Give God Your First Minutes… Instead of Your Leftovers. My “new normal” now consists of one day a week with my grandson, spending daily devotions morning time with God and extended time on Saturdays, and reading my Bible more often than ever. I want to read the Bible even more and I’ll continue to increase my time in the Word and in God’s presence, learning about God and getting to know Him personally. I’m also learning to experience God on a daily basis and in a more intimate way. Spending quality time with God and having the extra bonus time with my husband and grandson (21-months as of the time of this writing) is the biggest blessing that resulted from this Pandemic. I LOVE my new normal!
I typically read two books at the same time: one on leadership development and one on spiritual development. One of the books I’m currently reading, Soul Care in African American Practice, by Barbara Peacock, mentions a prayer practice called ACTS which stands for Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, and Supplication. You start by worshiping God, then you confess your sins and ask Him for forgiveness, you then move to thank Him for everything He’s done in your life, and you conclude with asking all your prayer requests.
I am starting to use this practice to stay focused on God and not allow my mind to wonder during my sacred time with my creator. Barbara also encourages us to “give God your attention, He will give you direction.” Right now, we need His divine direction and wisdom more than ever. In a time of such uncertainty, He knows the way. We don’t.
There are many ways to connect with God and we each need to find the best way that works for us. God will connect with us in any way we prefer because He’s adaptable and omniscient. Prayer, Scripture, Worship are all avenues to connecting with God. How do you connect with God?
Before the Pandemic started, I had decided to spend more time with God, alone. Even if I give him a few minutes—sometimes I only have ONE minute. But I always kneel before Him each morning before I start my day, consistently. Simply to love Him, worship Him, thank Him for one more day of good health, and to ask Him for my list of people who need prayer.
Every time, without exception, when I give of my time to God—even if it’s only one minute—He multiplies my time and I get everything done. You see, our number one excuse to not pray is our lack of time. But if we give God our “first minutes” of each day, He will ensure we get the rest done. Whenever I decide to “pray later” and wait until I get to bed, I’m too tired and it simply doesn’t happen. I cannot allow myself to give God my leftovers anymore…
I encourage you to give God your first minutes and not the leftovers. He will reward you beyond what you can imagine! I will leave you with these powerful Scriptures:
Philippians 4:6-7 (NLT)
Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-17
Always be joyful. Never stop praying. 18 Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.