For this blog and the several to follow, I’d like to share with you DICK’S FIVE RULES FOR THE DEVOTIONAL LIFE that have worked for me in keeping it fresh and meaningful for quite a few years.  Please don’t think I’m implying it’s fresh and meaningful every day. 

Rule 1:  SET ASIDE TIME WITH GOD.  I certainly pray when I’m riding in the car, as I’m heading into a meeting, or when I’m on the way to or in the middle of a ticklish situation.  These times are important.  They involve the discipline that Brother Lawrence called practicing the presence of God (in a famous book by that title – well worth reading).  However, they are insufficient to developing a walk with God.  They are more the outcome of a good relationship or walk with God than they are the cause of a great relationship.  As with everyone you are close to, you have to spend dedicated, focused time with that person – time that you sacrifice in order to spend that time with him or her.  I don’t think there’s a set amount of time you need to spend with God to have a successful walk.  I’ve heard lots of speculation about the amount of time you need to spend, but it seems to me to be just speculation or personal experience.  However, one thing everyone whose walk I respect has in common is dedicated time with God – time when they’re off alone with Him.  These times will vary as to amounts and intensity, probably dependent upon life circumstances, personality, and sense of need.  Is this a daily aim of yours?  It should be.  The blessings of dedicated time with God are enormous.