Life moves quickly.  If you don’t plot your course through the chaos, you will get swept up in it.  It has happened to us all.  But you don’t need to live that way!  A schedule of your time guides you to the future you desire.  Here are tips to create a sustainable schedule and take control of your life.

Realize time is the most valuable asset God has entrusted to you and that you must spend it wisely.

Psalms 90:12 “So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.”

A schedule is simply a budget of your time.

Time is a lot like money.  If it’s not budgeted, it will be wasted.

[shareable]Life moves quickly. If you don’t plot your course through the chaos, you will get swept up in it. #schedule[/shareable]

If I belong to God, then all of my time belongs to God.

1 Corinthians 6:19-20 “What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? (20) For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.”

Apply Biblical Principles of Stewardship to your time.

God has entrusted you with life.  Life is measured by time.  You will give an account of how you spend it to God.  Be a good steward.

Consider giving God a tithe of your time.

If I tithe my time, God deserves no less than 16.8 hours a week.

Here is the breakdown I recommend:

  • 4 Church services = 6 hrs
  • Weekly SW & ministry = 4 hrs
  • Daily hour with God in prayer and Bible = 7 hrs

The following verses substantiate why you should make time for these important activities:

Hebrews 10:23-25; Matthew 28:18-20; Matthew 26:40

Believe that God will allow you to accomplish more if you give Him your time.

Proverbs 15:19 “The way of the slothful man is as an hedge of thorns: but the way of the righteous is made plain.”

Some say they can’t afford to take time for God.  I say you can’t afford to neglect the responsibility to worship and serve Him.  You will get a lot more done with less time and His blessing than you will with more time and His correction.

Prioritize your life by God’s commands.

Make time to:

  • walk with God in prayer and Bible study.
  • fulfill family responsibilities.
  • build your life around church services and activities.
  • work to provide the earthly needs o your family.
  • minister in Jesus’ Name and tell others about Him.
  • relax with recreation or hobby.

Find time for everything God Commands you to do.

Exodus 40:16 “Thus did Moses: according to all that the LORD commanded him, so did he.”

Yes, you can obey God.  Just do it.

[shareable]God has entrusted you with a life. Life is measured by time. You will give an account of how you spent it to God. Be a good steward.[/shareable]

Start with your fixed responsibilities.

Fill the blocks of time taken up by

  • Church
  • Work
  • Ministry
  • Chiropractor
  • Etc.

Don’t forget to include travel and preparation times.

Make the sacrificial choices necessary to obey the Lord and follow His commands.

You have more opportunities than time.  Make sure God doesn’t get crowded out of your schedule.  Learn to say “no” to people and opportunities to protect your most valuable relationships and priorities.

“God will never ask of you more than you can handle, but people will.” -Pastor Robert Ross

Continue to fill in your schedule based on God’s priorities and your role-based duties.

Remember to include:

  • Housework
  • Yardwork
  • Family Devotions
  • Cleaning
  • Laundry
  • Date
  • Family Time
  • Etc.

If it’s important to you, put it on your schedule.

If it’s not on your schedule, it’s not important!

It is wise to leave some gaps in your schedule for future appointments and unknowns.

  • Doctor
  • Dentist
  • Car Maintenance
  • Etc.

See if there is time left to do what you WANT to do.

Most people schedule their week around the things they want to do and then work around them.  You will find great peace and fulfillment in accomplishing goals and fulfilling your responsibilities.  “Work then play” should be a principle of life.

It is important to make time to unwind.  Watching TV doesn’t count.  Find an activity that engages your mind and body.

[shareable]You will find great peace and fulfillment in accomplishing goals and fulfilling your responsibilities. ‘Work then play’ should be a principle of life.[/shareable]

Plan a weekly review of your schedule at the beginning of each week and make necessary adjustments.

Life is fluid.  Be patient as you find your rhythm.  Don’t bail on your schedule when things get tough.  Let it guide you.

If you have a constantly changing schedule, make a new schedule each week during your weekly review.

During crazy times when your schedule seems out of your hands, hang in there, pray about it daily and make the tough choices to obey the Lord.

 

How to start…

Use a pen and paper to figure out your schedule.  You can download the forms I use to help people budget their time during pastoral counseling sessions.  Choose from the .pdf or excel sheet and get started putting your life on paper today.

After you get your schedule settled, you can transfer it to the product of your choice.  I use Fantastical 2.

What product do you use to manage your schedule?  Tell us in the comments.

Leave questions in the comments as well.  I’d be happy to help you.