Whenever I have missed my time at the start of the day, I repented and asked God to forgive me, help me through that day, and help me to get up earlier the next day. That's important, but don't allow condemnation.
God's priorities should be what we seek in life. If we follow His plan, we'll walk with proper balance in both family and ministry responsibilities.

So teach us to number [organize] our days [our lives], that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.
(Ps. 90:12 KJV)

It's important to set priorities in your life. Establish what things are of most importance, then let everything else fall into its right place.

I've found the following to be a helpful guideline for my life. I encourage you to find your own guidelines from the Lord.

• Priority Number One—time with God.
• Priority Number Two—time with husband.
• Priority Number Three—time with family.
• Priority Number Four—time for ministry.

It should be realized that points two through four will have to be flexible to your priority time with God or you will become a frustrated wife and even resentful to changes.

There's peace in being in the right time and in the right place. God will always bless in the other areas where there is flexibility. I've been in this calling long enough to realize this.

Time with God
In this particular message, I want to focus on priority number one.

Wife and motherhood duties fall into order as we first submit our ways to God. Time with God is so vital. If we don't have time with Him, we won't be filled up to handle the day effectively.

It's like gassing up your car. If you're on "E" and you don't fill up with gas, you'll run out of gas along the way. I know, because I've done it before. Spiritually speaking, you'll run out of patience, joy, peace, and self-control and will miss God's leading in areas.

However, if you start your day with prayer and God's Word you will have on the armor of God, your spirit will be filled with the Holy Spirit's fruits, and your heart will be sensitive to hear God's voice speaking to you. I have a prayer guide, which I pray through, and I cover every area that surrounds my life.

When you pray daily, always pray for your husband. Pray that he be filled with God's wisdom, that he be strengthened in his spirit, soul, and body and guarded from the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life. Pray God's Word over him, over yourself, and over your children. Pray God's Word over your ministry and the people of your church. You'll see results!

Take time to read and study God's Word, even if it's only a few minutes. Don't let the devil talk you out of it. That's exactly what he wants to do, so you'll be weak and can't fight him. Remember, you are in a spiritual battle. Keep your guard up.

Many times I have my one hour prayer time when I pray Scripture in the morning. Then I have my Bible reading time in the evening. However you want to do it, just do it. If Jesus had to take time alone with God, then we surely need to.

If your time gets interrupted, don't give up. Sometimes that happens with small children. Just pick up later where you left off. Also, you can pray while you're doing other things if you have to. God wants you to be still and know Him, but there are occasions when you may be interrupted in that time of stillness. This is where flexibility comes in. However, sometimes during your day God will give you time. Be sensitive to take that time with Him.

Whenever I have missed my time at the start of the day, I repented and asked God to forgive me, help me through that day, and help me to get up earlier the next day. That's important, but don't allow condemnation. The devil would love to make you feel like a failure all that day. Don't let him! Draw unto God and resist the devil.

God is looking at your heart. He understands and loves you. Having four small children, I've learned that God understands the life of a mother who is making the effort to seek Him. You can seek Him all through your day. He's listening.