We do the same things day after day, we get up, get dressed, brush your teeth, and start the routine. It’s the same thing day after day. It’s the same old routine all week long.
What would it take to change the routine? Do you want to change it? Are you happy with it? Where does Jesus fit into your schedule? Does the Lord have a place? Would you allow Him a place in your tight-knit plan, or is He allowed to interrupt? What if He was first and your day started with the Lord. Would this be a radical thought? How can this happen?
First, it starts with a desire, a desire to put God first (Matthew 6:33). So how can that take place? One suggestion is to start earlier. I have tried every time of the day to spend time with God. Nothing seemed to work or to last. There was always something that interfered.
So, what worked for me? Finally, getting up and starting with God was my answer. The time begins with a prayer followed by reading the Bible. It took some effort to make this pattern part of my day. Before long, however, it became the most significant part of my day. Starting with God makes your day better. Somewhere along the way, you will notice your entire day is better. It is then you realize that God watches over you all the time. He guides you and your days are more productive.
The fresh start begins to change your outlook and your expectations. Then you start to think about what God can do through you. The only way to find out is to begin.
Start and stick with the plan. It is one thing to start something. It is quite another to work the plan. For any undertaking to work, there must be follow-through. Lots of people start. It takes dedication and determination to be consistent in the follow-up. It is the implementation that gets you to the destination. Enjoy the journey and experience the ventures that God has in store for you.
As Christians, we look forward to our arrival in heaven. Everything will be perfect there. But what about life here and now? Is it just an endurance to get to your heavenly home? I hope not.
The Christian life, in a sense, is what you make it. Each day is another step towards eternity. Make it an adventure.
Remember your final destination. If you do, living here will not be Rutsville.
I like the quiet ocean scene that demonstrates the peace and reflection to which your blog so eloquently spoke. I also like the pictures you posted with your message.
Your message was not only instructive about the way in which to begin the routine of prayer and meditation, but also has an uplifting spiritual feeling to it as well. It does take time to establish a routine of prayer as you mentioned and finding an individual’s best time to do that is important as well.
I get up early around 6:30-7:00 Am naturally even though I’m retired from my day job (acute care nursing). It’s probably all those years of getting up at 4:30 Am. I like to light a candle and some incense before I begin my meditation. Sometimes I read a thought for the day from a devotional book or read a scripture I particularly find inspirational. After that, I like to relax a little and reflect on what God wants of me for this day. Then I like to write my prayer on an index card and place it in a basket beside the candle. I feel like it lets it “cook” that way.
Your lovely blog not only instructs, but uplifts. Well done, Frank. All good things to your corner of the Earth…
Congratulations on your new blog, Frank! It’s nice to meet another kindred spirit. Quiet time with God can change our day!
I have to get up early and be by myself to have my time with God.