1. PLAN A TIME: (Preferably morning).
We need to give Him our day to help plan it. That can be challenging to do at night after the day is over and we are exhausted. We need HIM to be a part of all we do and plan.
In Exodus 16:4-7a we read of the Israelites being told by God to gather manna each day, a portion for that day, Also it says that “in the MORNING” you shall see the glory of the Lord, and “at EVENING” you shall know that it was the Lord who brought you through.
2. HAVE A PAPER AND PEN
Pro. 3:5,6 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not rely on your own insight, In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make straight your paths.”Pro. 16:3 “Commit your work to the Lord and your plans will be established.”
Here is a practical way we can apply those verses…. Jot down on the paper all the things YOU want to get down that day and things you feel should be done. Particularly on very busy days. Then, give it to the Lord, saying, “Lord, this is what I want to get done this day. What do YOU want me to do? Do YOU have a better plan, better ideas? Please show me. Could some things wait, be eliminated? How much am I doing from pride rather from necessity?”
Then start your reading for the day (whatever Devotional book you have chosen, a portion of the Bible you have chosen). Then as a thought comes to your mind about the day, DON’T fight it, assuming it is an unspiritual thought and you have to get back to the business at hand. Instead, jot down the thought and continue with your reading. Imagine releasing that thought to the Lord. Often, these are not the intrusions weaking to us in this time set apart for Him. He might putname on your heart to call or write to. Jot it down and continue.
This process I liken to popping corn in a microwave. Thoughts come fast for awhile and then slow down and are over, and we can get down to the business at hand of worshipping and praising God and being filled for that day.
Sometimes we might read a Devotional Book and the Bible, other times just cry out to the Lord, “Help Me” and make straight my path. Just acknowledging Him. (Pro,. 3:5,6) Or perhaps we are crying out FORGIVE me. Or, “There is too much for me to do today. I’m going crazy and I know this isn’t your plan for my life – my days.”
Am I saying “Yes” when you would have me say “No”? Direct me, show me your way. Psalm 119:105 “Thy word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”
I will take the first step Lord, show me the second. Pro, 16:9 “A man’s mind plans his way but the Lord directs his steps.”
And also Is. 55:8,9 “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways says the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts.”
3. WHEN THE LORD HAS ARRANGED OUR LIST TO HIS PLANS, THEN WE ARE READY TO FOLLOW
Some practical tips for helping us follow:
Matt, 16:24 “Then Jesus told his disciples, “If any man would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.”
What do we need to do to deny ourselves in order to have a more quality time with Jesus. Perhaps giving up 15 min. sleep in the morning to get up before the family does. Perhaps doing some of our “morning chores” in the evening, such as making lunches, laying out clothes for the children, laying out our clothes, setting the table, etc. etc.
We need to think about the “ministry” things and “serving the Lord” things on our list. Sometimes “ministry” can be more exciting than the daily duties the Lord has set before us as a wife and mother and we neglect those. OR we take on more than we should because we can’t say no. We need the Lord’s perfect balance. A verse that was helpful to me as a young mama was Mark 1:35-38. I had been told that Jesus never said “No” to anyone so we should not. Then when I found this verse it was very freeing. Jesus did say NO, because he had been with his Father and the Father had showed him a different plan.
Let the Lord plan your day for His burden is light. When your burden is heavy, either it’s not the burden the Lord would have you carry, or you are not allowing Him to share it with you. Matt, 11:28-30 says, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light,.” Isn’t that a wonderful promise?
Oh, Lord, what would you have me do this day, Go before and prepare the way.
My prayer for you:
– To become hungry for His Word
– To come to Him in eagerness and openness
– Then have courage to follow Him, as He directs you
If you do, your moments with the Lord will become LIFE CHANGING MOMENTS.