I’ve heard the adage, “Leaders are readers.” That seems to be generally true.
I want to suggest another adage that is just as true –
“What is written in the power of the Spirit needs to be read in the presence of the Spirit.”
As with most things in life, as Believers, we can operate in our own power and do alright or we can move forward in humility, empowered by God’s Spirit and see different, inspired and usually lasting results. I have found this is the case with most things in life, including reading books. Think of it as “Reading in the Spirit.”
It’s one thing to simply read a book, but it’s another thing to really READ an article or book. With one we are being informed. With the latter, we are being formed by God’s presence.
Granted, not all books are written by people who are inspired by the power of the Holy Spirit, but many books can be used by the Spirit to speak into our life adventure with God.
Consider this strategy for reading in the Spirit.
Invite
Ask the Holy Spirit to speak to you. This might be an automatic prayer or attitude as you pick up a book, but it’s vital that you are open to him or a connection between you and God more than you and the author who has shared her thoughts on the page. Often God has breathed his breath upon that writer. Let his breath come upon you now.
Listen
God tends to speak when we expect him to speak. Let your soul speed be in sync with the
Spirit by saying “Here I am” as so many prayed in the Scriptures.
Notice
More than the actual words of the author in black and white, what is God speaking to you in and between the words? God usually speaks in nuances. He is subtle. Listen for his whispers. They will sound like your own voice, only quieter.
Obey
It is vital that you are willing to do what God invites you into. Remember the wisdom to Yoda – “Is no try, only do.”
