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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: Day's End (01/01/14)
As a project oriented person, I get up early and sometimes decide there isn’t enough time in the day to meet all my deadlines. That “feeling” gets the best of me and I start the day all wrong.

I have answered a call from God to lead a prayer team ministry for my church and have committed to spend time with Him each morning in intercession. I am usually excited about it.

Some days my workload is so heavy that it is difficult to sit still and focus on prayer. So, I decide to skip my appointment with God and go right to work. That decision is based on a thought placed in my mind by Satan who comes to kill, steal, and destroy.

When I listen to the thoughts in my mind, rather than to the Holy Spirit, my days are usually filled with confusion, turmoil, and frustration. When the day is gone I have accomplished very little. I realize that my precious time, with the one I love the most and the one who trusted me enough to call me to the ministry of prayer, was stolen. He called me to stand in the gap for His people. Instead, I let inner turmoil and unrest get the best of me. I yielded to the deceitful lure of the clock not giving me enough time to meet deadlines in my work-day. I should have kept my appointment with the one who promised to direct my steps.

At the day’s end I look back at the time I wasted. At first, guilt creeps in because I knew better. The enemy managed to gain control of my first thoughts that morning. And at the end of the day, he tried to condemn me for listening to him. At the same time, he whispered in my ear just how little I must love God not to spend time with Him as I had promised. The enemy was attempting to steal my peace again. Quickly, I shut him down. Then, the conviction of the Holy Spirit turned my heart to God to ask for forgiveness, which was immediate. The Holy Spirit gently instructed me that if I had spent time with Him first, my day would have been much better.

God is the one who makes all things work together for good and blesses the work of my hand. He is the one who tells me I can make my plans but He will direct my path. He is the one who gives me the wisdom and knowledge I need to make my day successful. God is the one who rebukes the devourer for my sake. And, with His help, I can successfully finish my daily race.

The day’s end is determined by the day’s beginning. The choice I make at the beginning of each day to spend those first moments with my Lord or to proceed without His direction will determine what I accomplish and how emotionally, physically and spiritually spent I become. I want my day, every day, to begin with Him, remain in Him, and finish with Him. At the end of the day I want to hear Him say, “Well done my good and faithful servant“. I want to feel His peace in my spirit, knowing I have given everything to Him.
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Member Comments
Member
Date
Terry Lee
01/09/14
What a beautiful devotion. Loved it.
Jan Ackerson
01/10/14
I’d love to have your input into the free writing lessons available on the FaithWriters forums. This week’s lesson is on writing devotionals, and next week will cover writing on topic for the weekly challenge. Look for it at http://www.faithwriters.com/Boards/phpBB2/viewforum.php?f=67, or if you’re on Facebook, you can “like” Faithwriters Writing Lessons.
C D Swanson 
01/10/14
Great message, wonderful reflective piece in a loving devotional delivery.

God bless~
Beth LaBuff 
01/13/14
What a clever title in light of your entry. I love your wisdom in this "The day’s end is determined by the day’s beginning." Thank you!
Virginia Lee Bliss 
01/13/14
The message in this entry is oh so true. When we give time to God somehow there is time for everything.
Judith Gayle Smith-Owens Vitouswykegardinerclark
01/13/14
Thank you for writing my heart . . .
LaVonne Wood
01/13/14
My husband and I always have devotions together every morning. It's great to start the day with the Lord and all through the day. My best time alone with God is in the evening when I can concentrate on Him without interruptions and the urge to get busy. We should never let the enemy condemn us for not spending time with Him each morning. Good contest entry!
Jody Day 
01/13/14
Nicely done! I have started many a day off the same way. Very nice devotional.

The last two paragraphs are absolute gems:), but I'm wondering if the earlier thoughts might be consolidated or tightened a bit?

Thanks for this great piece.
Graham Insley
01/16/14
A great devotional with an all important message.

I felt a stronger hook may have helped get the ball rolling a bit better. Maybe something like "Today was another blow out! And when I look back at the way it started, I can see why...." (Just as an example and not trying to be perfect.)

I loved the ending though and felt the conclusion was right.

Blessings, Graham.