I know that with the rat race of life, sometimes it can be tough to stay connected to God’s Word on a consistent basis. With the demands of work, school, friends, family, and issues, it’s easy to unintentionally begin to place God on the back burner of our busy lives. I know this from experience, because I’ve had times when I have been so engulfed with my work or a special project, that I literally asked God for a “rain check” on spending time with Him. I know that sounds too crazy! Right?! I mean, putting the God of our universe on hold, while I’m trying to fulfill His purpose for my life? Hmm…Have you ever done that before? I mean…really?

Thank God He’s a forgiving Father. Amen! BUT, we have to know that this type of attitude (remember “mindset”) does not sit well with Him. There’s definitely a need for immediate repentance (change of heart and actions) on our part when this type of mindset begins to take root in our lives. The Bible says in Ephesians 4:23, “And be renewed in the spirit of your mind.” Listen, if we don’t change our mindset on making reading and studying God’s word a priority in our busy lives, we will find ourselves making many unnecessary mistakes while trying to figure out, “Where did I go wrong?”    

But here’s the fact…we simply cannot afford not to be in His word today. With everything happening in our world around us and even in our churches, we have to fight to stay connected. There is no way I could handle the trials of my life without it. I wouldn’t be able to respond the right way, live in a way that please the Lord, nor minister effectively without a healthy diet of His word. Psalm 119:11 says, “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” (NLT)

Here are some quick tips that can hopefully help you stay connected in God’s word daily:

-          Download a Bible App on your phone

-          Purchase or bring a small Bible with you wherever you go (keep one in your car or purse)

-           Type or purchase some mini-Scripture cards to keep around you (read it while you’re getting ready for the day, in your kitchen, office, etc.)

-          Download a Bible program on your computer

-          Purchase the Audio Bible on CD and listen to it in your car or while cleaning up in the house

I want to encourage you that anything that we face today, there is an answer for it in the Bible. We just have to search the Scriptures and trust that God will give us the answers for our circumstances. The next step would be to follow through on its instruction for success. Joshua 1:8 says, “Study this Book of instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do.” (NLT) Another Scripture I love that helps me in keeping God first is Matthew 6:33 and it says, “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” Amen!

If you already have time carved out of your day and enjoy spending time in God’s word daily, I think that is totally awesome and commendable, and I pray that you will continue in His word. However, if you find yourself struggling in this area, then I pray that you will consider making it a new priority in your life. I just strongly believe that it will change your life forever for the better and for those around you.

Remember, Jesus is coming soon. Let’s get ready from the inside out!

~Courtnaye  

Thanks for reading! I pray that God will continue to enlighten you to live for Him through His word in your daily life. Stay tuned for new blog posts every Monday at 7:30am on Inside Out with Courtnaye. You can see previous blogs on my website by visiting www.insideoutwithcourtnaye.org or receive it by “Liking” my Facebook page by clicking here http://www.facebook.com/pages/Inside-Out-with-Courtnaye/202095829824129.  Also, follow me on Twitter by inoutwcourtnaye. Thanks again![/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]