Living:
Daily devotionals help start your
day off right
Some say an
apple a day keeps the doctor away. Many Christians will tell you spending time with God
first thing in the morning will keep the gloomies away. No one will dispute that there is
no substitute for spending time in the Word of God, in your Bible. However, if you just
have a few quickie moments in the morning before your children wake up or before you scoot
off to the office, reading out of a daily devotional book may be just what you need to get
your day started right!
Go to any bookstore, online or off, and you will find a plethora of daily devotionals. It
can be very overwhelming. There are also a number of online sources where you can get
daily inspirations sent directly to your in-box. You should have at least one devotions
book in print. Doing so will give you a chance to sit quietly away from the computer. You
may have a spot at the kitchen table or in your comfy chair in the living room or perhaps
you feel like the only alone time you ever get is in the bathroom. Take your book where
you can give the text and God your undivided attention.
Listed below
are merely a few examples of some of the devotional books available.
All have been personally recommended by readers who are currently
using and enjoying them.
Rick
Renner's Sparkling Gemsfrom the Greek is
a daily devotional that has one Greek word study for every day of the year; with hundreds
more word studies in addition to the 365 primary ones. It's much more than a devotional -
it's a study tool that you will want to refer to over and over again.
Journey by Lifeway is a monthly women's devotional
magazine that offers guidance for a growing, personal relationship with God. Each weekday
devotion deals with issues and real-life situations. Features include: a daily key verse,
devotional vignette, personal application, and suggested prayer focus; monthly messages
from popular author and speaker Beth Moore; and other inspirational articles. Available in
monthly subscriptions.
People use Daily
Guideposts to deepen their relationship with God and strengthen their faith. Each year has a
different theme; 2005’s theme of "Rejoicing in Hope" contains inspiring,
thought-provoking and comforting daily devotional stories. A prayer and daily Scripture
reference are included for further meditation or Bible study.
The Our Daily Bread devotional
published RBC Ministries is an effective resource for those who desire constant awareness
of God’s Word and its significance in the life of the believer. Available at many
restaurants and grocery stores.
Rise
& Shine by Liz Curtis Higgs overflows with the best of Liz’s early writings, gleaned from
her columns in Today’s Christian Woman and seven nonfiction titles. This devotional
contains daily Scripture verses, simple prayers, and gentle reminders of God’s love
and is packed with poignant stories, honest humor, and biblical lessons.
My Utmost
for His Highest by Oswald Chambers is a classic devotion many use year after year as a
Bible study and inspirational guide. It's also available daily on the Web.
As mentioned above, there are so many more excellent daily devotional books to read. The
purpose of this article is to encourage you to dust off the one sitting on your shelf, or
to pick up a new one and start each new tomorrow with a fresh perspective. Enjoy!
from the Greek is
a daily devotional that has one Greek word study for every day of the year; with hundreds
more word studies in addition to the 365 primary ones. It's much more than a devotional -
it's a study tool that you will want to refer to over and over again.