Chasing the Source

"1, 2, 3, GO!" We excitedly pressed the power buttons to our new laptops and then patiently waited for a store employee to walk by. Moments later as he walked us through some operational basics, one statement in particular attached itself to the neurons in my brain. 

Okay, so when you both get home and turn the computers on again, you guys are going to need to plug them into the wall in order to finish up one last update. You're computer will have plenty of battery life to do that, so no rush, but don't forget".

We nodded our heads, and went about our business before quickly rushing out of the store. His words a distant memory, until today.

We often connect our laptops or phones for two reasons, when they need to be charged or when we want the latest software update. Then there is the other 90% of the time, where we are running on that 10%. I humor myself as I imagine moments where I'd be in the middle of writing a paper or watching a video and the most obnoxious pop-up interrupts my focus with a warning sign stating, "Your battery power is low (7%). If you don't plug in your computer soon, it will hibernate automatically". "Conveniently", I wait until I am at 1% and then frantically run, trip over shoes, clothes, furniture, and objects, plugging in my cord just in the nick of time. Pretty funny, right? Well yeah sure, until you realize more than just talking about a computer, I'm actually talking about  my own life and often times my relationship with God. 

Can I get a witness?

How often do many of us cruise on little to "no battery life", not realizing how far away we are from the power source (Jesus)? Out of nowhere, old habits resurface, negativity or insecurities force us to capitulate into wrong thinking, and the patience we once had with our spouses or friends is suddenly limited. As a result, for the first time in weeks, we either find ourselves frantically rushing to the feet of Jesus, or we "find another power source". I often choose to find another power source. I often feel that 24 hours each day just isn't enough, and there are times scriptures like Matthew 6:33 seem far fetched. Then again, I am often hit with the reality that the word of God requires action on my part. To actively pursue the Kingdom of God, and trust in His word regardless of whatever is going on around me. God knows I have needs. That we all have needs, and I am certain that in a world full of so many distractions, living righteously is not always going to be easy. Hence, the importance of seeking the Kingdom.

33 Seek the Kingdom of God[a] above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.

Recently, I have felt a strong desire to take time out of my day to disconnect from distraction and reconnect with God. To pray, to write, and to worship. To finally realize just how difficult it is for me to excel in other areas of my life when I am far from The Source. Most days, it is hard and I don't want to do it. Yet, even with something as simple as maintaining a blog or website, I'm learning it is so much easier to do anything when I am connected to the source. I need, really we all need, God's help, and there is proof in God's word that a constant connection to the right source has its rewards. 

This week,  I am going to invite you all to join me in something a worship pastor at my church called the, "FIRST 15". The FIRST 15 is a challenge that requires you and I to take the first 15 minutes of our day to spend time with God. 

Here are some basic guidelines to help you get started.

1. Wake up 15-20 minutes earlier than you normally would each day and spend time with Jesus (i.e. reading, writing, praying, listening to worship music, etc.)
2. Put your phone on silent aka sleep mode. MAKE ABSOLUTELY NO ROOM FOR DISTRACTIONS.
3. As you begin, ask God to speak to you, and as He does, write those things down.
4. It might be hard, and maybe some days you may hear or feel nothing, but keep doing it.
5. Share those passages or thoughts with me if you'd like! Either by filling out the contact form on this website or by tagging @chasingproverbs on instagram or facebook with the hashtag first15 (#first15) and a verse that spoke to you that day. I promise to read them all, maybe even share some over the course of  the next 7 days, month or year. 
6. Don't just stop at a week...KEEP IT GOING!
7. Invite your friends to join in on the challenge!

So with that I say HAPPY MONDAY!  Let's start challenging ourselves to stay connected to God and let's see what God chooses to reveal to us in the days ahead.