Time for God. a uniquely Christian approach to time management

Transcription

1 a uniquely Christian approach to time management

2 #1 reason people give for not reading the Bible: Not enough time. Too busy.

3 Less time than in the past? Busier than in the past? Less disciplined than in the past?

4 Two reasons people need time management today: 1. Breakdown of. 2. Breakout of. Choices attack systems. Choices require time.

5 Secular assumptions about time management: 1. Time is. 2. It doesn t matter but.

6 Christian assumptions about time management: 1. Our time belongs. My times are in your hands. (Psalm 31:15, NIV) Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed. (Proverbs 16:3, NIV)

7 Christian assumptions about time management: 2. It does matter. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live. (Deuteronomy 30:19, NIV) Choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve. (Joshua 24:15, NIV) Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her. (Luke 10:42, NIV)

8 Christian assumptions about time management: 2. It does matter what we choose. Our choices reflect what we believe. We spend time on what we consider important.

9 Typical (secular) planner: Devotions Board meeting Lunch with team Call Jim Dr. appt. groceries Council mtg.

10 Bible League Connection Planners: God talks to you You talk to God Your activities fit into the context of that relationship Each day becomes a between you and God.

11 Conversation signifies. All relationships are developed through:

12 A relationship with God is no different. Talking = Listening = Repeatedly =

13 These habits are not something we add to our relationship with God. They ARE the relationship!

14 You can t have a relationship without talking and listening. You can t have a relationship with God without prayer and Bible reading. Your relationship won t grow any deeper without repeatedly. repeatedly.

15 Repeatedly is what s difficult. 1. Breakdown of systems. 2. Breakout of choices.

16 What systems can you establish to help you succeed at a new habit? 1. Attach it to. Meals Bedtime Commute Planning, scheduling

17 What systems can you establish to help you succeed at a new habit? 2. Invite. 2) Spouse or close friend 3) Children or parents 4) Small group 5) Church

18 What systems can you establish to help you succeed at a new habit? 3. Remember: it s, not.

19 How can you handle the choices that threaten your systems? 1. Make your choices. 2. Make your choices. 3. Anticipate the you will.

20 What walls will you face? Procrastination? Interruptions? Boredom? Choices? Lack of visible results? No accountability partners??

21 How will you get over them? You belong to Christ Jesus, and though you once were far away from God, now you have been brought very near to him because of what Jesus Christ has done for you with his blood. For Christ himself is our way of peace. He has made peace between us Jews and you Gentiles by making us all one family, breaking down the wall of contempt that used to separate us. (Ephesians 2:13-14, TLB)

22 How will you get over them? 1. your walls. To. My strength evaporated like water on a sunny day until I finally admitted all my sins to you and stopped trying to hide them. (Psalm 32:5, TLB) To. Admit your faults to one another and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous man has great power and wonderful results. (James 5:16, TLB)

23 How will you get over them? 2. your walls. But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who believe and are saved. (Hebrews 10:39, NIV)

24 How will you get over them? 3. your walls. Immediately the rooster crowed the second time. Then Peter remembered the word Jesus had spoken to him: "Before the rooster crows twice you will disown me three times." And he broke down and wept. (Mark 14:72, NIV) The third time he said to him, "Simon son of John, do you love me?" (John 21:17, NIV)

25 How will you get over them? 4. Find a. Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. (Romans 12:21, NIV)

26 For every wall there s a ladder. Procrastination? Interruptions? Boredom? Choices? Lack of visible results? No accountability partners?

27 How will you get over them? 5. Ask for. I can do everything God asks me to with the help of Christ who gives me the strength and power. (Philippians 4:13, TLB)

28 Getting started 1. Choose a. 2. Choose your. 3. Choose a. (relationships need to be as well as familiar)

29 Getting started 4. Find an. Use the 7 connections: Marriage connection Marriage devotional tools, retreats, seminars Family connection Family devotional tools, ideas from other Christian families Small group connection Existing group, or form a new one for this purpose Church connection Talk to pastor about ways church can support devotions Kingdom connection Prayer groups, conferences, interfaith Bible studies

30 Getting started 4. Find an. Use the 7 connections: World connection Missions, neighborhood, relatives -- sharing what you do and how it works for you

31 Sow for yourselves righteousness, reap the fruit of unfailing love, and break up your unplowed ground; for it is time to seek the Lord, until he comes and showers righteousness on you. Hosea 10:12, NIV