"The next morning Jesus awoke long before daybreak and went out alone into the wilderness to pray." (Mark 1:35)
This is more than an isolated incident. It was a morning ritual. And I'm convinced that the example Jesus set is the key to my spiritual future and yours. If I start my day by reading my Bible I get on God's wavelength. If I don't, I don't. It's that simple.
I've always been challenged by something I read in a D.L. Moody biography years ago. Moody said he felt guilty if he heard the blacksmiths hammering before he started praying. Why did God use Moody in such a powerful way? I think it's simple: he got up early to spend time with God.
Today marks the eleven-year anniversary of my father-in-law's death. Bob Schmidgall was the quintessential pastor. He had a huge heart for people. He had a huge heart for missions. And God used him to influence tens of thousands of lives. But if you asked me the secret to his success it's simple: he got up early to spend time with God.
This isn't rocket science. God uses people who put Him first. And one way we put him first is by giving him the first part of our day.
I would encourage you to examine your morning ritual.
Is there something you need to start doing or stop doing? Or maybe it's as simple as setting your alarm fifteen minutes earlier so you can spend some time with God. Don't think you can do it for the rest of the year? Why not try it for twenty-one days. Figure out what works for you. Come up with a plan. Then execute it.
This is more than an isolated incident. It was a morning ritual. And I'm convinced that the example Jesus set is the key to my spiritual future and yours. If I start my day by reading my Bible I get on God's wavelength. If I don't, I don't. It's that simple.
I've always been challenged by something I read in a D.L. Moody biography years ago. Moody said he felt guilty if he heard the blacksmiths hammering before he started praying. Why did God use Moody in such a powerful way? I think it's simple: he got up early to spend time with God.
Today marks the eleven-year anniversary of my father-in-law's death. Bob Schmidgall was the quintessential pastor. He had a huge heart for people. He had a huge heart for missions. And God used him to influence tens of thousands of lives. But if you asked me the secret to his success it's simple: he got up early to spend time with God.
This isn't rocket science. God uses people who put Him first. And one way we put him first is by giving him the first part of our day.
I would encourage you to examine your morning ritual.
Is there something you need to start doing or stop doing? Or maybe it's as simple as setting your alarm fifteen minutes earlier so you can spend some time with God. Don't think you can do it for the rest of the year? Why not try it for twenty-one days. Figure out what works for you. Come up with a plan. Then execute it.
5 Comments:
I have always been a "ritual" person. Many times I thought I was dorky and just not spontaneous! One of my rituals was to get up and begin the day reading an inspirational passage usually accompanied by a Bible reference verse which I would then read and meditate on that. I have also committed to reading a chapter of Proverbs a day. Recently I stopped doing this (not sure why) but my life just took a nosedive. I was feeling depressed and without direction. And then I remembered why I felt so directionless...without God, I was truly nothing!
Thanks for the reinforcement!!!
Mark what an encouragement. I have started reading the Word off the You Version. It has a daily bible reading that I can use. This is great for me because it make me focus more on the Lord and less of me during the day. Keep up the encouragement!
Hey Mark thanks for encouraging us, to get up and spend time with the Lord. It does set the tone for the day and a course for our lives. About twenty-five years ago I memorized the poem, "I Met God" which speaks of meeting God in the morning. I agree with the poem, "the morning is when the day is at it's best."
Mark, I thank the Lord for the impact that your father-in-law, Brother Schmidgall had on my life. What an incredible man. He was a man of incredible wisdom. When my wife, Rhonda and I were starting the church in Brighton, Michigan, Brother Schmidgall was the main speaker at the District Council in 1993. In the middle of his banquet message he said, "You church planters remember that the same people that are with you when the church is fifty may not be able to grow and stay with you when the church hits one hundred and fifty. And those with you at 150 may not be able to grow with and stay with you when you hit four hundred. Pastor, don't take it personal, just keep loving people and preach God's Word." Simple, but profound counsel. That instruction alone has saved me untold heartache throughout my 16 years of ministry at our current church. I am a better pastor because of Bob Schmidgall. I want to be as faithful as he was. Please say "Hello" to his/your family for me. Blessings, Brad Trask
Hi Pastor,
I am a Pastor in Accra, Ghana and will want to make friends and build a relationship. Being in Ministry as a Lay Pastor since 1996Married with four(4) kids. Will remain in touch.
Brad,
Appreciate the comment. Means a lot :) Hope we get to cross paths sometime soon.
Blessings,
Mark
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