As much as I would love to say that I have a great devotional life, I will admit...that is a lie. I mean I read my Bible, and I pray, and I read devotionals but just like everyone else, I get busy and I get distracted and I get sidetracked and my reading list ends up falling by the wayside. I know that God knows all the things I have in my life to do, I don't need to make excuses to Him. But I do need to be accountable for my own excuses and be honest with myself and with Him. Christ makes time for me so the why shouldn't I make time for Him? I've said this a few times...2015 for me is all about changes.
Let's face it...life gets in the way. We say we are going to exercise, go on that diet, read a book, hang with friends, etc, etc, etc, but then life gets in the way and we find every excuse in the book to put off what we know that we need to do. If you're anything like me, procrastination could literally make you a millionaire if you actually got paid for it. We have stuff going on. We have jobs, school, kids, our kids school and activities, marriages, television we love to watch, meals to cook, bills to pay, and the need to fit glorious sleep into it all. If we want to have a good relationship with Christ we have to make the time. We cannot just expect it to fall in our lap. He is just waiting on us. He is there, all the time, any time you need Him. He's not going anywhere. But if we don't make time to meet Him and talk with Him and spend time in His word, our lives will suffer. It is imperative not only for our earthly life but especially for our Heavenly life and Salvation that we make time for our Creator!!
I know this information may be a bit TMI (too much information) but I am going to be real with you to show what works for me when it comes to making time for the things I know I need, and want to do...
Typically my morning routine consists of getting up, dragging myself out of bed, dragging myself to the coffee pot to turn it on, dragging myself to the bathroom to do my morning "bidness", dragging myself into the shower, sluggishly putting on my face, getting my son up, doing my hair and getting dressed, packing lunches, and draaaaaaaging myself out of the door. Doesn't sound like a great start to the day does it? I am famous for checking all my social media sites while I do my "bidness" in the morning. My friends will tell you..."she checks her Facebook or texts, and even calls me while she poops". *Shrug*, it's just what I do. :)
I have been thinking about ways I can make more time in my day to spend time in God's word. I've been really wanting to push myself to make time for the important things in life and lets face it, Facebook and Twitter are really not that important. So, instead of checking my social media in the morning, I have been reading my devotional. Instead of checking my Facebook and trying to read some article while I do my hair, I have been playing praise music on YouTube. I mean I still sneak in the occasional peek of course but I've been really trying to discipline myself out of that habit. Life is about habits and we either have good ones or bad ones. The only way to change bad habits is to replace them with good ones.
My 2015 Devotional is Solid Ground by Mark Finley, and it's so far, phenomenal!
I know that this plan isn't fool proof and I know that I will fail but the important thing is that I keep trying and I keep making the effort to make time available for God. I continually pray for His help in reminding me that I need to put my phone down, and pick up His book instead. My days have started out much better because of this. My attitude is different. I don't drag as much now as I push. Instead of feeling defeated about the day ahead, I am hopeful and I am feeling much happier and so much more inspired!
If you're having trouble finding the time to fit Bible Study or Devotions into your day consider these couple options:
1. Do you have a reading age child that you drive to school, to after school events, etc? Have them read your devotional to you while you are driving.
2. Do you have a job where you can listen to music or watch movies during the day? I process so I am able to plug in my earbuds and drown out the world. Consider downloading devotions or the Bible onto your iPod and worship while you work.
3. Do you have a CD player in your car or a CD player you can put in your bathroom? Consider purchasing Devotions on CD and listening while you're getting ready in the morning or while you drive to or home from work. Here are a few that I think look really interesting and by some of my favorite authors...and huge bonus...they are really reasonably priced and when you're done you can always loan them out to your friends :)
Do you guys have goals and ideas for making time with Christ that you want to share? Because I would LOVE to hear them!!
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