Time with God.

"He who fritters away the early morning, its opportunity and freshness, in other pursuits than seeking God will make poor headway seeking Him the rest of the day. If God is not first in our thoughts and efforts in the morning, He will be in the last place the remainder of the day." E.M. Bounds

This morning I spent much time in prayer and then in the Word. Of course, I thought that I was sacrificing my morning to the chores, and school work that I needed to get done. But, I recognized that I needed God’s abiding presence in my life. So, I prayed. So, I read the scriptures. And, then I just sat quietly and listened.

I made myself a list to goals for the day after spending time with my Father. I thought that I would not get them accomplished. But, they have all been accomplished plus some other things which I didn’t even include. I honestly believe that if I hadn’t spent that extra time with God this morning, I would not have able to physically do the list because this Sjogren’s disease has been attacking me more lately.

But, as I worked, as I did school, as I went about my day I felt His Presence. I felt His Strength. I felt His Peace. I didn’t feel rushed. I didn’t feel overwhelmed. I didn’t feel empty and lonely.

God has been first in my heart the entire day. Amazing that God can be first when mopping floors, or cleaning toilets, baking sugar cookies, or writing theological papers. This led me to realize that it’s not the job or the chore, or the physical thing that I am doing that brings honor to Christ. He has been with me all day – because my spirit communed with His Spirit this morning.



Here is a poem that I learned as a child. Be Blessed!

I met God in the morning
When my day was at its best,
And His Presence came like sunrise
Like a glory in my breast.

All day long the Presence lingered,
All day long He stayed with me,
And we sailed in perfect calmness
O'er a very troubled sea.

Other ships were blown and battered,
Other ships were sore distressed,
But the winds that seemed to drive them
Brought to us a peace and rest.

Then I thought of other mornings,
With a keen remorse of mind,
When I, too, had loosed the moorings
With the Presence left behind.

So I think I know the secret,
Learned from many a troubled way;
You must seek Him in the morning
If you want Him through the day.

Ralph Cushman