I have found it difficult to write these past few days. I then realized the reason. My personal time with God had been diminished, if not completely eliminated from my day. Oh I have had those short prayer times. I’ve heard a song or two on the radio that has brought my attention to God. I’ve attended church and worship service. I’ve even had a few conversations about God. But my one-on-one time with God has been pretty restricted.

My quick trip to Kentucky seems to still have a hold on my body. My workload at the church has needed my immediate attention. I’m tired. I’m irritable. I’m unengaging. I’ve had a bad attitude. I can use all of these as excuses for not spending time with God, but really they are just excuses. And bad ones at that!

So this morning in my devotion time, I started rereading a piece on leadership. What I read this morning is that as a leader, I am called to live a certain way. I am called to be engaged with God. I am called to be engaged with His Word. I am called to be engaged.

Take a look at some of these questions posed by this author. What is it that tends to fuel my service to God, adrenaline or intimacy?

In the past week, adrenaline has been fueling my service. But it’s obvious that is not what God desires. He craves intimacy with me. I should crave intimacy with Him. But how am I to find this intimacy when I’m overwhelmed by the happenings of my life, some of which include serving Him?

Jesus gave us the answer in John 15:1-11. We are to remain in Him. You see, when I’m too tired or weary or my attitude is in a bad place or my schedule is too busy, there’s no way I can remain in Jesus. My one-on-one time is always going to take a back seat. And boy, do I have it all wrong.

When I remain in Jesus, He will provide what I need. The production of fruit. The answer to prayers. And according to verse 11, joy.

I knew all of this. I’ve read this passage dozens of times over the past year…remember it’s become one of my favorites. But life got in the way. I got in the way. So today, it’s time to hand the reins back to the One who loves me unconditionally and say, “Let’s have a do-over.”

Perhaps you are in the same boat. If so, don’t let another day go by without spending some special time with God. Let Jesus know that you desire to remain in Him and then do it. Reengage. Reignite. Reenergize. And then, sit back and watch what God does through you.

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

Donna