By Mike Riley

The president of a large manufacturing company wanted to talk to the plant manager about an urgent matter. But the manager’s secretary said, “He cannot be disturbed. He’s in conference — as he is every day at this time.”

“Tell him the president needs to see him,” the man responded impatiently. The secretary firmly replied, “Sir, I have strict orders not to disturb him while he is in conference.”

Angrily, the man brushed past the secretary and opened the door to the manager’s office. After one quick look he backed out, gently closed the door, and said, “I’m sorry!” The president had found his plant manager on his knees praying in front of his open Bible.

The purpose of a daily devotional time is to stimulate regular, intimate meetings with the “King of kings, and Lord of lords” (Revelation 19:16). We need to seek new orders and instructions each day from the One who gives us life, and provides for our every need (Acts 17:28; Philippians 4:19).

Jesus Himself spent regular time in prayer (Matthew 14:23; Matthew 26:36; Mark 6:46; Luke 6:12; Luke 9:28; John 17:1-26), and inspired His disciples to pray (Luke 11:1). He gave them a model prayer, telling them to keep asking, seeking, and knocking (Luke 11:9-10).

Brethren, have we spent time “in conference” with God today? It’s never too late to start.

Begin the day with God,
Kneel down to Him in prayer;
Lift up your heart to His abode,
And seek His love to share. — Anonymous