3. Go for a drive. Another thing that hampers my time with God are distractions. There's always something to do—emails that need to be answered, calls that need to be returned, someone who needs help with something. And so often what I need to focus and have quality time with God is to get away from the distractions. The best place for me to do this is in the car. When I really need time with God, I like to go for a drive, letting the sounds of the car and the familiarity of the road soothe me into a place where I'm ready to talk, or pray or listen for what God might be trying to tell me.

It's also a great place for prayer. With nobody there to hear you but God and your steering wheel, you're able to be really honest in your prayers in a way you aren't when there are people around.

4. Study for yourself. As a pastor, it's hard to read the Bible for yourself. I read a passage and think of all the people who need to hear it, or read a chapter and think of the five sermons I could preach on that small section. Instead of reading and studying only to regurgitate that information immediately, I need some time where the studying is just for me. I need to read and apply it to my own life or let the words sit in my soul for a while before I pass them off to someone else. This is what fills me up the most. I think it'll do the same for you.

Spending time with God is how we fill up, how we refuel, and how we have the strength, power and wisdom to be good pastors. Spending time with God is not only crucial for our church congregation, it's also crucial for us. So let's take some time today, and tomorrow and even the next day to invest in our own time with God, instead of just for the sake of other people.

They'll benefit from our investment, and so will we.

With more than a dozen years of local-church ministry, Justin Lathrop has spent the last several years starting businesses and ministries that partner with pastors and churches to advance the Kingdom. He is the founder of Helpstaff.me (now Vanderbloemen Search), Oaks School of Leadership and MinistryCoach.tv, all while staying involved in the local church.

For the original article, visit justinlathrop.com.

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