“I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands.” Psalm 119:10
This is my favorite time of day. And I am sitting in my favorite place in our house. It is 5 A.M. and I am sitting in my big chair with my legs propped up on my ottoman. It is Christmastime so I the lights of the Christmas tree are shining along with a candle that is lit beside me. You may ask what in the world am I doing up so early and saying such craziness that it is my favorite time of day! It is my favorite time of day because from 5 A.M to 6 A.M. is my time with God. I choose to get up at 4:30, yes craziness, take a shower and then hurry downstairs to start my day. I sit in my chair with a cup of coffee in hand and my Bible and journal across my lap. One the table beside me I have a candle I sometimes light, several devotional books I may choose from to read, and pens and pencils for underlining or jotting notes. Recently a special friend gave me a wooden cross made from olive wood that fits perfectly in the palm of my hand that I sometimes hold as I read, pray and meditate on His word. This is my favorite time of day because it is my time to “be still and know that He is God “(Psalm 46:10). When I first felt the nudge to get up earlier to spend time with God, it was a struggle. I was not a morning person! I liked to stay in my warm bed as long as possible and once up I didn’t like to talk to anyone for a while. Plus, I had no idea what I would read or study. However, as I was obedient and faithful at getting up He was faithful to guide and direct my study. And now I really am a devotion junkie! Thanks to technology I now am able to read many devotionals from my phone. I receive some by email and others are on apps I have downloaded. I am never disappointed when I read through the devotionals. Many times a theme is present in several of them for a particular day. Or sometimes only one will strike a chord with me. But always, God uses this time each morning to speak to me. He sometimes speaks to me about a difficult situation I may be dealing with or an area that I need to improve and grow. Usually a certain scripture stands out and that is the one I usually post on Facebook to share with others. When I first began sharing scripture on Facebook I was scared to death that others would think I was crazy or trying to act ‘holier than thou’. However, I truly post scripture out of obedience to God. I believe that was His way of easing me into writing this blog…another scary endeavor. However, as usual God has blessed me for stepping out of the boat and following His guidance. A dear friend of mine challenged me a little over a year ago to not only choose a scripture of the day but to also choose a word for the day. That practice has become a daily routine now and my word of the day challenges me to stretch and grow. I often record my scripture and word of the day in my journal. Writing it down helps to hold me accountable. And now I share not only my scripture but also word of the day with several people each day. See how God has taken a simple morning routine and blessed and grown His ministry! I have recently read about choosing a word for a new year so stay tuned for my word for 2017.
What about you? Do you have a daily time to be still and know He is God? Is your time morning, mid-day, or evening? If you do not have a specific time of day set aside to spend with God I encourage you to pray about beginning. Ask God to pinpoint a time the two of you can grow closer and know that it may not be a time that you find easy or convenient at first. Choose a spot for your time with God. Be sure it is cozy but not too comfortable that you will fall asleep. Create an area that has everything you need to make this time successful. Select some resources to read, sign up to receive emails, or download apps. I receive emails from The Upper Room, Proverb 31 ministries, and Christine Caine. I have the following apps; Joyce Meyer Ministries, First 5, and Daily Hope with Rick Warren. I also have a Bible app. Gather some pens, pencils, highlighters. You may want a notebook or journal to write down things that stand out or speak to you. I have recently enjoyed lighting a candle during my special time with God.
If you begin a special time with God I promise you He will bless you through your faithful routine. He will grow you spiritually and He will speak. And beware…He may just ask you to step out of the boat in faith and do things you never thought possible. Just ask me….now I am a morning person.
“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Matthew 6:33
#Prayer
#Passion By: Julie Wicker
Father,
We dedicate this time to seek you with all our hearts, keeping your commandments so that we may not stray. Ps 119:10. Create in us a clean heart and renew a steadfast spirit within us Ps 51:10. Make your word come alive in us so that we burn for you Luke 24:32. Help us to be still in your presence and know that you are God and we are not Ps 46:10. In receiving your kingdom, one that cannot be shaken, may we always be in awe, serving you with grace, oh Lord our all-consuming fire Heb 12:28-29. We are zealous for you and desire to serve you fervently Ro 12:11. As we seek your kingdom and all your glory, may your favor shine upon us today Mat 6:33.
In the name of Jesus
Amen
#Worshipwithus
Water Walkers 