If you think I write often about starting your day with God, you are reading me correctly.
This is something I write about because it is something I have experienced. It is how I begin my mornings, and my life has been enriched by it.
This post is based on yesterday’s post relating to “Make the Most of Everyday.” If you missed it, please take advantage of this opportunity. http://waylonbailey.com/2013/07/09/make-the-most-of-everyday/.
For me, the key to making the most of each day has to do with putting God in His rightful place. God is first, and He must be first with me. This is the theological reason for spending time with God at the beginning of the day. Of course, we all know God is not controlled by time. He is above time. Our time with God should be like prayer, it should be “without ceasing.”
When I talk with people about beginning a time with God, I point them to the morning (except for teenagers–which is a different subject all together).
One day is not better than another to worship God and one hour or time period is not either. For me, the morning is the best time to spend with God for the following reasons.
First, spending time with God at the beginning of the day establishes priority in my life. God is first and my worship and devotion begins at the first point of the day. Years ago I heard a man say he wanted God to be His first waking thought in the morning. While I find that difficult, I love the attempt.
Second, I need to spend time with God at the beginning of the day because my day tends to get away from me. If I am not careful, I will put email and many other small things ahead of God.
Third, my practice of devotional time (Scripture and prayer) seems to make me much more productive with my other responsibilities.
Fourth, starting the day with God brings peace to the rest of my day. While it is beyond my complete comprehension, spending time with God seems to set the tone for the day. Being at peace with God helps me live at peace with others.
Finally, I use the first hour of the day to pray for people on my prayer list and pray through my calendar of events and appointments. I love getting to meet with someone for whom I have already prayed.
These are reasons why I have my special time with God early in the morning. Please leave a comment telling us when you have your time with God.
If you haven’t yet begun the practice of spending time with God, I hope you’ll begin very soon.
If you would like to receive my daily posts, you can subscribe at the top of the page. It’s easy and it’s free.
I would also appreciate your sending this to others as well. Waylonbailey.com is my ministry across the Internet. Thank you for reading and sharing.
19 Responses
😉
Blessings
Thank you. May we bless each other as we seek to please God.
Reminds me of the old poem/lyric, “The Secret.” “I met God in the morning when the day was at its best and His presence came like sunrise, like a glory within my breast.” And on it goes, ending with “So I think I know the secret learned from many a careless way: You must seek God in the morning if you want Him through the day.” The greatest spiritual attacks I face relate to my time alone with God in the early part of the day. Thanks for reminding all of us of the importance of that daily time of devotion.
And thanks for the poem. It expresses my sentiments completely.
As well, mornings have worked best for me for all the reasons you mentioned in your blog. In addition, I believe morning devotions help to establish the foundation for a ‘hedge of protection’ against the enemy .
I fully agree. Satan doesn’t wait.
Thanks for the reminder of how important it is to spend time each day with God. I also like to do this first thing in the morning before my mind gets cluttered with other distractions. It is so important to put God first in our daily living.
Thanks, Tissie. I hope this will be a reminder for all our community on the blog.
I keep my bible and devotional books on my table to remind me to put God first in the morning. It starts the day off right before anything else gets in the way.
As my favorite football coach used to say: “You are so right,” Earline.
Not only do you write often about it, you mention it in your sermons as well and what a great message. Before I leave my bedroom, I start every day with devotions first, my prayer list second, bible study third and prayer journal last. This jump starts my mornings and I feel God is with me the rest of the day. Thanks.
Thanks for such a great testimony of what God wants us to do. “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.” I want to know God and follow Him. Thanks for your encouraging comment about fellowship with God.
I liked your idea of a cup of coffee with prayer time first thing in the morning. I have to fight the urge to see what is happening on Fox News immediately. Your emphasis on time with God keeps me focused. Thanks.
I struggle with the events of the day as well. With an online community, we can encourage one another.
GM Pastor Bailey , I Pray that all is well with you and your family. Just wanted to share that I too find it beneficial and a blessing to begin my day early in the morning mediating on the word of God and offering Prayer and listening for that small still voice of God. I really enjoy reading your blogs and they ate an inspiration to me. I have a request that you please Pray for my husband Rev. Burris , out daughter Altondra, son Adam who is away at G S U , our Church family and me, and i will keep you and your family inPrayer also.Thanking you in advance
Thank you for your kind words.
What a privilege to pray for one another. May God bless you.
For many, many years now my alarm goes off right before 4 a.m. This is to spend time reading the good Lord’s word from His book as well as time in prayer with Him. In return the Lord sends daily blessings of calmness, peace, joy, and direction in my life. He showers my family and me with His protection, grace, mercy and love. He never fails to send these gifts. Difficult days are always made so much easier because my day was started out in prayer. Pastor Waylon, thank you so much for your daily Christian words that always inspire and guide.
Thank you for a wonderful testimony of blessings of spending time with God.