It is those who have a deep and real inner life who are best able to deal with the irritating details of outer life.

The thing may sound absurd to you, but you can do it if you will: standing back, as it were, from the vague and purposeless reactions in which most men fritter their vital energies. Then you can survey with a certain calm, a certain detachment, your universe and the possibilities of life within it: can discern too, if you be at all inclined to mystical adventure, the stages of the road along which you must pass on your way towards harmony with the Real.

Being, not Doing, is the first aim of the mystic; and hence should be the first interest of the student of mysticism.

When the vivid reality which is meant by these rather abstract words is truly possessed by us, when that which is unchanging in ourselves is given its chance, and emerges from the stream of succession to recognise its true home and goal, which is God—then, though much suffering may, indeed will, remain; apprehension, confusion, instability, despair, will cease.

Prayer, then, begins by an intellectual adjustment.

It is not easy to shut out the world, set aside a few minutes by yourself, and spend time in God's Word and prayer. But it is essential if we are to grow in our relationship with God and be strengthened for the battles ahead. Don't delay. Begin now to spend time alone with God every day.

God speaks to those who are prepared in their hearts to listen. Discern the voice from heaven above the noisy din of earth's confusion.

Our schedules are so hectic we can't get everything done, or else we are bored and restless, constantly looking for something to amuse us. We are the most frantic generation in history—and also the most entertained. The Bible tells us that both extremes are wrong.

No situation is beyond God's control. Over my wife's desk are these words: "Fear not the future; God is already there.

Nothing will help us grow spiritually more than spending time alone with God every day, reading His Word and praying. Time alone with God is essential to our spiritual welfare.

God is the Ruler of His mighty creation. There is no reason to despair, because He holds in His hands the whole world, while His Spirit is able to fill the void in man's heart.

At this crucial point in world history, everyone should be seeking an answer to the question, "What is God like?" Everyone should ask it, and everyone should make very sure of the answer . . . The Bible says, ". . . God has shown it to them" [Romans 1:19 NKJV].