This week, our very "open and honest" staff had a great discussion about their devotional times, and their struggle to be faithful in them. Out of it, came a great discussion time, prayer and a prompting to get some easy resources that we can access when we are out and about, or on our computer at home or work. I have included a bunch of great resources, if you struggle at all with keeping consistent in your devotions...check this stuff out!
One of the best takeaways from our meeting was my husband's concept of "LAYERING DEVOTION TIME". Instead of mentally putting your devotional time in a box of, "I must get up at 5 a.m. and read my Bible and pray for an hour." Sure, that BOX is ideal...but, even for the strongest of us, the snooze button can devastate the best of our intentions!
Insanity - doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results. I know you all have heard that saying, but how often do we put ourselves in the same situation over and over and over and expect that we are going to "miraculously" react differently this time? Instead, more often than not, we fail.
Even though I believe in reading my Bible and prayer, in the traditional sense. Add these LAYERS to your day to make your devotional time stronger than ever! Think out of the box...do you know that God can use ANYTHING to speak to you? All He needs is your listening heart.
ONLINE DEVOS:
There are a millions of online devotionals - so find one that you enjoy and look forward to reading. Have it emailed to your inbox or add to your RSS reader. Here are a few great options:
Online devotionals for Moms
Online devotionals for Men
Daily Podcast for Fathers:
FAMILY PODCASTS & RADIO SHOWS:
You Version – Online & Mobile reading plans
(I have this app on my phone & love it! I have a reading plan selected and it tracks how much I read)
Weekly Scripture Memory Verse:
Click on the “Scripture Memory” tab - great way to get God's Word into your HEART.
Online Bible Reading:
(Great way to mix up your Bible reading – they have tons of reference materials – an interwoven Gospel section) Sometimes the best way to freshen up your devotional time is to purchase a new Bible translation (or go through a different one online).
If you are really up for a challenge, take the EXTREME Bible Reading Challenge – Read through the entire Bible in 90 days!
HavenMinistries.com RADIO
In addition, I always have my radio set to Moody Radio (online listening or check here for a station in your area). You wouldn't believe the number of times I have been in the car for 5 minutes and have heard something that changed me, to the core.
Just a further encouragement, as a mom of two little ones, it is a struggle to be faithful in my devotions. But, I have found I have not lost ground...but, instead I am flying high because I feast on God's Word, worship and speak to God in various ways throughout my day. He has encouraged me through the radio, as I am driving around. Actually, that has been some of my best times! My kids are strapped in the back, and my heart and mind can be alone and focused on Him. I am often praying (with my eyes wide open!) as He deals with me in that quiet time. He is not limited by our circumstances, but we have to be a willing participant to allow Him time and space to speak into our lives.
BE ENCOURAGED!!
Kristen
Love it.... The best thing about layering your devotions is that * IF * you miss your optimal early morning time, your not simply saying well I hope I do better tomorrow... Layering alows a Morning, Noon & night approach.
ReplyDeleteMorning Prayer & Bible reading/Devotional/ Journal
Afternoon -Inspirational worship, Teaching podcast & online tools designed for helping you get some word on the go through your phone or portable device.
Night- Read book that inspires or stretches your awarness of God or purpose in life. Layering is much more of a relationship than a singel event in my day...