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April 13, 2024 8 mins

In the stillness of dawn, there exists a sacred opportunity for transformation—a moment when the frenetic pace of life has yet to begin, and the quiet allows for a clarity of communion with the Divine. Isaiah 50:4 paints a vivid picture of this daily divine appointment, where we are not just hearers but active participants in a holy tutorial led by God Himself. It’s in these early moments that we are shaped, instructed, and prepared to be vessels of comfort and strength to the world around us. Let’s explore how dedicating the first 20 minutes of our day to God can profoundly influence our spiritual walk and our ability to hear His voice.

Our springboard for today’s discussion is: Isaiah 50:4 - "The Sovereign Lord has given me a well-instructed tongue, to know the word that sustains the weary. He wakens me morning by morning, wakens my ear to listen like one being instructed."

This scripture not only highlights the personal nature of God’s communication with us but also emphasizes the purpose behind it. The morning tutorial with God equips us with a “well-instructed tongue,” enabling us to speak life into the weariness of others. This divine exchange requires our active listening, a posture of receptiveness that is cultivated in the quiet of the morning. By starting our day focused on God, we open ourselves to His wisdom and guidance, becoming conduits of His grace and love throughout our day.

Multiple Points of "Focus Training":

* Early Rising: Commit to waking up early enough to ensure you have this uninterrupted time with God. This may require going to bed a bit earlier the night before.

* Listening Attentively: Begin your time with God in silence, allowing your mind and heart to be attuned to His voice. Practice listening not just for answers to your prayers but for whatever God wishes to impart.

* Scripture Engagement: Delve into the Word, allowing Scripture to speak into your life. Isaiah 50:4 itself can be a starting point for meditation.

* Prayerful Dialogue: Engage in prayer, both speaking to God and pausing to listen. Present your day, your decisions, and your desires before Him, seeking His direction.

* Journaling Insights: Keep a journal of your thoughts, prayers, and any revelations received during this time. Writing down these insights can help reinforce what God is teaching you.

* Worship in Simplicity: Incorporate worship, whether through song, reading a Psalm, or simply declaring God’s attributes. Worship centers your heart on God’s presence.

* Reflective Planning: End your time by reflecting on how God’s morning instructions can be applied throughout your day. Ask for opportunities to use your “well-instructed tongue” to bless others.

Conclusion: The discipline of starting your day in God’s presence sets a spiritual rhythm that resonates throughout your entire day. It’s a practice that not only deepens your relationship with God but also enhances your ability to hear His voice and to speak words of life to those around you. Isaiah 50:4 reminds us that this morning tutorial is a divine setup for daily ministry, equipping us to be bearers of hope and encouragement.

Call to Action: This week, challenge yourself to dedicate the first 20 minutes of your morning to God using the "Focus Training" points as a guide. Be mindful of how this shapes your day and your interactions with others.

Question of the Day: What difference does it make in your day when you start it with God?

Let's Pray: Lord, thank You for the gift of Your presence each morning. Awaken us day by day to hear Your voice, to receive Your instruction, and to carry Your words of life into our world. Help us to be diligent in this morning practice, that we might grow closer to You and be better equipped to serve those You place in our path. Amen.

As we embrace the quiet of each morning with God, may we find ourselves transformed—better listeners, wiser speakers, and more attuned to the Divine. Let this sacred time renew our spirits, guide our steps, and empower us to be vessels of God’s unfailing love and mercy in a weary world.

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