Heart Choices: What is the First Thing you do Every Morning? -->

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What is the First Thing you do Every Morning?



What do you do first thing in the morning?  Do you pour yourself a cup of coffee in your attempt to fully awaken?  Do you take a shower?  Do you turn on the television to check the morning news or open up your newspaper?  Do you get on your computer?

I want to challenge you to spend time at the feet of Jesus.  You may know the story of two sisters; Mary and Martha.

Acts 10: 38-42 says:
As Jesus and His disciples were on their way, He came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to Him.  She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet listening to what He said.  But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made.  She came to Him and asked, "Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do all the work by myself?  Tell her to help me!"  "Martha, Martha,' the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed.  Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her."

I'm in the midst of a Bible study called "A Heart that Dances" by Catherine Martin.  She wrote about the culture of the day when the above passage occurred.

Disciples sat at the feet of their teachers.  I think of the children in our Pre-K 3 class who sit and listen to their teachers.  (Well, they listen most of the time.)  In those days, the role of disciple wasn't open to women.  It would shock Hebrew men if a woman assumed the position of a disciple.  And yet, it says Mary sat the Lord's feet listening to what He said.  She soaked in His teaching.  This was radical at that time.

Martha was upset that her sister wasn't helping her with the preparations.  After all, these were the things a good hostess would do, right?  Of course, she complained to Jesus.

And how did Jesus answer Martha?

Jesus answered her with love.  "Martha, Martha".  He repeated her name.  He was able to see into her heart.  He knew she had a beautiful gift of hospitality.  But He assessed Martha's condition of being worried and upset about many things.  She had a priority of serving others.  That may seem like a good priority. But it was distracting her from the priority of sitting at the feet of Jesus to listen and learn.

Jesus challenged Martha.  Mary didn't reject being hospitable.  But she chose Jesus as her priority.  And that was the best priority.

So, now it's your turn.

What will you choose as your priority?

Each day you and I have a choice to make.  Of course, we also have many responsibilities.  After all, we may have families, children who need help, homes to keep orderly, meals to prepare, getting ready for work.  But will you choose to begin each day sitting at the feet of Jesus to listen, learn and obey?

  • Set your alarm clock thirty minutes earlier.  
  • Arrange your Bible, journal and pen in the place you want to study.  
  • Get the coffee ready to brew the night before.  
Spend that time first thing in the morning in the presence of the Lord.  I can tell you from experience that it will change your entire day.



I'm linking up with Kim for Morning Moments.


I'm also linking up with Charlotte for Spiritual Sundays.

And Joan of The Beauty in His Grip.

Blessings and love,

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Debbie Petras
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18 comments:

  1. i LOVE YOUR PIC- i KEEP MY "bIBLE basket" STOCKED AND READY FOR THE MORNING. mY GOAL IS TO GRAB MY COFFEE and go sit in my chair with my bread and fish to eat! SOrry for the caps...
    I love that Jesus reminded her that her investment would NOT be taken from her. If that is not reason enough. Our time investment and discipline earn spiritual dividends for eternity- that cannot be taken from us! Happy SUnday!

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  2. When I was raising three sons and teaching school, I had to set my alarm very, very early to have an hour or so alone with Him--but it was always worth it--I have never regretted one moment I spent with Him but I have regretted the times that I did not make this a priority.

    This sounds crazy but it has been harder in retirement to do this--I don't have to set the alarm at 4 or 5--I know that I have extra time and yet I find myself checking email or something like that before I sit at His feet.

    I do enjoy that first cup of coffee while talking to Him!

    More and more the last few months, I have seen my need (even in retirement with plenty of time) to go to His feet first. The Bible study you mentioned is really helping me do that.

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  3. Good thoughts. I try and say Thank you God when I wake up.

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  4. chai tea and time with the Lord daily...my day drags if I miss it

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  5. Tried and proven although sometimes I couldnt do it for different reasons. This is timely reminder of everyone:)

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  6. There is nothing like meeting with Him first thing in the morning. I don't always get there. Some times I choose not to, but then my day is a wreck. Thank you for this reminder!

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  7. Love this post Friend. So as you know I've been SO loving my commitment to meeting Jesus daily before anyone else. This morning.... my man is sick. I didn't do my normal quiet time but expected to be at church and after having some major sleep issues felt it was ok. Big mistake. Didn't go to church (since I think he has the flu) and I've been so off my game all day! Just cannot go without that time to allow His filling in the morning!

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  8. I read and listen to Bible reading on my computer but I have to say that I need to be firm with myself not to start checking email or blogs or other diversions until I have completed my time with the Lord.

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  9. Oh, you are so right Debbie! I started this when I had my first child 35 years ago. I found that if I didn't get up earlier and spend time with the Lord that I very likely would not get around to it any other time. And, there's no better way to start one's day. I have a big blue leather chair that I call my "devotional chair" and I take my cup of coffee there and begin my day with the Lord. Happy new week!

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  10. I read your post yesterday but didn't have time to comment. It really blessed my heart, Debbie! Thank you for your obedience to Him in sharing His message!

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  11. Great advice, Debbie! Starting our day with the Lord makes all the difference!

    Blessings, Joan

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  12. Dear Debbie
    What is challenging post! Oh, the joy of sitting at His feet, living in His presence and just being with Him the whole day, drawing from His life and grace!
    Thank you XX
    Mia

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  13. My eyes are not fit for studying anymore. How I miss my pencil and my small print Bible.I've had it since the age of fourteen.
    Nevertheless I thank God for the Biblegateway, which enables me to read whenever I want.
    For childhood I was used to listen in to the morning devotion on the old NRK before going to work or school. Best of all I like that it was always ended with Our Lord's prayer and the Apostolic Blessing. It still is.
    Now I need not sit in front of the radio for a certain hour. I can just go to the net radio and find the program to start my day whenever it suits me.
    If I cannot study, I still need the Lord's blessing over my day.

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  14. This post was just amazing, it really made me re-evaluate what I am doing in the mornings! Bless you today!

    Ashley from http://theheartofashley.blogspot.com/

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  15. I love to awake early and spend time with the Lord first thing in the morning. Like Kim, I too am now going to start committing to meeting Jesus daily before anyone else!- Love it.

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  16. So good, Debbie. Getting up early is hard for a lot of people, but it honestly does make the biggest difference in your day. You gotta see it to believe it!

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  17. Such good encouragement, such a good reminder. I too have a special chair with all the needed tools to spend my quiet time with the Lord. My day is always brighter when I take the time to spend with Him. And then, as I return to sit in my chair, or just see it during the day, it is a reminder of the time I spent with Him.

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I love to read your comments! I know you have something to share so join in the conversation. And thank you for taking the time.

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