"Today is the day the Lord hath made; let us rejoice and be glad in it" Psalm 118:24
"Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed." Mark 1:35
"I got up early one morning and rushed right into the day. I had so much to accomplish that I didn't take time to pray. Problems just tumbled about me and heavier came each task. "Why doesn't God help me" I wondered, He answered: "You didn't ask." I wanted to see joy and beauty, but the day toiled on gray and bleak. I wondered why God didn't show me, He said "But you didn't seek." I tried to come into God's presence. I used all my keys at the lock. God gently and lovingly chided, "My child, you didn't knock." I woke up early this morning, and paused before entering the day. I had so much to accomplish that I had to take time to pray."
If you're anything like me, the minute I'm up I'm dashing to throw on clothes, run a brush through my hair, and get the dogs out for their walk. Then of course they need to be fed and watered, not to mention Bobbie Cat, sitting by her bowl, patiently waiting for her 9-Lives. Is there coffee to gulp down? Glance at the New York Times and see the latest calamities in the world. Then fire up the computer to see the latest emails, Face Book postings..
What's wrong with this picture?!
Like many, I forget: Put First Things First. The morning is precious time. Just rested from sleep, not yet bombarded by the demands of the day, our brains and spirit are open. That's when we need to connect spiritually with God. Maybe I need to consciously turn that dog walk into a "walking prayer," asking God to bless my neighbors, and all who have asked me for prayer. Maybe I need to review a "gratitude list" as Gracie and Betty Boo are busy chasing the squirrels. Maybe I need to have a devotional ready with a scripture, to read with my cup of coffee. Maybe before I read my emails, I can read spiritual postings from the many sites on line.
The point is: Put First Things First. That's what Jesus did. He got up early, went away to a quiet place to pray. We need to pray, ideally have some quiet time -- it doesn't have to be long -- but the intention and focus need to be there. Then it can grow, as we develop the right habits to sustain our spirit.
We need to charge up our day with spiritual energy, so we can be positive, engaging people who can minister to others just by our presence. Our presence can bring peace to others -- if we are adequately prepped. That's the best witness we can give to Jesus Christ -- to be a people whose spirits are open, ready to listen and minister, because we are nourished by prayer, and because we are in conscious contact with our God from the time we open our eyes.
Have a wonderful day. Remember: First Things First.
Listen to: Good Morning by Mandisa (featuring Tobymac)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tOVv8ySJREs
PRAY: "Show us what do to start the day right with you. Make us a blessing to others "
RSS Feed