Read the Book

OK, I never got back to my bible verse yesterday so as I'm composing today's devotional I'm thinking I need to pray for and lift up the weary this morning. That was me yesterday. My schedule keeps me run me down all the time. Yesterday at 12:30 PM I was working on responding to some email messages and I was overcome with weariness and had to lay down for a while. I ended up taking nearly a hour-long nap. I awakened feeling more refreshed and went on about the rest of my day.

I realize how blessed I am that I have a couch in my office and can just lie down if I need to. Not many other men have that opportunity. Nearly every man I talk to tells me they are over worked and tired much of the time. I think that is how the enemy keeps believers from reaching their potential in Christ and non believers from even hearing the word at all. We're just too busy.

And I've been struggling with 'busy-ness' for years now. But I'm convinced that if I'm going to be 'busy' then I'm going to be busy doing the Lord's work, and learning and growing in Him.

I'm going to be 40 years old in October and I have yet to read the bible completely through, cover to cover. Yet I've devoured more fiction and non fiction novels than I care to admit. What has this got to do with being tired and weary, you ask...? Well, I think it's a priority issue. I say I love God but I don't read his book. If I died today I think God would ask me incredulously why I couldn't finish his book in 40 years...?

I'd say that working all the time, not really getting ahead, and being tired all the time is God's way of saying: You're going about this all wrong, Coach Sam. But I'm stubborn. I haven't listened. I'm really a very hard headed man...!

But today I humbly submit. I'm going to stay busy, but within sane parameters. I'm going to get the sleep I need and I'm going to read and study the scripture faithfully....! I'll just keep praying for God's blessings and He will sustain me...!


Dear Heavenly Father,

Lord, I'm feeling Broken today. I've been feeling Broken for sometime. Just Run Down, Weary, and Tired. I need Restoration. I need Your Grace and Mercy. I am such a poor steward of my time. Please Lord, I want to change that. I want to have my priorities in order. I want to live 100% committed to You. I want to live a life truly surrendered to your will, Lord. I want to be obedient to Your Word. I have a thirst and hunger for more of You my Lord and Savior!

Help me to be disciplined to read, study, and meditate in the scriptures daily. Help me to pray without ceasing. Let me be in a constant state of worshipping you just with my lifestyle, Lord.

Oh Heavenly Lord, I lift up other men just like me. Men who know of You, but don't really know you intimately. Men who are still trying to steer their own ship, instead of letting the Divine Pilot take the wheel. Lord, I lift up men who are too busy with the wrong priorities. Men who are tired all the time. Weary Men. (and women)

Lord, thank you for the bible. Thank you for an instruction manual to everlasting life. Thank you for the salvation in the blood that was shed. Father I do Love You. And I give this day to you for your Glory and Honor, my King.

In Jesus' Name I Pray,

Amen.