Good Morning America

I had a very restless night.  For days now my husband and I have been waking each other up with our restless nights.  I eventually fell asleep in the mid morning and slept hard.  Last night when I ended my day I told myself that I would not turn the television on in the morning and I would spend my morning "in worship."

I have to teach bible study Sunday and while I have a general idea in my mind and while I have studied throughout the week, I decided today would be the day to put it all together.  I need to do that in a worship atmosphere and not be distracted by what is going on in Hollywood or how crimes are being solved.

I have had no coffee for several days and woke up with a headache.  I decided to reward myself with half a cup.  I reached for the remote on my bed and remembered my earlier decision so I laid it back down.  As I got out of bed and made it, the remote haunted me.  When I fluffed the comforter, it bounced up and down "in my face." 

You see, my routine is to watch the local morning news followed by Good Morning America.  Everytime I miss GMA, something significant happens.  I missed Robin Roberts telling of her need for bone marrow, and I was not happy.  On the other hand, I rarely miss much.  So I can tell you about any national news....trash or treasure. 

Today however, I can not.  I so badly wanted to turn on the television.  What I discovered was how difficult it is to refrain.  Although that was my desire, I headed to my computer to get to work.  I opened my Bible and began reading.  I sent out two texts to friends, encouraging them; I read some scripture, read my lesson and here I am.  My television sits behind me and Good Morning America rolls on without me.

I recognized what takes up alot of my morning time,  but many have not.  If you stop and take inventory of your time, I suppose for many of you employment would occupy the majority of your day but what about when you're home?  And with today's technology, are you one of those that will not miss an episode of a show regardless?    I recall when I was employed,  there was a break room with a "console" television and everytime I went up to purchase a drink around noon, that room was packed with people who purposely ate lunch at twelve so they could watch All My Children daily. 

One day the television was not working and you never saw a greater group of disappointed, upset people.  That's how I felt this morning.  With each passing hour, the remote has become less of a temptation and with my intercom set on Christian Radio, I am less tempted to turn the television on. 

My question to you is "what is it that has a hold on you?"  What is it that keeps you from being completely in the presence of God? When I would write with the television on,  I would often stop to turn and look at a talking television that unbeknownst to me is a huge distraction. I can not focus on the Word of God and get it's complete meaning or hear what God has to say if my television keeps calling me.  I can not be in God's presence with the television in the background. 

So this morning, I wake up and say "good morning America" as I work on a lesson without my television in the background. 

To him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy, to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forever more! Amen.  Jude 1:24