Morning Devotional 060925 Start With God's Instructions

Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room

June 9, 2025

Proverbs 3:1-6

1 My son, don’t forget my instruction. Let your heart guard my commands, 2 because they will help you live a long time and provide you with well-being. 3 Don’t let loyalty and faithfulness leave you. Bind them on your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart. 4 Then you will find favor and approval in the eyes of God and humanity. 5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart; don’t rely on your own intelligence. 6 Know him in all your paths, and he will keep your ways straight.

Good Morning! Praise God from whom all blessings flow!

A few years ago, I began participating in some local races: 5Ks, 8Ks, and even half marathons. I was very methodical in my approach to training and preparing for races. A friend shared a training schedule with me for my first half-marathon, and I followed it faithfully for the three-month period. 

During the many miles of training, I became very attuned to my body’s rhythm and needs. I knew when I needed to hydrate and how to pace myself. I established a race day routine that included hydration, rest, and proper nutrition the morning before the race. At this point, I should qualify my discussion by saying that, at my best, I walked very fast and ran slowly, finishing most races with the slower pack of racers. 

A couple of years ago, I decided to complete a 5K with my grandson to raise money for a mission project. For some unknown reason, I abandoned all my training rituals and my pre-race routine. After all, it was just 3 miles, I could walk that in my sleep. I did not hydrate (I realized later that I was dehydrated due to donating blood the previous day!) nor consume breakfast that morning. 

At about the two-mile mark, I started to recognize that my body was not responding well to this endeavor. I decided to slow down a little until I felt my body had recovered from this stress. About a half mile from the finish, I began to doubt whether I could finish the race, but I continued forward. In sight of the finish line, I sent my grandson ahead to get me water as I felt bile building in my throat. I managed to cross the finish line, but I was not in good shape. 

I knew how to prepare and complete a race, but I left all I knew and ventured out 

unprepared. 

1 My son, don’t forget my instruction. Let your heart guard my commands, 2 because they will help you live a long time and provide you with well-being.

We often have similar challenges along our faith journey. God gives us our instructions, but sometimes we leave them behind at the start line. When we follow God’s commands, we will be blessed and receive our provisions to sustain us throughout our challenges. 

Giving Lord, you bless us abundantly! We often forget to read and follow the instructions you provide. Help us start at the beginning, instead of trying to skip ahead.  Thank you. We love you, Lord! In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen

Thought for the day: Trust and follow God’s way!

Start with God! Pastor Liz