Genesis 19:27 And Abraham gat up early in the morning to the place where he stood before the Lord:

We encourage as much bible time as you can get during the day. I am retired, I get more opportunity now than ever before. I do not have to set a schedule and keep to it any longer. Those of you that have to provide for family have to set priorities and I understand that.

When I first came back to the Lord I would do my bible reading just before bedtime. I could set aside the issues of the day, knowing I had done all that I could. I could concentrate better. My mind would often drift off into sleep and my dreams were often inspired by my reading, like an extended meditation time.

As I grew in the Lord and found service to Him, I discovered I needed to get up early and read the word to protect me during the day. It was putting on the armor before battle. The early hours changed for me in accordance with my calling. Just that effort would make or break my day. So I made the effort.

After many years it has become effortless. I tend to go to bed early because I do not care about those late night distractions that once occupied so much of my time. It is easier for me to get to sleep now. That is me. I can only speak for me. I would however like to share with you what I found as I looked for a passage to open with today.

Abraham stood before the Lord. So much of my coming before the Lord in my quiet time has been sitting or lying down. It has been an attitude of being fixed or stayed upon the Lord. “I am not going anywhere.” Here Abraham stood in an attitude of readiness. “Lead me where you will.”

Disciples follow where the Lord leads.

Matthew 10:38 And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me.

What do you think of when you read this verse?

Matthew 27:32 And as they came out, they found a man of Cyrene, Simon by name: him they compelled to bear his cross.

That was such a compelling moment for this man called Simon, to bear the Lord’s cross for Him as he staggered on His way to Golgotha. I know I have thought of it at times. However Matthew 10:38 asks us to bear our own cross, not His. His cross was a work of God none of us can duplicate. His cross saved us from our sins once and for all time. Bearing my cross is not about saving me from my own sins, which has already been done. So, what is the purpose behind bearing my cross?

I can look at it in two ways. The first is to crucify my flesh. That is a painful process much as the cross was painful. Noble as that sounds the Lord did not crucify His own flesh, the Romans did that for Him.

The second way I look at this seems more in line with my Lord’s actions. Since He has identified following Him as a worthy effort, and I cannot sacrifice my sins, what did He do that I might be able to follow in His example?

Mark 14:36 And he said, Abba, Father, all things are possible unto thee; take away this cup from me: nevertheless not what I will, but what thou wilt.

No matter what I want, no matter what I pray for, I can do the will of my Abba Father. To do that, in obedience of faith, I will need my own cross. If there is not some element of effort on my part which reminds me that God is at work, then my effort comes from the comfort of self-will.

1 Thessalonians 2:6 Nor of men sought we glory, neither of you, nor yet of others, when we might have been burdensome, as the apostles of Christ.

My Cross is not a burden but rather a reminder of whom I serve.