“Be still, and know that I am God” (Psalms 46:10).

I usually wake up early and my mind will immediately go to what I have planned for the day, so I am ready to get up and get after it as soon as I open my eyes. I guess that is overall a good thing. However, I developed a habit many years ago that has stood me in good stead. First thing when I arise, I make myself a cup of coffee and read my Bible and pray. Regardless of what I have going that day, I set the alarm to get up in time for my morning devotion. I usually sit in the same place (outside on the porch in warm weather; inside at my breakfast table otherwise). I enjoy developing a plan for the year, a devotional and a Bible reading plan. I love it when Glenn gives us a devotional book, and this year I am going to use the daily reading plan that we have been talking about: “New Testament in a Year.” *

You might say that I am devoted to my devotional; I am devoted to spending my first minutes of my day with God. Sometimes, my devotional time is 15 minutes or less, and sometimes it is closer to an hour, but I know that being faithful to this habit is the key. Honestly, I sometimes am tempted to do something else first—usually something on my to-do list, but I know that if I break from this daily routine, I usually never get back to my Bible. For me, it must be my priority. Some might say that is legalistic, or rote, and not from the heart. Possibly. But is that worse than not doing it at all? I do not think so.

Now that I have established this habit, I can still fine-tune it. I can always improve how deeply I meditate on the words. I can always improve the sincerity of my prayers. I can always improve on my listening skills—really seeking to hear what God wants to say to me through His Word. But the first step is the daily consistency—the daily showing up.

I think that is why they call this effort a devotional, because it describes our devotion to God. How can we be devoted to God if we do not spend intentional time with him? And year after year, as I have read through the Bible and various Bible studies, God’s word has spoken truth to me in a comforting and meaningful way. I know that God’s Word has changed me from the inside out, usually incrementally, but sometimes in a more dramatic way when I have agonized over a decision or a circumstance surrounding a loved one.

One of my sweet memories is of my Grandpa, seated at his dining room table with his head bowed over his open Bible. That image is an inspiration to me to this day, even though it dates to my childhood. I hope this is an image that my children and grandchildren have of me. They have learned to respect my daily devotional habit, and perhaps it will inspire them one day as well. I pray that this encourages you.

“In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly” (Psalm 5:3).

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled” (Matthew 5:6).

In Christ,

Judy

*Let me know if you would like to have a link.

“Be still, and know that I am God” (Psalms 46:10).

I usually wake up early and my mind will immediately go to what I have planned for the day, so I am ready to get up and get after it as soon as I open my eyes. I guess that is overall a good thing. However, I developed a habit many, many years ago that has stood me in good stead. First thing when I arise, I make myself a cup of coffee and read my Bible and pray. Regardless of what I have going that day, I set the alarm to get up in time for my morning devotion. I usually sit in the same place (outside on the porch in warm weather; inside at my dining room table otherwise). I enjoy developing a plan for the year, a devotional and a Bible reading plan. I love it when our CEO gives us a devotional book, and this year I am going to use the daily reading plan that we have been talking about: “New Testament in a Year.”*

You might say that I am devoted to my devotional; I am devoted to spending my first minutes of my day with God. Sometimes, my devotional time is 15 minutes or less, and sometimes it is closer to an hour, but I know that being faithful to this habit is the key. Honestly, I sometimes am tempted to do something else first—something on my to-do list, but I know that if I break from this daily routine, I usually never get back to my Bible. For me, it must be my priority. Some might say that is legalistic, or rote, and not from the heart. Possibly. But is that worse than not doing it at all? I do not think so.

Now that I have established this habit, I can still fine-tune it. I can always improve how deeply I meditate on the words. I can always improve the sincerity of my prayers. I can always improve on my listening skills—really seeking to know what God wants to say to me through His Word. But the first step is the daily consistency—the daily showing up.

I think that is why they call this effort a devotional, because it describes our devotion to God. How can we be devoted to God if we do not spend intentional time with him? And year after year, as I have read through the Bible and various Bible studies, God’s word has spoken truth to me in a comforting and meaningful way. I know that God’s Word has changed me from the inside out, usually incrementally, but sometimes in a more dramatic way when I have agonized over a decision or a circumstance surrounding a loved one.

One of my sweet memories is of my Grandpa, seated at his dining room table with his head bowed over his open Bible. That image is an inspiration to me to this day, even though it dates to my childhood. I hope this is an image that my children and grandchildren have of me. They have learned to respect my daily devotional habit, and perhaps it will inspire them one day as well. I pray that this encourages you.

“In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly” (Psalm 5:3).

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled” (Matthew 5:6).

In Christ,

Judy

*Let me know if you would like to have the link.