"Don't count Sheep, Pray!"

                         "On my bed I remember you; I think of you 

                                through the watches of the night."

                                                Psalm 63:6

         If you can't sleep at night, pray. If the devil is keeping you awake, just pray. He'll get get off your case; I guarantee it. Sometimes I'll wake you up at night. Don't wonder about it just pray your way back to sleep. Sometimes someone on the other side of the world needs prayer, and I will wake you up to pray for them. If you wake up late at night, ask Me, "Lord, what is it? I will tell you how to pray, and then you pray that way . It doesn't have to make sense why or who.

         As a child, my favorite part about visiting the beach was going to the boardwalk. After a day in the ocean, we'd shower, dress, and run up to the boardwalk for ice cream cones. My sisters and I would sit on a bench, lick our cones, and watch all the people stroll by. Kids with cotton candy. Lovers ambling arm-in arm. Older ladies in flowered dresses with parasols. People-watching was the neatest part.

          I still enjoy looking at people, thinking about where they live, wondering where they work, and if they're happy. Studying people, for me, is a habit. Wouldn't it be great if we were as concious about studying God as we were people. Watching Him, wondering about Him, looking closely at what makes Him who He is and just. . . Enjoying Him.

          Charles Spurgeon said, "To contemplate God is a subject so vast, that our thoughts are lost in His immensuty, so deep that pride is drowned in this infinity. No subject will tend to humble the mind more than thoughts of God. But while contemplating God humbles the mind, also expands the mind. Nothing will so enlarge your intellect or magnify your soul than a devout, earnest investigation of God."

          As today's Scripture suggests, perhaps the best time to 

          contemplate God is on your bed, even through the watches

          Of the night. Without noise and distractions, and with your

          Mind ar rest, your thoughts will become lost in Him immen-

          sity. Even Psalm 4:4 suggests, "When you are on your beds,

          Search your hearts and be silent."

          Remember, I never sleep. So don't be surprised if you wake

          up in the night and find Me there. Make Me part of your night

           Time, too