SAFELY TAKING OFF AND LANDING
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 IT HAS BEEN SAID that the most dangerous part in flying an airplane is in taking off and landing. Once the aircraft is airborne the danger is minimized until the plane gets ready to come down. Therefore, undivided attention and care especially must be taken in taking off and landing.
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 Drawing from this illustration, here is a suggestion that we think would greatly augment your spiritual well being as a Christian (although the Bible is not specific about the details of this). The first thing in the morning upon awaking and arising, thoughtfully and prayerfully read a chapter (or more) in the Bible—and then pray. Through the Bible God is talking to us, and in praying we are talking to God. Then at the end of the day the last thing before retiring for sleep, again read a chapter from the Bible and pray. By doing this we will get our day focused and off to a good start, and at the end of the day bring it to a good conclusion. Bible reading and prayer, stationed there at the entrance and exit of our day, are like sentries guarding our spiritual well being. Another day has been successfully and safely lived as a Christian.
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 David wrote, "Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and he shall hear my voice" (Psalms 55:17). Of Daniel it says that "he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God" (Daniel 6:10). Traditionally the Jews looked upon the third hour (9 o’clock), the sixth hour (12 o’clock) and the ninth hour (3 o’clock) as the "hour of prayer," and Christians in the early days of the church seem to have gone along with this line of thought (Acts 3:1; 10:9). Cornelius, of whom it says that he "prayed to God always," seems to have adapted this Jewish pattern (Acts 10:2-4,30). Paul said to "pray without ceasing" (1 Thessalonians 5:17). Thus by having a regular regimen of prayer, as well as praying when we are especially inclined to pray, we are doing this. The Bible is not specific in details by way of command.
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 In a larger context the apostle Paul wrote, "I exhort therefore that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made..." (1 Timothy 2:1). Prayer should come first. Jesus first prayed before choosing the twelve apostles (Luke 6:12-16). He prayed in the Garden of Gethsemene before his crucifixion. In most of his epistles Paul first mentions that he is praying for the people. It has been said, "Until a Christian has prayed, the most important thing that a Christian can do is to pray." This is in keeping with the words of our Lord when he said to "seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness…" (Matthew 6:33). We are doing this when we start the day with Bible reading and prayer.
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 Therefore, by being aware of these spiritual aerodynamics, and practicing what we have just written, we can enter the day with calm assurance. At the close of the day we can thank the Lord for a safe and successful flight.
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