Just then there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit, and he cried out, "What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are, the Holy One of God." But Jesus rebuked him saying, "Be silent, and come out of him!" And the unclean spirit, convulsing him and crying with a loud voice, came out of him. They were all amazed, and they kept on asking one another, "What is this? A new teaching – with authority! He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey him." At once his fame began to spread throughout the surrounding region of Galilee.

Mark 1:23-28

In the morning, while it was still very dark, he got up and went out to a deserted place, and there he prayed. And Simon and his companions hunted for him. When they found him, they said to him, "Everyone is searching for you." He answered, "Let us to on to the neighboring towns, so that I may proclaim the message there also; for that is what I came out to do."

Mark 1:35-38

Are you so rushed during the day that you find it hard to take even a few minutes to spend with God? Many people set aside time in the early morning before they get caught up in the hectic pace of the day. Have a morning ritual that gives you time to pray and to meditate. Spend time reading the Bible. The Bible has more wisdom than any of us can ever expect in this lifetime. During the day, think about what you read.

Do you take time to read God’s word and pray? If you take the time to dwell on the message, it will transform your life.

Let Christ be first in your thoughts in the morning,

and last in your thoughts at night.

Our Daily Bread – January 14, 2004