Think Right First Thing

In the morning, LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly. Psalm 5:3

I myself find the best time to get alone with God is in the morning. It is kind of like exercising. If I do not do it first thing it is harder to be motivated later in the day. One advantage of doing it first thing is it sort of prepares your mind and heart for the day ahead. Your thoughts and mind are turned to Him and His word so it is a good way to start 'thinking right first thing'. 

Try this. Put God on your calendar. Do not schedule everything else then forget about time alone with Him. How can a person know anyone without spending time one on one with them? Same holds true for knowing Jesus. Sunday being spoon fed  by a pastor or priest is not the answer. You have to do it yourself on your own. 

Do you want a renewed peaceful mind? Try getting up and casting your cares on the one who loves you more than anything. 

PRAYER: I choose today and every day to let you have first place in my life. First place before Facebook. First place before the morning show or news. First place before the newspaper. Help me stay disciplined and learn to say no to things that take my time from you away. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Click link below for a wonderful song to get your Monday off to good start:

https://youtu.be/wS4JQi4dgvg

Prayer Versus The Nightly News

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Philippians 4:8

I don't know about you, but I almost can not stomach the nightly news on any network these days. Terrorism, ISIS, government tyranny, war, robbery, lying and deception, judicial tyranny and on and on it goes. A few days ago a friend posted the verse I have highlighted today in a post on Facebook. It is so very crucial to stay focused on good. And while you are focusing on good remember we are commanded to pray for our enemies and this country has many some sadly within our own government. 

We as a people were founded as a free and God fearing nation. Bible verses are etched in granite all over the nations Capitol in Washington, D.C.. There are those in high power who do not like this who are enemies of the cross of Christ and seek to tear down Christians and elevate Islam. These are times when I feel revival is near as we in this country better wake up. Political correctness and a busy life has rocked many of us into a stupor. Endearment to a political party has blinded many to dangers around us and on our very doorstep. 

God ultimately is on the throne and maybe he is allowing things to happen to get our attention. Tyrants do not like free governments. Evil hates good. Wherever you are today please stop and pray for The United States of America. We for sure need a revival of major proportion.

PRAYER: Heavenly Father you have been good to the United States of America because for years we followed you and acknowledged you. Now there are many trying to rewrite your Holy word or tear you out of society all together. Turn evil hearts to good and help those who do not know you as Jehovah Jireh come to know you and repent of their sins. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Ponder

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Philippians 4:8(NIV) 

What does it mean to ponder? Perhaps to think on or mull over. When we think a certain way our speech and actions tend to follow. Our thoughts can be positive or they can be negative. They can bring joy or they can bring sorrow. Irrational thinking can often lead to great despair. There have been times in my own life when I started dwelling on things that tended to cause me to put myself down, Satan sure loves to make us feel unworthy or  like a tiny little worthless creature. I have news for you! We are created by God for His purposes. He does not make junk. 

Just as this verse above says, it is very key that a person stay focused on things above and good. This would mean you probably need to start your day with getting into God's word. You can choose to read the newspaper and get all upset about the world situation or you can choose to start the day out with the love  of God and peace He alone can bring. 

PRAYER: I want my mind to be pondering on your goodness and not worry about doomsday. I choose Lord to read your word and help me not make excuses why I have no time to do this. In Jesus' name. Amen.