Enough wisdom for a lifetime of practice

“On a retreat or within a certain time, we can read through the four gospels repeatedly, jotting down notes and thoughts on a pad as we go, letting them become part of our soul substance. When you read the gospels over and over, they frame your world and make it obvious how you are to act.” Willard
From Dallas The Willard:

“Without the help of the written gospel, our minds are filled with junk and framed by commercials and news stories and so our character and actions are confused, befuddled and dissipated. That’s where most people live. They drag into church confused and scattered, hoping to have a rousing service to pump them up and get them through the next week. Then they’ll need another charge. The way to redeem that is to give the mind an intensive bath in the Word of God.
Through the written gospel, Jesus reveals himself. As we deal with people, we can imitate what we’ve read and pondered — for example, the striking quality of Jesus’ generosity. He gave time and attention to people, whether they were lepers, Roman centurions or rich Jewish kids who knew everything. He was absolutely generous that way. He didn’t have to touch lepers to heal them, but he touched them anyway. We reflect on these scenes through journaling or meditation or talking with a “spiritual friend.” We put into practice things what God gives us in these times. This is how we experience the reality of the kingdom.” Willard