Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed. Mark 1:35
This morning when I woke up, my fingers itched to click open my e-mail. Had that work problem been resolved? Had a friend posted an update on her job search that we were praying about? Was there a new breakthrough in some medical research I was following?
My Bible called to me from the coffee table.
Just one quick look at my e-mails, I thought.
And then: Who would you rather start your day with?
The quiet thought stopped me in my tracks. Jesus, the Savior of the world, wanted to spend time with me, wanted to give me the gift of His perspective on the issues that would face me once I booted up my computer.
I knew from past experience that as soon as I checked my messages, my brain would be caught up in problems to solve, questions to answer, distractions that could pull my heart in a million directions. Even if I eventually remembered to have my quiet time, I’d go into it with a restless mind.
Scripture is full of admonitions to give God the “first fruits” of our earnings, and I’m learning how wise it is to give Him the “first fruits” of my time as well.
Faith step: As difficult as it can be, tomorrow morning, spend time with Jesus before turning on the radio or television, opening an e-mail, or reading a text.
