DON'T BE A CRISIS DRIVEN PEOPLE

INCLUDE HIM

Many people begin their day without including God.  They run to work, run errands and do their various activities without even a whisper of thanks or gratitude for keeping them through the night.  Then they wonder what happened when all their plans fail.  

NEWS FLASH

When you got up this morning God included you.  He painted the sky, trees and flowers with His majestic colors.  He breathed into you and brought you forth,  and allowed you to have your movable parts.  Without His command you would not be a part of today.

The Psalmist David knew the importance of acknowledging God first thing in his day. He also had a hunger for Him and sought Him early in the morning.  He understood what life would be like without Him.  Most importantly he did not want to be without His protection or caused the wrath of God to destroy him. He understood the need for worship especially early morning worship.  He knew if He met God and included Him in his plans for the day he would succeed.  He desired no one like he desired God.

Psalm 73:23-28 (TLB)

But even so, you love me! You are holding my right hand!
You will keep on guiding me all my life with your wisdom and counsel, and afterwards receive me into the glories of heaven!
Whom have I in heaven but you? And I desire no one on earth as much as you!
My health fails; my spirits droop, yet God remains! He is the strength of my heart; he is mine forever!
But those refusing to worship God will perish, for he destroys those serving other gods.
But as for me, I get as close to him as I can! I have chosen him, and I will tell everyone about the wonderful ways he rescues me.

As you begin each day consider the following questions

What about you?  

Who do you connect with first thing in the morning?

Who do you hang out with?

What touches your lips first? 

What are your plans to include Him in your day?

Is He on hold until church time?

Can you take Him where you plan to go today?

TODAY'S FOCUS:  HE WILL BE FOUND IF YOU SEEK HIM

God is always with you as long as you stay with Him.  When you leave Him and seek Him he will be found because he is always there.  You create the need for Him when you leave His covering.  

2 Chronicles 15:1-4 (KJV)

And the Spirit of God came upon Azariah the son of Oded:                
And he went out to meet Asa, and said unto him, Hear ye me, Asa, and all Judah and Benjamin; The Lord is with you, while ye be with him; and if ye seek him, he will be found of you; but if ye forsake him, he will forsake you.

Now for a long season Israel hath been without the true God, and without a teaching priest, and without law.

But when they in their trouble did turn unto the Lord God of Israel, and sought him, he was found of them.

However, it seems that most people are crisis driven.  They seek God only when they are in trouble or facing severe hardships.  Their cries come out only during an emergency. The children of Israel stayed a long season without the true God who was their protection and covering.  They were without a teaching priest and law because they were out of compliance and forsook the Lord.  As the scripture states, if you forsake Him, He will forsake you.  But they recognized their need for Him and sought Him, and He was found because He was never far away.  What crisis are you facing today?

Ask yourself...
Have I left serving the true God?
Have I forsaken His law and commandments?
Have I forgotten to seek His wisdom and counsel?
Is He my strength or am I leaning on someone else?

Whatever you do know that God loves you and is calling you back to Himself.  He is holding you up by your right hand to lead you back to your place of rescue and safety.  Don't forsake His wooing - choose Him to be your God and priest.  

Remember, don't wait for a crisis to turn to God.  He is never far away but is always near you.  Begin your day with worship to only one true and living God.  Make Him the first part of your conversation, put Him before your every decision and get as close to Him as you can.  If you do you will receive His protection, and He will always be with you. Don't run the risk to travel without Him for when all fails He will remain!

God Bless You and Keep the Faith!

Virtuous Jewel