Dear Friends,
The first 15 minutes may be the most important 15 minutes of your day, especially if you use them to (1) Make your bed, (2) Pray, and (3) Read Scripture.
In the book, Make Your Bed – Little Things That Can Change Your Life … And Maybe The World, Admiral William H. McRaven shares lessons he learned going through Navy Seal Training and as a member of a Seal Combat team. His first lesson: “If you want to change the world … start off by making your bed.” Admiral McRaven explains, “Nothing can replace the strength and comfort of one’s faith, but sometimes the simple act of making your bed can give you the lift you need to start your day and provide you the satisfaction to end it right.”
Travel back in time to approximately 1010-970 B.C. and you’ll encounter another warrior who demonstrated how to start your day off right. King David knew that the Lord listens to prayers—so he prayed every morning.
“Lord, every morning you hear my voice. Every morning, I tell you what I need. And I wait for your answer.” Psalm 5:3 (ICB)
“Morning, noon, and night I cry out in my distress, and the Lord hears my voice.” Psalm 55:17 (NLT)
David was bold in asking for the things he needed, but his humility was evident as he saturated his prayers with thanks and praise.
“But as for me, I will sing about your power. Each morning I will sing with joy about your unfailing love. For you have been my refuge, a place of safety when I am in distress.” Psalm 59:16
“Enter his gates with thanksgiving; go into his courts with praise. Give thanks to him and praise his name. For the Lord is good. His unfailing love continues forever, and his faithfulness continues to each generation.” Psalm 100:4-5
King David also added a period of meditation to his morning routine. In the Psalms, we see how much David depended on the Scriptures (For him, the Torah).
“I rise early, before the sun is up; I cry out for help and put my hope in your words.” Psalm 119:147
“Lord, teach me what you want me to do. And I will live by your truth. Teach me to respect you completely.” Psalm 86:11
Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path. I’ve promised it once, and I’ll promise it again: I will obey your righteous regulations. Psalm 119:105-106
The first 15 minutes may indeed be the most important 15 minutes of your day. When you make your bed, you start the day with a success. When you pray, you make a connection with God that can strengthen and comfort you in the tougher minutes of the day. And when you take time to read a few verses of Scripture, you come closer to learning God’s will and God’s purpose for your life.
If you want to change the world, a good place to start is in your own bedroom.
Verse for the Week: “Always be happy. Never stop praying. Give thanks whatever happens. That is what God wants for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (ICB)
Blessings
Your Friends in Christ
Because He Loves Us Press 