Time for Goda Christian approach

to time management

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Time for God

#1 reason people give for not reading the Bible:

“Not enough time.Too busy.”

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Time for God

Less time than in the past?

Busier than in the past?

Less disciplined than in the past?

No, not really

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Time for God

1. Breakdown of ________.systems

Two reasons people need “time management” today:

2. Breakout of _______.choicesChoices attack systems.

Choices require time.

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Time for God

1. Time is ___________.yours to fill

Secular assumptions about time management:

2. It doesn’t matter _____________________ but ___________________________.

what choices you makehow you manage your choices

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Time for God

1. Our time belongs _______.to God

Psalm 31:15, NIV—

Proverbs 16:3, NIV—

Christian assumptions about time management:

My times are in your hands….

Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.

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Time for God

2. It does matter ______________.what we chooseDeuteronomy 30:19, NIV—

Joshua 24:15, NIV—

“…Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”

Christian assumptions about time management:

“…Choose life, so that you and your children may live…”

“…Choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve.”Luke 10:42, NIV—

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Time for God

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.

In fact, the way we spend our time is evidence of what is important to us.

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Time for God

Typical (secular) planner:Devotions

Board meeting

Lunch with team

Dr. appt.

Praise team

groceries

Call Jim

Bible study prep

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Time for God

Connection Planner:

Each day—the whole day—becomes a ____________ between you and God.conversation

God talks to you

You talk to God

Your activities fit intothe context of that relationship

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Time for God

Conversation signifies ____________.

All relationships are developed through:

__________

__________

__________

relationship

Talking

Listening

Repeatedly

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Time for God

A relationship with God is no different.

Talking = _______

Listening = _____________

Repeatedly = ______________

prayer

Bible reading

daily devotions

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Time for God

These habits are not something we

“add to” our relationship with God.

They ARE the relationship!

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Time for God

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.”

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Time for God

“Repeatedly” is what’s difficult.

(Because of the breakdown of systems and the breakout of choices.)

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Time for God

What systems can you establish to help you succeed at a new habit?

1. Attach it to ________________.an existing habit• Meals• Bedtime• Commute• Planning, scheduling• ______________

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Time for God

What systems can you establish to help you succeed at a new habit?

2. Invite ______________.accountability

• Spouse or close friend• Children or parents• Community group• Church

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Time for God

What systems can you establish to help you succeed at a new habit?

3. Remember: it’s ____________, not ____________.

relationshipregulations

(Relationships need to be __________ as well as familiar.)intentional

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Time for God

Let’s try it this week!1. Choose a ____.

2. Choose your _____.

3. Choose a _____.

4. Find an ____ to provide ____________.

5. Come back next week whether you ________ or ____!

tooltrack

timeally accountability

“succeed” “fail”

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Time for Goda Christian approach

to time management

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Time for God

How did it go? • Reports from the front lines • Learning from each other

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Time for God

How can you handle the choices that threaten your systems?

1. Make your choices _____________.ahead of time

2. Make your choices _____.once

3. Anticipate the _____ you will ____.walls faceWall = anything that stands between you and your time with God.

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Time for God

What walls do you face?

• Procrastination?• Interruptions?• Boredom? Lack of interest?• Choices?• Lack of understanding?• Lack of visible results?• No accountability partners?• ______________?

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Time for God

How will you get over them?1. ______ your walls.

• To _____.

• To ______.

AdmitGod

others

Psalm 32:5, TLB— My strength evaporated like water on a sunny day until I finally admitted all my sins to you and stopped trying to hide them.

James 5:16, TLB— 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.

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Time for God

How will you get over them?

2. _____ your walls.FaceHebrews 10:39, NIV— But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who believe and are saved.

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Time for God

How will you get over them?

3. ___ your walls.HitMark 14:72, NIV— 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.

John 21:17, NIV— The third time he said to him, "Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my sheep.”

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Time for God

How will you get over them?

4. Find a ______.ladderRomans 12:21, NIV— Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

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Time for God

For every wall there’s a ladder.

• Procrastination? ______________• Interruptions? ________________• Boredom? ___________________• Choices? ____________________• Lack of visible results? ________• No accountability partners?

_____________________________

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Time for God

How will you get over them?

5. Ask ____ for _____.God helpPhilippians 4:13, TLB— I can do everything God asks me to with the help of Christ who gives me the strength and power.

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Time for God

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—

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