“Early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left [the house], and went out to a secluded place, and was praying there. Simon [Peter] and his companions searched [everywhere, looking anxiously] for Him, and they found Him and said, “Everybody is looking for You!” He replied, “Let us go on to the neighboring towns, so I may preach there also; that is why I came [from the Father].”

Mark 1:35-38 AMP

What an awesome example we have in Jesus! He taught us so many things through His earthly ministry, and one of them was the necessity of spending time with God! 

Here we see Jesus getting up early, drawing away from the distractions, and getting clarity for His next steps!

Clarity comes through intimacy with Him!

In fact, the Bible goes so far as to say this (Jesus speaking):

“I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.”

John 15:5 NKJV

Listen, without Him, we can do nothing, BUT the good news is this: 

“I can do all things [which He has called me to do] through Him who strengthens and empowers me [to fulfill His purpose—I am self-sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency; I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him who infuses me with inner strength and confident peace.]”

Philippians 4:13 AMP

Making it a habit to get up early and spend time with the Lord will teach us to put Him first! It will allow us to gain vital clarity for our day and direction for our life!

I would say this also, seeking Him early, is not just about a time frame, but also a preventative and preparatory measure. In other words, seek Him before the storms of life come!

My pastor says it all the time, “Put the Word of God in you when you don’t need it, so it comes out when you do!”

Be encouraged today! God wants you to know Him more and one of the best ways to do this is by spending our mornings with Jesus through His Word!

There is no set-in-stone definitive way, but the principle is this: Put God First in your day! Clear away the distractions, allow His Word to wash over you, and learn to listen to His voice! You will be amazed at the things you learn sitting at the Master’s feet! 

I want to end today, by sharing a love song I wrote to Jesus! What an honor it is to know Him more. :) 

“Found in Your Grace”

by Joshua Scott Zeitz 

I’m seeking you early,

I’m seeking your face,

lost without mercy, 

Found in Your grace.

Battered and broken,

lost and afraid,

is where I first saw Him,

it’s where I was changed.

Knelt down in your presence,

I lift up Your name,

just a glimpse of Your glory,

never the same.

Dancing with Jesus,

Swept off my feet,

Caught up in His presence, 

sweet Intimacy.

I’m Washed in Your Word Lord,

Bathed in Your Peace,

humbled and open,

Into me see.

Mold me and make me,

I’m in Your hands,

To You I relinquish, 

I yield to Your plans.

You’ve never once failed me,

You’ve never let go,

 I’m No longer broken,

in You, I’m made whole.

I’m No longer dirty,

In You, I’m made clean,

Intimate Jesus,

Into me see.

I’m seeking you early,

I’m seeking your face,

lost without mercy,

Found in Your grace.

In Christ, 

Joshua Scott Zeitz

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