 Some people might associate the word meditation with yoga, mystical mind exercises, or something related. In a word, techniques that people use to attain a type of “inner peace.”
It’s rubbish. Before the word meditation, and the practice thereof, was ransacked by the culture, God had something to say about it. When the Bible speaks of meditation, as it often does, it is not the kind of meditation that seeks to disengage, silence, or empty the mind, as in Transcendental or Buddhist forms of meditation. The Scriptures teach meditation that actively engages the mind for the purpose of understanding God’s Word and putting it into practice.  Do you have a morning routine? If not, you should. Whether you wake up before sunrise or after sunrise, the mornings are a special time to connect with God and give a kickstart to the day. (Note: There are mothers with little children who may be reading this and think that a morning routine is impossible. It's not. Keep it simple. You may need to include your children in your routine, like my wife does, and that's a good thing. You're setting an example for them to follow!) Here's just a quick list of benefits:
I don't know anyone 'successful' who does not have a morning routine. It is a vital self-discipline. By successful, I'm not referring to wealthy or popular. I'm referring to someone who gives their all, is fully alive, responsible in everything entrusted to them, and leans on God's grace and strength for all they do. When it comes to a morning routine, one of the best examples of discipline and consistency I've seen growing up is in my mother. She has had an impact on the way I embrace the mornings. She was a master of setting a rhythm to her day, was awake before anyone and managed to help others (my siblings and I) with their morning routine (and we sure needed the help sometimes!). A morning routine disciplines your heart, mind and body for the rest of the day.  I don't just want to do the work of the Lord, I want to know the Lord of the work.
Christian stewardship is not a blind rat race. It is a holy union with my Creator who has given me the awesome privilege and great responsibility, after cleansing me of my sins and giving me a new heart, to live and to love...just like Him. Christian stewardship is both REST: an utter dependence upon what Christ has already done, and ACTION: being faithful with what He has entrusted me. Editor's Note: Altarpreneur's Before 8AM series features a short thought or lesson that stood out from my morning devotional time, during the weekday before I start work. - Danny  I have every reason in the world to be grateful...or depressed. It's my decision.
Remember Ruth in the Bible? She didn't let her past problems define her. We don't remember her for her tragedies or self-pity but for her tough decisions - "Don't urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God." (Ruth 1:16) It's not about escaping reality. It's about moving forward, with faith in God. Easy? Definitely not. Possible? With God, yes. Today, what will I decide? Editor's Note: Altarpreneur's Before 8AM series features a short thought or lesson that stood out from my morning devotional time, during the weekday before I start work. - Danny |
ALTARPRENEURwith Danny & Daniela Kovacs
WHYNo family is an island. Join us as we share candid discussions, Biblical advice & resources to help keep God at the center of your faith, family and career. MICROBLOGS
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