June 24

First Things First


But as for me, how good it is to be near God! I have made the sovereign LORD my shelter, and I will tell everyone about the wonderful things you do.

Psalm 73:28 (NLT)


Seek first the kingdom of God….

Matthew 6:33a (NKJV)


My alarm went off early as usual, and sleepy questions oozed into my mind.

Can’t I sleep another hour? I need my rest, don’t I? Everyone else is sleeping, shouldn’t I be sleeping too? It’s Saturday for Pete’s sake, why not stay in bed?

Just as quickly as they came, they left, and I rolled out of bed. It was the sweet early-morning hour, and my special time with God awaited me.

I changed clothes, made myself a hot drink and headed for the study. This was something that wouldn’t wait. It was time for my one-on-one with God—the time I have grown to love and cherish.

I don’t know what your spiritual disciplines are, but for me, my morning quiet time sets the mood for the whole day. I have learned from experiencing some pretty lousy (can I say disastrous?) days, I need God’s presence and direction before launching out on a full day of activities. I crave His presence in my life, and for me, I best sense it when I seek Him first—first in priority and first in my day.


Father, enter my life this morning in your own special way and fill me, use me, walk with me all through our day. Amen.