Something has been brewing in the back of my mind. While seemingly not popular, it is what the Lord brought to me face to face through my periodic fasting sessions. These annual and periodic fasting sessions are for the purpose of growing closer to my Savior and King and having the eyes of my heart open to blind spots. If you are unfamiliar with my fasting, you can read about the reason that got me started here.

This is Something He apparently desires as I contemplate my service to Him throughout a New year (2026)

If you must have Something added to your time alone with Jesus, there is a problem (please understand, I am talking to a believer who has trusted Christ as their Savior)

Time alone with Jesus is never- Him plus Something

And here it is plain and simple: if you feel you must have Something besides Jesus it is highly likely you are holding on to an idol

A well-respected Bible teacher (whom I love) has the following as a lead-in for buying his devotional book: “A steaming cup of coffee, a heart-warming story, a poignant time of meditation and prayer in your favorite place of solitude.” There are many whom I love and follow that use this tactic for an introduction to their ministry or advertising purposes. Peruse a devotional book jacket, review a blogger welcoming you to their space, or search out the countless tee shirts with the message typed loud and clear: “All I need is Jesus and Coffee”

So many of these well-intentioned invitations call for you to jump into God’s Word while holding in your hand the very idol that got you out of bed that morning …

“We know that we are children of God and that the world around us is under the control of the evil one. And we know that the Son of God has come, and he has given us understanding so that we can know the true God. And now we live in fellowship with the true God because we live in fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ. He is the only true God, and he is eternal life. Dear children, keep away from anything that might take God’s place in your hearts,” 1 John 5:19-21, NLT.

P.S. This goes for any drink or item (not just coffee) that you “must have” to make it through the day!

Don’t make an idol out of anything! It is always time alone with Jesus plus nothing!