Hello ,

Let's begin this e-Devotional with a challenge.  (It's why I sent this a little later this morning...so you'll be wide awake when you read it.  :)  Here we go with the challenge: 

For this challenge, I'd like you to fold your arms together comfortably against your chest like you normally do.  

Were you able to do that quickly?  Probably!  

Now, for the tough part of the challenge:  Quickly fold them with the other arm on top. 

Now, let's debrief for a moment:  

Were you able to manage re-folding your arms in one, fluid motion, or did it take some thought?  If you answered that it took some thought, join the club.  I sat for a couple of minutes folding my arms, first one way, and then the other.  It was a simple task...but it wasn't easy for me.

Routine: "A sequence of actions regularly followed; a fixed program."

Routines...those things in life that are predictable, reasonable, and the same (day in and day out).  Some of us have been going through the motions of routine with so many things in our lives, that we rarely stop to think about what we're doing...or why.  It's normal to have routines..they make us feel comfortable, secure, at ease.

Routines can come in all shapes and sizes, from the way we brush our teeth, to the path that we choose when we take the dog out for his walk, or to the funny little way that we get our lunch ready before heading out the door at the same time every morning. Routines give us a sense of stability.

It's really difficult to begin a new routine!  Doing something different can be challenging because it's out of the norm, different, not the usual.  If you don't believe me, go back to folding your arms again a few more times.  

If spending more time with my Creator is something that I want to do, but I can't seem to find the time, the chances are good that I have a set of routines during my day that are predictable.  I will have to interrupt my routine, and diligently work to start ANOTHER routine...if I truly want to see that change happen in my life in the area of a deeper walk with God.  

Does this make sense?  

When it comes to a deeper relationship with our Heavenly Father, the following statement is probably true for most everyone who will read this:  What got us to where we are now won't take us further than we are now.  Something in our routine will have to change, and we will have to make a decision to do something different.  We can ask God to help us (and give us the strength to make the change possible), but it will begin with a decision.

Let me challenge you to actually take a few moments today, and think deeply about where you are in your relationship with God.  Do you want that bond to grow stronger, deeper, and more rooted with Him?  Prayerfully consider what it will take to make that happen and ask Him for the strength to start a new routine.

I'm praying for you.  Have a great day and God bless!

Pastor Mike / The Open Word