- Like all visions, the visions of God are always forward and up. Our beholding the Lord must be accompanied by expectant gaze down the path of the Father’s good work.
One final thing I like to do is make a weekly list of personal highlights and lowlights. These are often subjects of prayer on the day I pray for myself, my desires, and my calendar – for thanksgiving and confession.
Well, that’s it. I pray it was helpful. God bless you with the time and attention you need for God’s encouragement, edification, and equipping.
Have a strong day in the Lord,
Rob
#iamjustthepen
Ministry Updates and Prayer Requests
Please turn your prayerful attention to God’s voice and purpose for you in this season. We are truly in a Kairos moment of spiritual challenge and opportunity. Knowing His voice is now of paramount importance, and the purpose He entrusts to you will likely be your greatest kingdom legacy.
Video editing for the The Storms Have Only Just Begun course continues. The testimony of that adventure is here. Please continue to pray for this endeavor.
Leadership Books, Inc. has expressed interest in publishing another of our books – most likely An Enemy Lies Within or A Christian Response to the Metacrisis. Please let me know if you are interested in investing in that project.
As we turn our attention back to A Christian Response to the Metacrisis, please pray for God’s direction in the book’s publication.
God continues to answer our prayers for the development of a Christian network in Douglas County, Georgia (and the surrounding area). Several churches and ministries are coming together to manifest Jesus’ prayer for unity in service to their community, initially through the Better Life Resources Network. Please pray for our wisdom in the selection of participating partners, and faith for God’s exceedingly abundantly more than we can ask or think.
Our move into the Trout Creek Homestead is moving along nicely. Please note our new address is 8322 Saucier Drive, Douglasville, GA 30135. We also appreciate your prayers for our continued spiritual growth and the use of our new home as a refuge of encouragement and wisdom in the storms of this chaotic season.
Please continue to pray for our sisters and brothers suffering under persecution – as if chained with them, since you yourselves are in the body also (Hebrews 13:3).
Partnering with inLight Consulting
God’s purpose for inLight Consulting is beyond human capability. We are desperately dependent on Him; and would have it no other way. We are grateful for the continued support of those that trust God to use this ministry to further His kingdom. Please pray for our vision and mission.
Share the truths you find here with the leaders in your life; it will make them free.
God bless you with wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him; and may He give you the grace and courage to walk in the work He has prepared for you.
Humbly yours and forever His,
Rob