5:16 Club -- First Day Success

Okay, so it wasn't exactly 5:16 am. More like 5:45 am, but I'm going with the grace abounds approach considering my little boy was up crying at least four times during the night. It was never long enough to go to him, but just enough to wake me up. I used it to pray against the Enemy using my boy to deter me from getting up this morning and to pray for my son to grow in Christ.

And let me tell you this - being up before daybreak was just WONDERFUL! The house was quiet. I had time to open my eyes before having to answer any question. The coffee was yummy. My time with Jesus was just simple and thought-provoking. It started with reading this devotional in my inbox from Lifeway, Experiencing God Today...

February 20

Scripture:
Do not take revenge or bear a grudge against members of your community, but love your neighbor as yourself. (Lev. 19:18, Holman CSB)

Thought:
God's whole plan for the advance of the Kingdom depends on His working in real and practical ways through His personal relationship with His people. He wants a people who love Him and show that love by loving other people. Whom does God want you to love today?

Prayer:
Lover of all, teach me to love. Too seldom do I control my time so I can make the effort to show love to others. Make Your love real and practical in my life today. Amen.

I went on to pray for my family, especially in my parenting with my children. Then I picked up at Psalm 90 and the Lord further confirmed the early rising mission with these few verses:

¹² Teach us to number our days aright,
that we may gain a heart of wisdom.

¹⁴ Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love,
that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days.

¹⁷ May the favor of the Lord our God rest upon us;
establish the work of our hands for us—
yes, establish the work of our hands.

I don't know about you, but this is perfect confirmation for me, and a great prayer to start my day. My First Place 4 Health's, Begin With Christ study, capped off my time with the Lord, and now I'm off to the treadmill. A bit later than I hoped, but the house is still quiet enough to proceed.

Thanks, friends, for your prayers and words of encouragement. They are a blessing! I pray that sharing this journey with you will become a blessing in return!

By His Grace, and Strength, and Power Only,