Stop signs.
A complete halt on a path.
It doesn't matter what the destination is, we adhere to the pause.
Life seems to move as a non-stop path; a road that never ends.
It's usually full of traffic as we all tread forward. . . toward. . .something. . .
and then another thing.
Stop signs can be annoying;
Sometimes just inconsequential;
Sometimes the journey is so routine, we don't even recall if we actually stopped. ??
It seems silly to think of ignoring a stop sign.
I guess people do at times. But for most, safety supersedes the risk.
Non-negotiable.
God is calling us to a stop.
A daily pause.
Some days might have more "stop signs" than others, but we must always pause.
God's Word and His Presence require and demand the respect of our pause.
This non-negotiable of stopping in our tracks before the LORD of lords and King of kings is - first of all -
OBEDIENCE.
Submitting my life and time to Him at the beginning of each day demonstrates His authority in my life.
I want Him to be the LORD of my life, so I have to act on that - daily.
Second to honoring God, this pause changes me.
Making devotion time a non-negotiable renews my spirit with His MERCY and GRACE.
The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22-23
There is a reason His mercies come new each day -
I NEED THEM.
The LORD begins each day, ready to give me - not what I deserve - but the mercy I don't deserve.
I don't deserve a fresh start, but the sun rises with a new start because of His risen Son.
I need to stop EVERY. DAY. and receive that mercy.
And. GRACE.
Amazing Grace.
Grace is the power given to us, not just for salvation, not just for an eternal life later.
Grace is the power for today. The power to overcome sin and evil.
For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
Hebrews 4:15-16
Life requires food.
Sustenance.
I promise you I will fade and droop and drop, if I do not stop for scripture.
The WORD of GOD is daily bread to the soul.
There's no way around it. There is no substitute.
You can't exchange it for happy quotes and motivational thoughts.
The Word of God is alive and powerful.
Reading scripture is about obedience, first of all.
Taking the time to listen to His Truth. To understand Him better.
To hear from the Holy Spirit through the Living Word.
It's also about direction.
If He is the LORD of my life, I need to know where and what and how - according to Him.
I need to know His will - and no - His will is not a mystery.
It's not a secret.
If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. James 1:5
And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:2
Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path. Psalm 119:105
Ask and allow the Word of God to transform you by the renewing of your mind.
And expect a light on the path.
Prayer is another essential, but prayer actually is an ongoing, never-ending element of life.
Prayer is like breathing. Prayer is our connection with God, and we don't want to break away from that at any time of the day.
That's why 1 Thessalonians 5 says to "pray without ceasing".
Prayer is not supposed to be relegated to an event, but we do need to stop and have serious, focused conversations with God.
Prayer is a topic too big to stretch out here, but we have to give God an undivided time of prayer
AT LEAST once in the day.
We need to stop and pray.
Praise Him with thanksgiving; Ask for forgiveness; Ask for help: Lift up others; and LISTEN.
Don't give God a one-way conversation. Listen through His Word, and also listen in quiet.
And worship.
We can worship with all parts of our lives, but stop.
Stop and worship.
Worship with songs; worship with your own voice.
Speak the words; sing the words.
The method and talent do not matter.
Praise Him! Honor Him!
Use a Psalm or hymn.
Everything inside of you and around you changes when you worship.
Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our “God is a consuming fire.” Hebrews 12:28-29
STOP at the beginning of the day.
STOP at the end.
And STOP as many times as you can in between.
Discipline and routines are essential.
Don't expect to "want to", and there will always be "other things".
There is a war for your time and attention.
Non-negotiables begin and stay because of choice and commitment.
Make routines and put "stop signs" in your path.
Create accountability with a friend or spouse.
But -
As you start to eat the "bread"
and "breathe" through prayer
and feel the transformation
and see the "light on your path"
You will CRAVE the presence of God.
Be still and know that I am God!
Psalm 46:10
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