Time Out

TIME OUT!

Great basketball coaches know when to call a time out. Phil Jackson stands out as one of the greatest coaches in the game. As a coach , he won 6 NBA titles with the Chicago Bulls and 5 with the LA Lakers.

Jackson's 11 NBA titles as a coach surpassed the previous record of nine set by Red Auerbach. He also holds the NBA record for the most combined championships, winning a total of 13 as a player and a coach.

We used to joke about how Jackson would get off the bench and whistle for time outs which wasn’t often. But when he did they were strategic.

He called time outs when:

* The team needed to get back in the game.

* To refocus the team.

* To correct problems before they got out of hand.

* To change the rhythm of the game.

In life we all need strategic time outs. As a Christian, Holy Spirit is our Coach and when our lives start to get out of balance He’ll gently nudge us back into alignment with God’s will. He’ll call a time out!

Some signs that indicate we need a time out:

* We become so busy doing God’s work that we start slacking in our personal times of prayer/meditation and Bible Study (Psalm 91:1).

* The fruits of the Spirit are barely obvious in our lives (Galatians 5:22-23).

* It becomes hard to discern God’s voice (John 10:1-18).

* Our physical immune systems are weakened because of stress.

* It becomes hard to feel the joy of the Lord. What used to energize us now becomes laborious (Proverbs 17:22).

* We’ve lost our sense of humor and problems outside of our control seem insurmountable.

* The spirit of hopelessness is threatening to overcome us.

* Our mental health is becoming fragile.

Is Holy Spirit whistling for a time out in your life and you’re too busy to hear Him? Do you need to refocus? Do you need to change the rhythms of your life?

Slow your roll!

Take a hour, day, week or month off to receive instruction, refresh, renew and allow God to reinvigorate you.

Jesus knows when we need a time out. It’s a lot of game left!

(Matthew 11:29-30 NIV 1984)

“Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”

TIME OUT!