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TRUST JESUS TODAY

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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: Appointment (02/09/12)
I was feeling miserable with the symptoms of a cold and flu. Sitting on the edge of my bed I sipped on a cup of hot honey lemon tea. I was not looking forward to the day ahead knowing how sick I felt. In my restless spirit I was grumbling and feeling sorry for myself. I could not see the beauty in the sunshine illuminating my bedroom with all the radiant light it provided. Instead, my mind focused on the how horrible I was feeling.

As the day went on and morning turned into afternoon and then evening, I was still in a similar situation. Finally, I decided to pray.

Lord Jesus,

I really couldn’t afford to be sick today and take time off work. Help me to feel better tomorrow so I can get some things done. I have lost a whole entire day to this sickness and it has been so frustrating feeling like this. My attitude has been bad all day. From beginning until now, I have been in a state of grumbling.

Please Lord, show me what to do to break out of this negative mindset I have allowed myself to be in throughout the whole day and evening. I surrender my sickness and attitude to you and leave it all in your hands. I know I can cast my cares upon You. I am sorry for my attitude and grumbling about being sick. Please give me rest so I can get better and soon feel strong again.

In Jesus Name
Amen


After my prayer I lied down and tried to get some much needed rest. It was in the quiet of my mind that I could hear Him gently enter into my thoughts. I could almost hear Him saying,

“I have waited patiently all day for you to come to me. I knew you were weary and heavy laden and I have wanted to give you peace of heart and much needed rest for your body. It has taken you all day to think of me and until you did I could do nothing. As you know I wait for you to come to me.

You see, we had our important appointment this morning but you missed it. Our meetings are not like worldly ones. Our time together is unique and intimate. Draw me close always. At all times I want to help you start your day. I always want to give you my mindset and help you to not keep yours as you enter into a brand new day.

Oh, I know you are sick and today, faint in heart and restless in spirit. I could have made you stronger. When I let the sun shine brightly in your window this morning, I was trying to get your attention.
You didn’t even look at it or appreciate the light. Instead you were in the dark of your circumstances. I can always radiate light brighter than the sun, even in the shadows of any circumstance.

Yes, you would have still felt physically sick but you would have my strength to get you through it. Instead of feeling sorry for yourself, you could have welcomed a day of rest. We could have spent the whole day together.

Let this be a lesson for the future. Next time trouble comes. Seek me first and I will add my blessings to you. Daughter, I love you and I am your comforter. In me you will have peace and rest. Not the kind the world gives but the kind I give.

Finally, always remember our daily morning appointments are divine. Fall into my presence and my light will shine and overpower any darkness! Your day will start much fresher if you seek me first no matter how you feel. If you fail to seek me first you will surely stumble and fall.”

It was then that I realized what I had done. I had neglected my most important divine morning meeting of the day. I was feeling prompted by Him to enter into His presence right in that moment. With my Bible in hand and my heart seeking Him, I began to fall into His presence and shed the attitudes of that day. This time willing to do it His way, not mine!



“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”
Matthew 11:28 (NIV)
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This article has been read 852 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
Donna Wilcher
02/16/12
I can so relate to the MC. Great message, one we should all heed..
C D Swanson 
02/16/12
I simply adored this entry. It spoke to my heart. I love the mornings-I feel the Lord's presence at the start of a new day. And, the evening before going to sleep, I hold "His Words" in my hand and drift off to sleep peacefully.

This held a great message and one of truth. Thank you for showing others how great His love and presence is.

Beautiful job.

God Bless you~
Loren T. Lowery
02/17/12
"Finally, I decided to pray." How is it we always seem to think of this last, when it should be first. You're writing flows naturally and is easy to read even as it packs a powerful, important message.
Shann Hall-LochmannVanBennekom 
02/19/12
I really enjoyed this. There is nothing more important than our time with God.

The only red ink I have is when the same person is talking but it is a new paragraph, use quote marks at the beginning of each new paragraph. (You don't put quotes at the end until the person is done speaking though.

I could really relate to the MC in this piece as I suffer from a chronic illness and have to be reminded to look for the light often.
Jenna Dawn
02/21/12
This is a lovely devotional with an inspirational reminder to make God a daily priority.

Your sentence "After my prayer I lied down" is not correct. It should be, "After my prayer I lay down". I actually looked that one up. I knew "lied" was wrong, but "laid" came to mind, but that didn't seem right either. I have to admit, it sounds downright strange to me to say "I lay down" as a past tense form, but that is what two sources I looked up say. Here's one. http://grammar.quickanddirtytips.com/lay-versus-lie.aspx

Anyway, nice job on your entry. :)
Shann Hall-LochmannVanBennekom 
02/23/12
Congratulations for ranking 9th in level 1!
Gail Burks
02/24/12
Thank you for reminding us how important prayer is to our Lord.

A great devotional piece.

Keep writing.