Technology, it’s everywhere, love it or hate it we can’t get away from it. We spend our lives distracted by what’s on social media or what’s on TV tonight. Our routine can be shaped around what programme is on or we can fill time with scrolling through Facebook to see meaningless posts. A relaxing night shouldn’t be watching who’s won X-Factor or who’s done it on Midsomer Murders.

Instead of having wasted moments let’s have God-filled moments. Choosing God and putting Him first, not only in our decisions and problems but in our time. We should stop with God, invite God to take control of the evening. See what he’s got planned for you. We’ll have a ‘date night’ with our partners, our friends and our family but when do we create time for God?

At the home of Martha and Mary:

As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him.  She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said.  But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!” “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things,  but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:38-42

Let’s take a moment to look at Martha, she was distracted by life, by what she could see needed doing, she was upset. How often do we say “but first I need to do this” or “once this is sorted then”? Mary put God first, she was focused on Jesus, heard what He had to say and dropped everything to be with Him.

We can experience God in a variety of ways, in every way, but He’s not going to force Himself into the equation. Let’s encounter Jesus with intimacy.

Here’s a number of ways we can spend time with Him:

• Art – Art can be prophetic. Look at David, he created music that healed Saul. Not only this it can be expressive. Do you ever have times when you can’t find the words to explain what your feeling?

• Journal – Journaling is a fantastic way of recording what God is telling you. Take a moment to close your eyes a listen. He may want to give you a vision, a word or even a emotion. Take note of it because it may be more important than you think!

• Walking – Going on a walk and getting fresh air is a time when we can forget about our to-do list and focus on God’s creation.

• Conversation – Been seeking an answer? The Bible tells us to ‘pray without ceasing’, maybe you need to ‘chat’ with God to find out something.

• Solitude – How many times did Jesus be alone when being with his Father? Many. You’ll realise the more you read the Bible that Jesus went to the mountain to pray.

• Worship – Not only can we sing but we could use this time to write a song, poem or just praise God with our generous thanks.

• Make – God the Creator of all, hand crafted us with His hands like we were clay. Why don’t you see how creative you can be?