A rudder for the day

"Before daybreak the next morning, Jesus got up and went out to an isolated place to pray. Later Simon and the others went out to find him. ³⁷ When they found him, they said, “Everyone is looking for you.” - Mark 1:35-36 (NLT)

When we feel that our 'to-do' list is so long, it may feel counter-intuitive to set time aside for prayer. We may struggle with the temptation to skip our devotional disciplines, so that we can free up time for other demands. However, many faithful Christians would argue that it is precisely because they committed their day to the Lord, that they managed with all their other demands. 

Henry Ward Beecher commented: 

 “The first hour of the morning is the rudder of the day." 

Clearly, he felt that his time with God helped him navigate through the trials of the day. And we note from Mark's gospel today, that even Jesus needed this time with his heavenly father.

Ellen White – “Jesus was wholly dependent upon God, and in the secret place of prayer He sought divine strength, that He might go forth braced for duty and trial. In a world of sin Jesus endured struggles and torture of soul. In communion with God, he could unburden the sorrows that were crushing him.”

What do you think about this? 

Living in Grace

D3LM3

A higher standard

Hold yourself responsible for a higher standard than anybody else expects of you.
Never excuse yourself.
Never pity yourself.
Be a hard master to yourself.
And be lenient to everybody else. - Henry Ward Beecher

I think this quote is quite brilliant. It sums up a very good attitude and mindset, but also encourages us to have grace for others. It reminds me of the well known words of Paul from Philippians 4:8.

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true,  
whatever is noble,  
whatever is right,  
whatever is pure,  
whatever is lovely,  
whatever is admirable—
if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—
think about such things.

May God bless you today.

Living in Grace
D3LM3