5:16 Club: Day 29, Nearing the Beginning

I have mixed feelings about being near the end of this 30 day journey, in terms of sharing every day on the blog. Writing out my thoughts each morning has proved to be a powerful experience in which the Lord has consistently revealed a truth to me that I might have otherwise missed.

This morning proves another confirmation that this 5 whatever journey is from the Lord, and that He has full intentions for me to continue rising before the dawn, regardless of whether I post daily, weekly, or not at all! I had no idea that when I opened my Bible to Luke 10, with the intentions of beginning the study process for teaching at Women With a Mission on Mary and Martha in two weeks, that I would experience such an incredible Holy conviction combined with unimaginable joy.

Take a minute to read this short, but familiar passage from Luke 10:38-43

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 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 might as well highlight the entire passage, for it is powerful, but it is the two thoughts in bold that struck me this morning. Most of us know the story of these sisters -- Mary, the one that sat at Jesus' feet while Martha fluttered around the house concerned about the details pressing in. Most of us struggle with the deep conviction that we are more like Martha than Mary, yet long for Jesus' approval of our choices. It is the ongoing dilemma for every Christian women: How do I serve in practical ways while choosing the better way? As a matter of fact, what is the better way?

Here's a hint, but I want you to learn for yourself and I don't want to spoil my upcoming message: Grab your Bible and read these two passages, John 11:1-3, and then Luke 7:36 - 50. In these Scriptures you will find the better way.

And if I may humbly say, getting up at 5 whatever in the morning to spend time with Jesus, has become the better way in my life. I'm not nearing the end of this 30 day journey; I'm nearing the beginning! It has taken years -- I MEAN YEARS -- to arrive at this place. It is truly a miracle that I have set aside the preparations, the responsibilities, the excuses, to sit at the feet of my Savior and allow Him to fill me to the top with His power and strength over the past 29 days.

Yes, I had quiet time before, but it never cost me anything. Now, it costs me sleep, something I treasure. I costs me TV time and internet surfing at night, things I enjoy. But these sacrifices are a trade for an immeasurable richness. The Lord has poured out His love, peace, joy, hope, strength, and perspective in ways I've never before experienced in my Christian walk. I have the same problems, same trials, even more heartache, than I did 29 days ago, yet because of my deeper relationship with the Lord, I am learning to lay them at His feet and move on with the needs of the day without them being the focus of my life. What amazing peace that brings. I want it for every woman, and every man, on the planet. The love of a Savior, the comfort of Heavenly Father, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit is magnificent and transforming -- we just need to let their touch permeate our hearts and lives as we devote ourselves to them!

"The time it takes to dig deep into the heart of God is often repaid by striking a vein of gold or an oil gusher. The effort is repaid with joy and power beyond all expectation." Carolyn Custis James

Heavenly Father, grab our hearts and turn them to you. Lead us with Holy conviction! In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Are you ready to become a 5 whatever gal?