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Crunch time – Fall is the most intensive stretch of ministry at my church. Upward Soccer is a big winner, almost too big. This keeps me busy two nights a week plus Saturdays. Last week we launched our Wednesday night program, KidZone Recess. This usually trends up the first several weeks as kids get back into the routine. Sunday school classes are growing. Church nurseries are expanding. Every week I amazed at how many opportunities, God has opened for our little church.
But there is a subtle and deadly temptation in this busy time. When the pace of ministry accelerates, I am inclined to shift into autopilot and serve out of my own strength. I call this subtle because deadlines seem very big. The temptation is to skimp on my times of prayer and personal devotion. I call it deadly because apart from Christ I can do nothing of real value.
Here is my plan to fight these dangers. I would love to hear what you are doing to keep near to Jesus at crunch time. If you have a minute, ask God to help me serve him faithfully. I do appreciate your prayers.
Multi-task: For years I’ve used my driving time to listen to an audio Bible and pray. This has become even more important when I’m crunched for time. I use the same strategy for my exercise time.
Prayer Partners: Last week, I met with a friend from Seminary to pray. We spent over an hour pouring our hearts out to God.
Scheduled Devotion: I have never been very successful keeping a definite time. Typically, I will have my quite time in the morning. Too often time slips past and I settle for a quick ten minutes before lunch. I’m trying a different approach next week. I’ve blocked off a half an hour when I first get settled in at the office.
Family Prayer: Often my most meaningful times with God are not when I’m alone, but when I’m with my family. Our routine of prayer and bible reading has suffered this fall. Four nights a week, we get home right at bedtime. But even in these hurried nights I can pray my kids into bed.
What do you think? Leave a comment and let me know what you do to protect your quite times when life get hectic.
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Hi, I am a busy single mum of 3 in London UK. I have to take my children to school then off to work until school pick up time. My days are really busy but I try really hard to get my kids in bed with prayer and bible stories by 10 or 11 at the latest then it is my time with Jesus and I lost track of time. Then God wakes me again about 6am and if I am alert enough i pray for the day in tongues and worship/read my bible until 7.30. That then gives me one hour to get up and out of the house! Maybe I am burning the candle at both ends but I just have to worship Him.
Hi Tony, I am thankful for your honesty on this blog, ways I keep close to Christ when i’m Busy. This blog came right on time for me. I was just sitting here and thinking that I feel far away from God. I was pondering on how I was felt very, very close to him before Christmas. Than you gave me the answer. I have been so busy with our Christmas play, with the rehearsals, and the ordering of the costumes, and the actual play. Then right after that it was time for Jesus Christ to come to town with the gifts for the Kids for Christmas. Not Santa Claus coming to town, but Jesus Christ. Afterwards, I was so tired from cooking and playing with the kids. Through all of this; I didn’t realize that I was not reading my Bible or Praying the way I should. Thank you a lot I feel so much better now.
Tony,
Thanks for your blog from 9/24/07 regarding 4 ways to Keep Close to Christ When I am Busy. Although the post is over 3 years old it is very practical and timeless. It is basically where I am right now and I am trying to get myself back on regular diet of the word as my tank is running low. Thanks so much for your ministry and encouragement. Blessing to you. Thanks, Nickie
i am really findin it helpful reading what has been written by tony and everyone else.thanks a lot..i have always find it dificult to find a time to be in Gods prsence.i dont knw how to get out time for this.for everything else i hav got tome but when it comes to matter of spendin time in prayer i dont have time..
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