Day 4: Small Victory

I was up at 5:30 this morning.

Yes, you read that right - 5:30 a.m.

Maybe that is not early for you, but normally I don't crawl out of bed until 7 am or whenever the kids do.

The thing is, I WANT to get up that early, but this flesh is super weak. Especially when it's cold outside and that comfy bed just won't let me go.

I consider this morning a small victory over that weak flesh, and I was rewarded with a full hour of time alone with God. No rushing through Scripture, no forgetting to pray for this or that. It was sweet, soaking-in time and I started my day filled.

And I think God left some marks on me during that time as well. Did you read Pastor Bruce's e-mail devotional today? I think this paragraph is worth reposting...

When we intentionally press in to God, it leaves a "God-mark" on you and in you, just like pressing a coin into putty leaves its mark! The going without, the limiting, the denial is worth the outcome! If we can come out with "God-marks" on our hearts and minds, we'll be better equipped to love as he loves, to see as he sees, to know as he knows.

In my time with Him this morning, the verses that left a mark on me came from 1 John 3:

We know what real love is because Jesus gave up his life for us. So we also ought to give up our lives for our brothers and sisters. If someone has enough money to live well and sees a brother or sister in need but shows no compassion—how can God’s love be in that person? Dear children, let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions.

And isn't that loving as he loves?

I love when God speaks the same message through many different avenues.

Blessings,
Erin

What marks has He left on you in the first few days of this fast?