Title
Before Breakfast
Scripture
Now in the morning, having risen a long while before daylight, He went out and departed to a solitary place and there He prayed.
(Mark 1:35)
Devotional
Jesus had been up late the previous night; ministering, healing the sick, and casting out demons. However, He was up long before daylight to fellowship with His Father. I’m sure He was physically and emotionally tired. Dealing with people makes one weary. Yet, Jesus understood that it is more important to be spiritually nourished than to be physically and emotionally rested.
It is even more important for us. The first and most important thing needed to start a day is spiritual nourishment. All the rest and relaxation in the world will not prepare us for the spiritual battles we face daily. After a night’s rest, and before breakfast, we need the sweet fellowship found in prayer. Find a solitary place to spend time with the Lord. Your day will be greatly enriched and your life will be changed.
Thought For The Night
“The Hebrew evening/morning sequence conditions us to the rhythms of grace. We go to sleep, and God begins his work. ... We wake into a world we didn’t make, into a salvation we didn’t earn.” Eugene Peterson, professor of spiritual theology emeritus at Regent College and the author of many books on prayer and translator of The Message.
Evening Text
Mark 1:35: Now in the morning, having risen a long while before daylight, He went out and departed to a solitary place; and there He prayed.
Looking for Answers
· Does it not appear that the morning is God’s favorite time of the day?
· What is your favorite time of the day and why?
· Do you meet with God during His or your favorite time of the day?
Evening Study Guide
Defining: “Breakfast” Breaking the fast. The phrase “in the morning” is found over 100 times in the Scriptures.
Referencing: “My voice You shall hear in the morning, O Lord; in the morning I will direct it to You, and I will look up,” Psalm 5:3.
Applying: The application is obvious, spend time with God each morning.