Five Minutes

<sup>Jesus was meeting with the Pharisees and Sadducees -- the leaders of the temple of the day and the question was posed:

36</sup> “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”
³⁷ Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ ³⁸ This is the first and greatest commandment. ³⁹ And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ ⁴⁰ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” Matthew 22:36-40 New International Version (NIV)
And so, began today's sermon.

Today, people talk on the phone, answer e-mails and IM simultaneously; something they didn't do years ago.  According to NPR, however, we simply aren't wired to multi-task.  Rather, we're only able to switch from one thing to the next. And we do it with incredible speed.  Hence, we think we're multi-tasking when in fact, we are actually switching tasks. (Hamilton, 2008)  And therein, lies the problem.

You see, in today's hurry up and get things done, kind of world, we don't take time to focus.  We need to allow ourselves to be focused so not only can we get the job done but we can do it to the best of our ability.  Likewise, we need to take time a few minutes a day to focus on our Creator.  And that requires stopping everything and focusing on Him.

Today, our pastor challenged us to take five minutes a day and focus on our Creator.  Pray, read the Bible, sing or listen to praise music or just be quiet.   But focus solely on Him.  Let Him be the center of your world for just five minutes a day.

I find it a little sad that we actually have to be "challenged" to spend time with our God.  But the truth is, sometimes we need that reminder.  Because in today's, hurry up and get things done kind of world, we sometimes put the least important things first -- and the most important things, last. 

So, I am passing along the challenge.  Be with God for just five minutes of your day.  Be with Him and allow His spirit to fill you.  Listen to what he has to say.  Put down the phone, turn off the TV and just be present.  Spend time with Him.  Love Him as He has loved us.  Try it.  Maybe...just maybe...you will feel His holy presence.  Feel His closeness -- in your heart.  Be still and spend time with your Heavenly Father.

"Be Still and Know" by Steven Curtis Chapman

http://youtu.be/BgaHaioAjyg