The start of a new day.  Work projects are on the docket and are calling for attention.  The temptation is to throw back some coffee and dive right on in.

This is my morning routine and struggle.  Has been ever since I was a teenager.  The distractions have changed, but the pull is that same. It’s that temptation to totally forego any time alone with God and dive right into work…or even Facebook or Twitter.  Don’t hate.  You know you’re there to.

This morning, like so many others, the voice of the Spirit is sure: “There is nothing more valuable that you will read in your email, facebook or twitter, nor is there anything else that will be more worth the 15 to 30 minutes you spend with Me.”  So today I turn it all off except God’s Word and some time in prayer to start it off.  Repeat this same and quick struggle every day for the rest of my life.

So what would I have missed THIS morning if I hadn’t listened to the Lord today?  Here it is:

But now, this is what the Lord says—
he who created you, Jacob,
he who formed you, Israel:
“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;
I have summoned you by name; you are mine.
 When you pass through the waters,
I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers,
they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire,
you will not be burned;
the flames will not set you ablaze.
For I am the Lord your God,
the Holy One of Israel, your Savior;
I give Egypt for your ransom,
Cush and Seba in your stead.
Since you are precious and honored in my sight,
and because I love you,
I will give people in exchange for you,
nations in exchange for your life. Isaiah 43:1-4

As I’m reading this, I hear this in my head once again: “There is nothing more valuable that you will read in your email, facebook or twitter, nor is there anything else that will be more worth the 15 to 30 minutes you spend with Me.”