Matthew 7

“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’" Matthew 7:21-23

I was recently asked this question: "Why are you awake?"

This question was directly towards me because the other person knew that I was exhausted - tired from life's responsibilities. It would have made more sense if I were resting.

At first, I chose to say nothing. Then, I began thinking about how to explain why I was awake. I knew that I had chosen to be awake, to pray, and read the Bible. How could I explain the "Why" to even those simple things? Why wouldn't I read the Bible once I was rested? Why wouldn't I wait to pray once I was rested?

Eventually this was my answer: "I am awake because I want to love Jesus more - better."

I am slowly coming to realize that if I become reliant upon waiting until I am rested to read God's Word or pray, I will not do either. With a life that is filled with so many things, it is too easy to ease up on the importance of knowing my LORD - of loving my LORD.

Jesus is more than an appointment. Jesus is more than a requirement. Jesus is more than a responsibility. Jesus is MY LIFE. Jesus is MY TRUTH. Jesus is THE WAY. He is the reason for my life, so if I cannot end a day or start a day with Him, then what I am doing a day for. If I cannot stop within a day to gaze upon His beauty, then why am I declaring to praise Him or love Him. If He is always with me and near me, a simply five to ten minute break throughout the day will NOT hinder my precious schedule; it will help it - it will help me.