God woke me up about an hour earlier this morning. My first thought was, “Ugh.” My second thought was, “Okay, Lord, please give me a good thirty minute power nap and give me strength for my day.” My final thought was, “Oh, fiddlesticks, just get up, drink a little milk to ease my need for food, and get into God’s word.”
Well, God listened to all my thoughts and satisfied each of them. My “ugh” was for the people in the book of Amos who continually turn against God and live life their way. My “strength” was given to me through the nourishment of a small glass of milk and a large dose of scripture. Not only did God give me strength, but the feeling of a successful power nap as I rested my thoughts on Him.
While reading each of the four sections this morning, here are the thoughts that came to my mind:
*It’s not about rituals and religion, it’s about a relationship. These are words I’ve heard and said before, and my pastor even mentioned them in his sermon this past Sunday. He told the story about a time when he was on a train ride and a gentleman scooted a little away from him when he learned that Pastor Lewis was a Baptist minister. By the end of their travel together, the gentleman realized that my pastor is not a “religious” man, but a godly man. It is about the relationship you have with Jesus Christ, and not about what denomination or ritual you may do that will get you into Heaven.
*The King (Jesus Christ. Lord of Lords.) is coming back. Praise God! God’s word is true, and He cannot tell a lie. Jesus is coming back one day. Are you ready? The only way to get to heaven is to ask Jesus into your heart and have that personal relationship with Him.
*Oh how I read these verse over and over again. I prayed them to God as if it was me penning them instead of King David:
Let the morning bring me word of Your unfailing love,
for I have put my trust in You.
Show me the way I should go,
for to You I entrust my life.
9 Rescue me from my enemies, Lord,
for I hide myself in You.
10 Teach me to do Your will,
for You are my God;
may Your good Spirit
lead me on level ground. Psalm 143:8-10
Can I get an “Amen!” May this be your prayer today also.
*Don’t underestimate the power and wisdom of the ones who are small. A couple of things I think of are a child and their often honest and blunt words, and an employee who is at the bottom of the business ladder. Listen. You just may learn something from them.
May you be encouraged to wake up with God first each day. Open His word and allow Him to speak to you and through you.
I’m so grateful that God woke me up early today. I know I can handle anything with God by my side.
Blessings to you.
| December 18, “Walking in the Word” |
