Good morning. Today starts a new week. It’s a new day to live out our purpose. I’m not exactly sure where I am going with this, so stay with me as I sort through what God has put on my heart.
Having a new puppy in the family, our daily routines have shifted a bit and lots of puppy proofing is continuously being done. Lots of refereeing between our “Old Queen” Joy and puppy Moose who constantly is exploring and playing with everything.
I “have to” maintain my morning quiet time. It is a MUST for me to function with a good attitude with whatever life throws at me I’ve been waking up a bit earlier before anyone else so I can have my quiet time with the Lord. I’m thankful for the discipline God has given me to set this morning time apart for Him. Do I always feel like it? No, but I do it anyway. During these times He ministers to my heart and points out things that I need to work out. I’m so thankful for His daily guidance. It makes all the difference in the world in my approach and perspective in life. It softens my words toward others and helps me to think before speaking or withhold something my flesh wants to say, but should not.
My question to you is, what’s stopping you from giving God first priority in your life? First fruits of your morning time so God can direct the course of your day? It is a choice. I know having a family is demanding. Families are a blessing from the Lord. God understands when your role as a parents or spouse require your time and effort. We can sacrifice and wake a bit earlier before anyone.
In todays culture our cell phones and devices attract our first moments when we wake. What’s the latest news, did anyone contact me this morning, did anyone “like” my social media post? Yes, indeed we are all quilty o that. God has dealt with me on the “device” issue.My trouble was that I read my Bible online because I can zoom in to see it better. So the temptation is there to look at other things first. I have to discipline myself to pray first then read God’s Word.
What about unforgiveness? Can having unforgiveness in your heart prevent you from seeking the Lord? As I pray I ask the Lord to forgive me of offending Him. I don’t mean to and honestly try to live a Godly live, but I am human and I do fall short. I’m so thankful that Jesus forgives me when I confess my sins. He also desires me to forgive others who offend me. People are people and I think quite often they don’t “intend” to hurt your feelings they just don’t think. Since Jesus shows us such amazing grace, we ought to do the same. Forgive and forget! Forget? Yes, forget! We shouldn’t hold a “record of wrongs” done to us. God can enable us to have a forgiving spirit.
As I was reading the Bible this morning (I chose a Chronological Bible plan for this year) I came across a story where King David asked Ornan to sell his threshing floor so that King David could raise an altar for sacrifice. Here is this scripture that caught my attention. “Then Ornan said to David, “Take it, and let my Lord the king do what seems good to him. See, I give the oxen for burnt offerings and the threshing sledges for the wood and the wheat for a grain offering; I give it all.” But King David said to Ornan, “No, but I will buy them for the full price. I will not take for the Lord what is yours, nor offer burnt offerings that cost me nothing.”” 1 Chronicles 21:23-24 (ESV). Do you notice David refuses to take it for free? He is determined to pay for it, it would cost him something. This same thing can apply to us. Seeking the Lord costs us something. Let’s be eager to grow in our relationship with Jesus. It’s going to cost us something but it is so worth it. So….. what’s stopping you? Have a blessed day! You are loved!
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