Take a Time Out!

You’re worn out because you’re running hard—but not running with God.

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You’re a Christian man, but when’s the last time you really worshiped God? I’m not talking about church music or Bible reading while scrolling your phone. I’m talking about dropping your shoulders, exhaling your stress, and just being still—being in the presence of the One who saved you.

We’ve got work to do, brother. Not more busywork. More heart work. More intentional time-outs in the name of Jesus. This isn’t weakness—it’s where your strength gets rebuilt.

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God’s Word for Today
Psalm 77:11 — “I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your wonders of old.” (ESV)

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You want to be a man of God? Then you need to stop running ahead of Him.

Men who feel the pressure every single day. There’s work to do, bills to pay, problems to solve, people depending on you. And yet, somehow, your time with God keeps slipping.

Here’s the truth: life’s not too busy—you’re just not still.

We’re all managing time, whether we admit it or not. You woke up this morning and made a choice—coffee, breakfast, emails, traffic, work. You chose where to invest your energy. The problem isn’t time—it’s where your worship fits in your time.

And I get it. Life pulls at us hard. Some days, we’re just trying to survive. But that survival mindset is a trap. It gets us moving fast, but not deep. You start skipping prayer, ignoring your soul, stuffing down stress. You stop being led by the Spirit, and start getting led by pressure.

That’s where I was. Rushing through the day. Trying to do “God’s work” but not spending time with God. You know what happens? Your heart goes cold. You get short with your wife. Distant with your kids. Bitter. Frustrated. Hard-hearted. Not because you don’t care—but because you’re running on empty.

That’s why I had to call a time-out.

I had to admit I was outpacing God—doing good things, but not in the right spirit. Not in step with the Spirit. And that’s when it hit me: the Holy Spirit is already in me. He’s not waiting for a perfect moment. He’s ready right now to lead, to guide, to bring peace. But I have to invite Him in. I have to slow down.

So, I stopped everything. Closed my eyes. Sat in silence. And I remembered this truth: Jesus isn’t watching from a distance. He’s right there—at the right hand of the Father—pleading for me. The Holy Spirit isn’t passive. He’s active—interceding for me in ways I can’t even understand. That’s not some distant theology. That’s real, present power.

But you won’t experience it unless you stop.

Stop rushing. Stop numbing. Stop pretending you’ve got this. You don’t. And that’s okay. That’s why you we have the Holy Spirit and that why we need to worship. That’s why worship and adoration matters. Not for show—but because it keeps your heart soft. Keeps your vision clear. Keeps your family safe under your leadership.

Psalm 77:11 says it straight—Remember His works. That’s how adoration grows. You look back. You remember what God has done. And suddenly, your eyes open to who He really is. And worship happens.

You want to lead your family with strength? Then get on your knees first.

You want to make wise decisions? Then seek God’s face before your write in your calendar.

You want peace in your home? Then build it on your knees.

Let me say this as clearly as I can: if your time with God is optional, your leadership will always be shaky. Because we don’t lead by skill—we lead by surrender. We lead by being with God, not just for God.

Some of you need to start with one word: “Yeshuah.” (That’s the Hebrew name for Jesus. It means Deliverer.) Say it out loud. Whisper it at the stoplight. Breathe it when you’re anxious. Let it center you. Let it soften you. Let it remind you who you belong to.

You can say it for your kids. Your wife. That guy at work you can’t stand. You can say it when you feel like you’ve failed. It’s not a magic word. It’s a reminder. A reminder that you are not alone. A reminder to be still.  A reminder that Jesus is with you. The Holy Spirit is in you. And the Father sees you.

So, brother—call a time-out.

Not tomorrow. Not next Sunday. Today.

Just say His name, Yeshuah or Jesus.

Because when you do, something shifts. You start leading from peace, not panic. You start loving from strength, not striving. And worship becomes more than a song—it becomes your posture.

Men, if you want to change your family’s future, start by changing your time with God. That’s not weakness. That’s war. That’s leadership. That’s shepherding.

And it starts right now.

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Today’s “Shepherding in Action” Value
Stillness in God’s presence fuels strong leadership. It’s in the quiet that men receive clarity, peace, and power to lead their homes with bold, Spirit-led direction.

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Reflect / Apply / Share

1. Reflect – When was the last time I truly sat still before God—not to ask, not to fix, but to just be with Him?
2. Apply – What’s one specific time this week I can block out—even 10 minutes—to pause and worship God without distraction?
3. Share – Who in my life needs a reminder to slow down and seek God? How can I encourage or model that for them this week?

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Bible References (ESV)
Psalm 77:11 — “I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your wonders of old.”
Romans 8:27 — “And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.”
Romans 8:34 — “Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us.”
Psalm 46:10 — “Be still, and know that I am God.”

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Personal Prayer
Father, help me call time-out before I crash. I want to lead from your presence, not my pressure—make me still so I can be strong.

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My Personal Journey & Engagement Call
These weekday reflections flow from my time in God’s Word. I invite you to join me and other Men of the Shepherd in building Christ-centered homes—leading, discipling, and serving like Jesus.
If these reflections encourage you, please like, share, and pass them on so more men can grow in their calling.
To follow along with the weekday readings, check out our Weekday Reflections Playlist on YouTube or subscribe to the YouTube channel here.

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