"I miss my time with you..."

The last three weeks has been busy beyond belief and with all kinds of distractions. We have decorators in every room of the house, we're in the middle of packing, we've just finished tidying up outstanding administration and on Sunday we had a fantastic farewell from the good folk of Dartford. In eight days time we will take up our appointment in Rayleigh.

Somewhere along the way I appear to have lost my "devotions". I have not had a regular "quiet time" alone with God and his word. Consequently, to be quite honest, I feel sick. Let me explain what I mean by that , I feel under the weather, nauseous... as if I'm going down with something - not in a physical sense but in a spiritual sense.

Starting today I have reintroduced into my timetable what ought to be at the top of every daily "to do list" - prayer and Bible study!

I have also, carried out a little spiritual health check on myself and found myself wanting in more than one area. Consequently I have made some other decisions about my current lifestyle and attitude.

How easy it is to carry on with the duties of ministry and yet be slowly fading away within. Thank you Jesus for bringing this to my attention and thank you for the grace that you so freely give that enables me to put the past three weeks behind me and start again.

"There He was just waiting in our old familiar place
An empty spot beside Him where once I used to wait
To be filled with strength and wisdom for the battle of the day.
I would've passed Him by again but I clearly heard Him say

I miss My time with you those moments together
I need to be with you each day and it hurts me when you say
You're too busy, busy trying to serve Me
But how can you serve Me when your spirit's empty?

There's a longing in My heart wanting more than just a part of you
It's true I miss My time with you

What will I have to offer how can I truly care
My efforts have no meaning when your presence isn't there
But You'll provide the power if I take time to pray
So Ill stay right here beside You and you'll never have to say...

I miss my time with you." (Larnelle Harris)

Grace and peace, A