Today’s Scripture Reading: Mark 1:14-15; Matthew 4:12-17; Luke 3:23a; John 4:46-54; Luke 4:16-30; Mark 1:16-20; Matthew 4:18-22; Mark 1:21-28; Luke 4:31-37; Mark 1:29-34; Matthew 8:14-17; Luke 4:38-41; Mark 1:35-39; Luke 4:42-44; Matthew 4:23-25
Are you a morning person or a night person?
What’s early for you?
For Jesus, it “a great while before day” (KJV) meaning between three to six a.m. (Word Pictures in the New Testament)
Before daybreak, the next morning, Jesus got up and went out to an isolated place to pray. Mark 1:35
The amazing thing about Jesus rising at such an early time of day is the fact that the previous day was very busy; He preached in the synagogue and had a huge healing service.
I know, Jesus is God, but while He was on this earth He was fully man and experienced the same physical and emotional limitations you and I do today.
Friends, there is nothing as tiring as preaching, teaching, and praying for people. Literally, your passion, enthusiasm, and anointing from God are flowing out of you to those with whom you are ministering. I love people. I love ministering to others. But I can’t give out what I haven’t taken in! This holds true in any area–ministry, family, friends, career, or community.
When you are called to give to others there’s something you need more than sleep; it’s emotional and spiritual restoration. If you aren’t being filled and refreshed spiritually you will have nothing to give and eventually burnout.
Why did Jesus get up so early?
- To be alone with God
- To get away from people
- To pray and receive strength and guidance for the day
Do we have to get up between three and six a.m. each day? Of course not, but getting up 30 minutes earlier than you normally do to read your Bible and spend some time with the God of the universe will
- Set your priorities for the day— God first!
- Refresh and restore your emotions so you will be able to give to others
- Give you the strength and wisdom to face whatever the day holds
Are you running short on time and energy at the end of each day?
What would Jesus do?
- Get up a little earlier
- Get alone with God
- Pray for strength and wisdom for the day
Experts agree that it takes 21 days to form a new habit.
30 minutes a day X 21 days = an emotionally and spiritually stronger YOU!
Will you accept the 21 day challenge?
Heavenly Father, help us to make our time with You a top priority in our life. Help us to be determined to set aside time to spend with You. Honor the efforts of each person who accepts this challenge. Holy Spirit, draw us to You like a magnet.
In Jesus’ Name. Amen and Amen!
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©2011, Dianne Guthmuller
Tomorrow’s Scripture Reading: Luke 5:1-11, Mark 1:40-45, Matthew 8:1-4, Luke 5:12-16, Mark 2:1-12, Matthew 9:1-8, Luke 5:17-26, Mark 2:13-17, Matthew 9:9-13, Luke 5:27-32, Mark 2:18-22, Matthew 9:14-17, Luke 5:33-39
