Good morning, world. Things are looking pretty good from the front porch of my farm in Virginia today. I was away from the farm for just a few nights but it sure feels good to be back on the front porch to meet with the Master at daybreak. Stepping into His presence each morning from this old farm isn’t my habit or my “routine”. It isn’t what I do because it’s what I’m supposed to be doing. It isn’t what I do out of a sense of obligation or legalism. It’s what I do out of love for Him. He’s my Father and I’m His child and there aren’t words to describe the richness that comes to my heart because of our time together. I miss my family and I miss my friends when we’re apart, but nothing compares to how much I miss the Living God when I don’t have my time with Him. Isn’t that the way it is for you too?

It could be so easy to proclaim that “God is there” and to rest on that assurance for life. He IS always there. He’s a part of everything we are. He’s omnipresent and He’s omnipotent. He’s the Beginning and the End. But even though we acknowledge that “He is always there”, there is no comparison and no replacement for building a relationship with Him with our time and attention. It’s in those quiet times that He shows His love in a more personal way; and it’s in those quiet times that He resonates within the heart. It’s in those quiet times that we hear His voice within the soul and we feel His direction for our Future. It’s in those quiet times that the heart is humbled and the wrongs revealed and it’s in those quiet times that we get them made right with Him. It’s in those quiet times that our wounds are healed and it’s in those times that we learn to forgive. It’s in those quiet times that His Word moves from just being a “good book” to being Words with supernatural Life. It’s in those quiet times that we weep over the condition of our lives or we weep with Joy over our Purpose. It’s in those quiet times that we find our humility and it’s in those times that we’re reminded of His Might. It’s in those quiet times that we find our Peace and our Comfort and our Joy. With that in mind how could we ever neglect to take the time to spend with Him?

It’s that genuine relationship with Him that is lacking that makes people neglect the time to be with Him, and sometimes that failure to put the time into Love can be seen in every area of life. So many people are far too busy to spend time with their children and they pay the price when they’re grown. So many relationships fail because people refuse to spend the time that’s needed to nurture love day after day and year after year. Then there are some that seem to have found the most amazing balance and they are attentive to their mate and attentive to their children and their lives are a mirror image of Ozzie & Harriet; but they just can’t seem to find time to spend with the Living God while they work toward perfection at home. But when life gets a little rocky and things aren’t going well, or when tragedy strikes the family, they all come running to God to fix things. If it wasn’t so sad it would be funny to think about how parents take great offense over being taken for granted by children that refuse to spend time with the family but they keep running back for more of whatever they want when they want it. Why would the Living God be any different when it comes to showing Him Respect and Love by spending time with Him instead of just expecting Him to jump into Heavenly action whenever He’s needed?

I’m settled in at home and I’m back on track with the way I like my mornings to begin…with just me and my God on the front porch of this old farm. I’m comforted and I’m strengthened and I’ve had a Good reminder of how powerless I am without Him in the driver’s seat. The most important time I’ll ever spend in my life is with Him. How about you? Are you so busy running life like a rat running a race that you just don’t have time to meet with Him before you begin your day? If so, reach out to me. I’ll introduce you to the Time Keeper and I’m happy to explain to you why you NEVER seem to have enough time and why your life is lacking Peace, and when I’m done with you; “Rise and Shine” will take on a whole new meaning and you’ll be jumping out of bed to meet with the King of Kings too… and your days will never be the same again because of it.