Daily Scripture

Mark 4:35-41

On that day, when evening had come, he said to them, “Let us go across to the other side.” And leaving the crowd behind, they took him with them in the boat, just as he was. Other boats were with him. A great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that the boat was already being swamped. But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion; and they woke him up and said to him, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” He woke up and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” Then the wind ceased, and there was a dead calm. He said to them, “Why are you afraid? Have you still no faith?” And they were filled with great awe and said to one another, “Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?”

Prayer Tip

James 4:8: "Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world."

I read that Mark Zuckerberg and his wife, Priscilla Chan, have a prenuptial agreement that stipulates how much time they spend together. According to the article, they’ve agreed to spend 100 minutes of alone time each week outside of the office or his apartment, and he will take her on a date once a week.

This may seem silly or extreme to some, but I love that they are carving out time to spend honoring each other, and that they put it in writing.

Our relationship with God is the most important relationship we will have. It began before we were born and it will continue after we die. God has known us the longest, the most intimately and if we choose to allow him in our lives he promises to never leave us. Yet we don’t always make time to spend with him.

I have personally struggled to make time for God this year. Sometimes we seem too busy to go to church. How can we possibly fit one more thing in? Yet, when we make time for God, our lives are infinitely better and we feel more centered. Carving out alone time to spend with God is important. In addition we can spend time purposefully in God’s presence while doing other things. While we are grocery shopping, we can thank him for money for food and nutrition to sustain us. We can talk about Jesus while we are bathing our kids or feeding them. I hope during this Lenten season that you will make time to spend with God. He will show up in wonderful, unexpected ways. He never cancels and never disappoints.

Dear God,

We know we are made to spend time in your presence. But sometimes, like errant children, we refuse to do what is best for us. We find ourselves pouring our precious time into things that leave us feeling empty. Help us to feel our heart pulling towards you. Like a plant that turns towards the sun, let our hearts turn to you and let us bask in the glow of your holy presence.

Amen.

 – Ashly Cooley, Counseling & Support Ministries

Read today's Insight by Ashly Cooley Ashly supports the Congregational Care ministry at Resurrection Leawood. She works primarily with our Counseling and Support ministries.