Pastor Steve’s Blog Jan 13, 2019 I wake up in the morning and I don’t want to turn on the television. Why? Because of all the goings on in Washington these days. It’s all enough to drive you crazy if that is all you hear all day. But I will say this, when I wake up in the morning, the one thing I do want to do, besides having a little breakfast and contemplating going to the gym, is opening up the Bible and turning God on in my mind and spirit first thing. My day certainly goes better when I spend those few minutes starting out with God. Lysa TerKeurst, in her book, Embraced: 100 Devotions to Know God is Holding You Close shares a devotion on “Giving My First Moments to God.” She uses Psalm 86:11 as the foundation for her devotion. Psalm 86:11 says, “Teach me your way, Lord, that I may rely on your faithfulness; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name.” Let her devotion prayer be your prayer this week as you begin each day. “Lord, may nothing separate me from You today. Teach me how to choose only Your way today so each step will lead me closer to You. Help me walk by your Word and not my feelings. Help me to keep my heart pure and undivided. Protect me from my own careless thoughts, words and actions. And keep me from being distracted by MY wants, MY desires, MY thoughts on how things should be. Help me embrace what comes my way as an opportunity…rather than a personal inconvenience. And finally, help me to rest in the truth of Psalm 86:13: ‘Great is your love toward me.’ You already see the ways I will fall short and mess up. But right now, I consciously tuck your whisper of absolute love for me into the deepest part of my heart. I recognize Your love for me is not based on my performance. You love me…shortcomings and all. That’s amazing. But what is most amazing is that the Savior of the world would desire a few minutes with me this morning. Lord, help me to forever remember what a gift it is to sit with You like this. In Jesus name, Amen.”