What a slacker!
I’m talking about myself.
The first thing each morning, I read the daily bible verse that I receive on an app on my phone. Most days I even read more than the presented verse and am blessed by God’s words. Then, I open my email inbox to read the devotional from a pastor. I think about how God uses His word through someone else’s experience, and I am grateful for that pastor’s words and for sharing God’s word.
Prayer is ingrained within me. Conversation with God is easy for me.
So, Steph, what’s the problem? Sounds like you’re off to a great start each day. You’re not a slacker.
Yea. Yes, I am off to a great start. But, then what do I do with what I’ve read or are my prayers becoming too second nature and they need a little more heart and/or depth?
This morning, I am so grateful that God woke me before the sun came up. THAT used to be easy and daily and needed. Lately, my routine just halted. My sleep became a little more important. Our next family or couple’s activity became an easy excuse to not dive into God’s word like I used to early in the mornings. I took my time with God for granted, and my inner self is yearning for that one-on-one personal time with my sweet Jesus.
Guilt rushed over me. I felt guilty for being so selfish with my time, and doing what Stephanie wanted to do, and not what God probably desires for me to do. I felt guilty for being so excited, and stating so in previous vlogs, to share Romans 8 with whomever listens or reads these journal entries, only to read the first four verses almost one month ago and create a posting. (See the June 13th journal entry.) Yep, Romans 8:1-4 was the last posting, then it all came to a halt. I watched the nine minute video, and was encouraged.
Those same words, priorities and perspective, really hit me. I was convicted, and I am grateful!
Watch this small two minute clip from the video here:
I want to encourage you to make your choice. Insert the word for the hobby or person or whatever where I used the word Netflix in the video, and see which rises above or who/Who has top priority in your life.
Remember, God commands us in Exodus 20:3,“You must not worship any other gods except Me.” Be careful to not put anything or anyone above God. That is making it or them a little/false god. Our Heavenly Father says a big fat NO to that and can take your little god away from you.
It is my prayer that you will find Jesus Christ to be your top priority in life, and that you view life with His perspective.
Know what feeds your soul each day. For me, sincere prayer and quality time spent with Jesus and in God’s word is fulfilling and needed.
For me, I don’t want how James explains it: Hearing God’s teaching and doing nothing is like looking at your face in the mirror and doing nothing about what you saw. You go away and immediately forget how bad you looked. But when you look into God’s perfect law that sets people free, pay attention to it. If you do what it says, you will have God’s blessing. Never just listen to his teaching and forget what you heard. James 1:23-25 ERV. I want to choose the latter verses and be set free, pay attention to God’s word, do what it says, and have God’s blessings.
Blessings to you and yours,
Stephanie
