"Be very careful, then, how you live-not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is." Ephesians 5:15-17
Reality #1 is that we are making choices everyday whether we acknowledge that fact or not.
This is not breaking news but it is the most important choice in your day: You must choose to start your day with God. Now stop griping about the kids wanting breakfast and you don't have time for a bible study in the morning. I am not talking about whether your in depth study time is first thing, I am talking about putting your focus on God, praising Him for a new day, lifting your burdens to Him, preparing yourself for the trials and temptations that lay ahead.
Yes, I hear you saying that you have tried, but .... You cannot say you will try. Remember, it is "what will I choose?" Today you choose to go to work even if you wanted to stay home. You choose to feed your kids even though you know they will gripe about what you feed them. You choose to brush your teeth so you will not offend anyone with your breath. You choose those things because you know they are not an option. If you keep choosing not to go to work, you lose your job. If you keep choosing not to feed your kids, they might attack you or your kitchen. If you keep choosing not to brush your teeth, well let's say your friends will only talk to you on facebook. If you keep choosing not to put God first, you will...I think you can finish that statement.
Your first choice of the day is to talk to God. It is a choice, but is it an option? Will you be tempted today? Will there be opportunity to stumble or stay on path? Will there be a trial?
"For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the powers of the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." Ephesians 6:12
Is it an option? No. We have to choose to start our day with God. We need to humble ourselves before Him so we remember we need Him. We need to shout out His names and remember who He is. We need to praise God for who He is and what He has done so we will remember what He can and will do. We need to clothe ourselves with the Armor of God so we will be prepared for the battles. We need to pray for our eyes to see others the way Christ sees them so we may see their needs. We need to pray for our ears to listen not only to God but to others calling out for help. We need to pray for our mouths to speak only in truth and in love. We need to pray for our hands so that they may serve. We need to pray for our feet so they are ready to go when called.
"Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when (notice it is when not if) the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests." Ephesians 6:13-18a
"It is good to praise the Lord and make music to your name, O Most High, to proclaim your love in the morning and your faithfulness at night, to the music of the ten-stringed lyre and the melody of the harp. For you make me glad by your deeds, O Lord; I will sing for joy at the works of your hands. How great are your works, O Lord, how profound your thoughts."
Psalm 92:1-6
Choose to call out to God first. Choose to sing His praises first thing in the morning. Instead of the news or cartoons, play worship music or worship dvd for kids. (Hillsong Kids DVDs are only $15 and are great for the kids but also has the music you will enjoy and know.) Read a Psalm to start your day and see how that choice affects your other choices throughout the day. Notice how you hold your tongue better. Have more patience in the grocery line because a worship song is stuck in your head. Not yell at the car that cuts you off, but you thank God for His protection instead. Your first choice will affect many, so what will you choose? And remember it is as much of an option as it is to brush your teeth.
Now, what if you make the choice to start your day with God, but you still see no difference? You might want to look at your heart. If you make this something you just check off your list then you will not reap the benefits. You can't rush through it. You can't put a time frame on it. You may have to continue talking to and praising God while you get ready, fix breakfast, drive to work. And time with God is not just giving Him a list of our needs. We must humble ourselves, praise Him for who He is and give ourselves to Him each day.
"If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me."
Matthew 16:24
Now stop trying and choose to call on God. Put a note that says "What will I choose?" on your bed, on your bathroom mirror, on the TV or remote that you usually turn on, or on the toilet paper roll. Put it anywhere that will remind you of your first choice.
Thanks, GaLynn, for sharing. I thank our Lord for giving you this wisdom at a much younger age than many other people. I recently learned first hand an unpleasant alternative to choosing a lackadaisical (SP?) attitude toward brushing and flossing regularly - a trip to the dentist and several cavities. I pray I don't ever have to receive a similar wake-up call because of not choosing to call on God at the beginning of my day and in everything I say and do. Thanks for the reminder and encouragement!
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