How we start the day helps set the scene for our frame of mind and focus for the rest of the day.
Even if you're not a morning person, you can still make small changes to help set up your day. It's the consistent decisions you make every day that will make the greatest difference in your life.
Here are four things to do in the morning to help set up your day well.
1. Have a quiet time of prayer and meditation with Jesus – God wants you to practice hearing his voice and I've found that writing down in a journal or notebook everything you are reading in his word, feeling, thinking, and praying helps clarify and teaches you how to hear God speaking.
I encourage you that whatever thoughts, feelings, pictures, or dreams you have, write them down because, little by little, you'll start to recognize the voice of God. Even if your mind tells you it's not God, just keep writing because you're making a history of how he speaks personally to you and learning to discern between your voice and His. So be ready with pen and paper and write down your thoughts, experiences, and time with God.
2. Read something positive every day. It takes approx.1-2 minutes to read a devotional or positive thought. Your input equals your output, and positive, faith-filled thoughts will boost your mood, change your attitude, and set the tone for the whole day.
3. Take the time to write down your goals and put them where you can see them daily. Writing your dreams and goals down is a clear path to success and helps you to stay focused. We move towards what we consistently see (Phil 3:15)
Then do one thing. What we do every day adds up, you may not be able to do everything, but you can do at least one thing each day toward fulfilling your dreams and goals. Change adds up.
4. Exercise – A regular exercise routine (if possible as you start the day) where you get moving will help you focus, reduce stress, and strengthen you. It also releases positive endorphins to help you enjoy your day and live your best life.
Today, I encourage you to spend some time with Jesus. He'll start to show you Himself, and seeing him, you will also understand who you are.
Open His Word and find out what He says about your life and write it down, make some goals, and keep your best life in Him as your focus.
Ask for his forgiveness where you might have stumbled, receive the clean slate he offers, and listen to his dreams and thoughts toward you. As you do that every day, you will be changed from the inside out, and you, your reactions, and the things that matter will start to change as you seek Him first in all you do.
He has an amazing plan and is always seeking to meld and shape you into the best you can be, with a life that far surpasses anything you could dream of…let him work in and through you starting every morning, and you will discover that for yourself.
Going Deeper Podcast
Finally as promised, here is the link to my first podcast, “Going Deeper,” to encourage you. Enjoy 😊
"Be faithful in small things because it is in them that your strength lies." (Mother Teresa)
"Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin." (Zechariah 4:10)
"So, here's what I want you to do: Take your everyday life – your sleeping, eating, going to work, and walking around life – and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. Don't become so well adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You'll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognise what he wants from you and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you develops well-formed maturity in you." (Romans 12:1-2 MSG)
Prayer: Lord, thank you for being in every part of my day and wanting me to start my day well. Please help me put the most important things in my day first so I can continue to grow into all you have made me to be. In Jesus' name, Amen.