Linda, thank you for this post and for sharing such wonderful resources, including the YouTube link! I’ve found meeting with God first thing in the morning makes the rest of my day successful and keeps me calm and centered. I’ve moved few times over the past 20 years and each time I have to figure out the best place to meet with Him. In my current home, it’s at the dining room table, where I leave my Bible, devotional, journal, pens and highlighters - and prayer list - set out at all times. Still, it’s easy to hop out of bed with other things on my mind and walk right past the dining room table, telling myself I’ll do it “as soon as I’m finished with this.” Most of the time it doesn’t happen. I think an important part of anyone’s daily devotional practice is knowing yourself, then figuring out a way to place a high priority on our quiet time. Once again, thank you for sharing something so relevant and relatable.
Oh my gosh. Everything on the dining room table - 'Bible, devotional, journal, pens and highlighters - and prayer list.' This is sheer brilliance, friend. The ultimate common sense. Thank you for putting this set up for quiet time success literally right in front of us.
I've been using Tripp's new book as well. It's good. And copying scripture. And at the moment I'm going through J.I. Packer's Praying the Lord's Prayer with a group of ladies from church.
I also find that a particular time of day with a particular setting doesn't work for me, but especially mornings don't work. I'm almost always already up earlier than is truly good for me to take my oldest to school. Adequate sleep is part of my mental health routine. That being said, most often it's in my chair, in the afternoon, with that second (or third) cup of coffee, diving into whatever books I can get to in the time allowed between when my youngest goes in for room time and when I need to leave to pick up my oldest from school. But sometimes it's at the kitchen table, or the dining room table, or in the mid-evening, or the late evening... The key is not time or place but consistency in practice and quietness of heart, no?
Brooke, I love the freedom you've carved out in your busy life. And this makes me so happy -->'The key is not time or place but consistency in practice and quietness of heart.' Quietness in our hearts is sheer gift, especially in these days when so much is pulling at us
Thanks for bringing your wise thoughts to the table.
I look forward to my morning coffee and quiet time before the kids get up. I also have a library of devotionals that I will turn to most mornings, but lately, I've been being called to just spend time strictly in the Word, so I love how your time has looked, reading, recording, and rehearsing verse by verse. I find that this method has been helping me to dwell more in the moment and meditate on the Scripture later in the day.
Janelle, I love that you've carved out this precious time before the little ones are ready to roll. It'd be so easy to grab a few more moments of sleep but you have chosen the better way. I admire you so much.
Thanks for adding to the conversation. I'm happy you're here in the midst of all the busyness!
"I’m grateful that the Lover of our souls continues to invite all of His thirsty, oft’ parched children into a deeper, more vibrant relationship with Father, Son, and Spirit." - Amen, Linda! I agree - it's so important to grow a library that draws us more deeply into relationship to our Father. With the grandkiddos at the house during the day - and trying to carve time to do the things I love doing - I am learning to be flexible about intentionally carving out niches in the day to spend with Him. Thank you for the recommendations - I am looking for a devotional for 2025:)
And for sure, Maryleigh, life is quite different when there's little-r ones around, whether they're toddlers careening through the house or teens that need to be chauffeured all over the place. I love that He understands our efforts to cultivate our relationship with Him in new and flexible ways.
'Jesus loves the little children ...'
Meanwhile, I'd love to hear what devotional you end up using. Please keep me in the loop!
This year, I've actually re-opened my Jesus Calling devotional (exactly the edition you have here) after about 7 years. I have a "52 Lists Planner" that sure helps me, too, to develop even the simple habits such as taking my vitamins and lotioning-up! :). I purchased it from Indigo (our edition of Barnes and Noble). So, I'm curious on how using the List book works for you as you progress!
I'm reading the NT out loud to. And your right, I'm finding verses I feel for the first time to. It's an incredible feeling reading out loud has been so enriching for me. I'm reading each Gospel in a different translation as well. I appreciate your resources here these are going to be so helpful.
Thanks bunches for sharing with Sweet Tea & Friends this month my dear friend.
I know, right? There's something about speaking His Word out loud that makes it more powerful ... maybe because my mind and heart are focused on Him and what He is saying instead of straying away. We've become so used to skimming what we're reading that this is like a breath of fresh air. He deserves our 100% attention ... and adoration.
I always have stacks of books in more than one location, as well as different translations of the Bible. For me, enjoying God includes habits and spontaneity.
Oh this makes my heart sing, Debbie - not only the habits but the spontaneity. He is a God of love, joy, and peace and wants our relationship with Him to have those same characteristics.
Thanks for bringing the spontaneity to the table. Good stuff.
I LOVE everything about this post! I could relate to all you said. The enemy tries his utmost to keep us from sitting at Jesus' feet, and he knows how important it is that we do. What joy and peace we find when we persevere to make it a priority and press through all that tries to hinder us from getting there! The sweet communion with Jesus makes it all worthwhile. God bless your times in His presence, sweet friend.
For sure, the enemy of our souls prowls around, looking for whoever he can devour (1 Peter 5:8). Our best defense is investing in precious time with the Lord who fills us with His Spirit so we can live lives free of the enemy's tyranny.
Your joy in your relationship with Jesus is so evident, friend. It's like a sweet perfume. Thank you for bringing that passion to our conversation, to your writing, to your work.
It seems to me that knowing ourselves and how we are wired helps a lot when it comes to finding devotional rhythms that work for us. For me, when I miss a few days of physical exercise, it sends ripples through my mind and body. Same with my quiet time. I like structure and systems and eating the same thing for breakfast every day, which flows over to Bible reading and prayer. What works for me might be complete drudgery for someone else, though. I'm thankful there are so many different kinds of materials, like the ones you've shared here, that can meet different people's needs.
I am kind of fascinated how intertwined your daily rhythms of physical exerciese, breakfast, and quiet time are. It makes a whole lot of sense how one would lead to and bouy up the next. Lois, thank you for sharing how well this works for you. I'm inspired (again!).
I look forward to my nightly ritual of turning out the lights after midnight, lighting a candle, and having quiet time with the Lord. It creates such a peaceful and meaningful atmosphere. I feel more connected and present with Him in the stillness and darkness.
Veronica, candlelight is so serene and comforting and this practice so beautiful. Yes and amen to feeling 'more connected and present with Him in the stillness and darkness.'
Lately I have been listening to Lectio 365 with a single candle lit to create a sacred space. I have also listened to Sharon Garlough Brown (author of the Sensible Shoes series) speak a daily lectio divina (https://www.abidingway.life/daily-lectio-divina-1). Just as nature has seasons, so do I. When something becomes obligatory, I change it up. BUT...I notice if I have gone a few days without the life-giving practice of sitting in the quiet, listening and waiting and just BEING with God.
This, right here, Ellen -->'Just as nature has seasons, so do I.' And I can't help that the Creator of the seasons and of our souls smiles at your wise, truthful observation.
Thank you for sharing this reality of life and our growing relationship with Christ.
I'm slowly going through Mark. There is so much in the Gospels that I would like to grasp better. I keep returning to the Gospels because I, too, feel I need Jesus very near.
Linda, I normally awaken early around 5 a.m. This is my best time to study and pray. I am reading through an excellent book, “Knowing God” by J. I. Packer. My husband and I are currently reading through the book of Exodus together. I have read a lot of devotional-style books through the years, Paul David Tripp’s “New Morning Mercies” is my favorite. I definitely plan to order his new book. I also love Elisabeth Elliot’s writings.
great resource. What i thirst for a deeper Bible study. My womens group post covid is getting more into that now than a year ago but I think I need to do more on my own. Thanks for the push.
Jean, you're right, we do best when we're meeting with Him individually, as well as in the company of others. There's a deep richness in both settings. A good reminder this afternoon, friend ...
I used to wonder what 'pray without ceasing' meant. How is that even possible? One would have to be like a monk sequestered in a monastery. But then, as I matured in the spirit, I realized that our spirit can pray 24/7 even when we are busy living our physical life. I think this dawned on me when I read someone's explanation of praying when you don't know what to pray - get quiet and let the Holy Spirit pray in the Heavenly language that we can't understand. We are told our prayers are like sweet incense at the Throne.
For me it's not about routine or habit or human commitment to doing a specific ritual at a certain time of day or week. I will always recall the epiphany I had the day I read Oswald Chambers words encouraging us to BE God's will, not just seek it. If it is embedded in you, then the ten seconds it comes all over you (while looking for something in the pantry), that you are so grateful to belong to Jesus, to acknowledge His blessings and constant companionship, that ten seconds is equal to an hour of being obedient to a routine. But that's just me - we all must find our connection in the way we are designed to be and do. Imagine the infinite variety in God's amazing creation.
Yes, let's hear it for encountering God in the pantry, out in the garden, wiping up the messes, folding the laundry, driving the car. We can pray, sing, read, or simply be in His presence. He's there, waiting to for us to invite Him to be with us in our dailyness, 'without ceasing.'
Dear friend, don't be shy about claiming the promises He's given to you in His Word about who He is and His great love for you. You are loved, forgiven, precious in His sight.
'Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.'
- John 14:27
'So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.'
Linda, thank you for this post and for sharing such wonderful resources, including the YouTube link! I’ve found meeting with God first thing in the morning makes the rest of my day successful and keeps me calm and centered. I’ve moved few times over the past 20 years and each time I have to figure out the best place to meet with Him. In my current home, it’s at the dining room table, where I leave my Bible, devotional, journal, pens and highlighters - and prayer list - set out at all times. Still, it’s easy to hop out of bed with other things on my mind and walk right past the dining room table, telling myself I’ll do it “as soon as I’m finished with this.” Most of the time it doesn’t happen. I think an important part of anyone’s daily devotional practice is knowing yourself, then figuring out a way to place a high priority on our quiet time. Once again, thank you for sharing something so relevant and relatable.
Oh my gosh. Everything on the dining room table - 'Bible, devotional, journal, pens and highlighters - and prayer list.' This is sheer brilliance, friend. The ultimate common sense. Thank you for putting this set up for quiet time success literally right in front of us.
Awesome.
I've been using Tripp's new book as well. It's good. And copying scripture. And at the moment I'm going through J.I. Packer's Praying the Lord's Prayer with a group of ladies from church.
I also find that a particular time of day with a particular setting doesn't work for me, but especially mornings don't work. I'm almost always already up earlier than is truly good for me to take my oldest to school. Adequate sleep is part of my mental health routine. That being said, most often it's in my chair, in the afternoon, with that second (or third) cup of coffee, diving into whatever books I can get to in the time allowed between when my youngest goes in for room time and when I need to leave to pick up my oldest from school. But sometimes it's at the kitchen table, or the dining room table, or in the mid-evening, or the late evening... The key is not time or place but consistency in practice and quietness of heart, no?
Brooke, I love the freedom you've carved out in your busy life. And this makes me so happy -->'The key is not time or place but consistency in practice and quietness of heart.' Quietness in our hearts is sheer gift, especially in these days when so much is pulling at us
Thanks for bringing your wise thoughts to the table.
I'm grateful you're here.
I look forward to my morning coffee and quiet time before the kids get up. I also have a library of devotionals that I will turn to most mornings, but lately, I've been being called to just spend time strictly in the Word, so I love how your time has looked, reading, recording, and rehearsing verse by verse. I find that this method has been helping me to dwell more in the moment and meditate on the Scripture later in the day.
Janelle, I love that you've carved out this precious time before the little ones are ready to roll. It'd be so easy to grab a few more moments of sleep but you have chosen the better way. I admire you so much.
Thanks for adding to the conversation. I'm happy you're here in the midst of all the busyness!
"I’m grateful that the Lover of our souls continues to invite all of His thirsty, oft’ parched children into a deeper, more vibrant relationship with Father, Son, and Spirit." - Amen, Linda! I agree - it's so important to grow a library that draws us more deeply into relationship to our Father. With the grandkiddos at the house during the day - and trying to carve time to do the things I love doing - I am learning to be flexible about intentionally carving out niches in the day to spend with Him. Thank you for the recommendations - I am looking for a devotional for 2025:)
And for sure, Maryleigh, life is quite different when there's little-r ones around, whether they're toddlers careening through the house or teens that need to be chauffeured all over the place. I love that He understands our efforts to cultivate our relationship with Him in new and flexible ways.
'Jesus loves the little children ...'
Meanwhile, I'd love to hear what devotional you end up using. Please keep me in the loop!
This year, I've actually re-opened my Jesus Calling devotional (exactly the edition you have here) after about 7 years. I have a "52 Lists Planner" that sure helps me, too, to develop even the simple habits such as taking my vitamins and lotioning-up! :). I purchased it from Indigo (our edition of Barnes and Noble). So, I'm curious on how using the List book works for you as you progress!
I'll have to check that 52 Lists Planner, Lynn. I love this kind of stuff ... just thinking about it gets me focused and energized!
I'm reading the NT out loud to. And your right, I'm finding verses I feel for the first time to. It's an incredible feeling reading out loud has been so enriching for me. I'm reading each Gospel in a different translation as well. I appreciate your resources here these are going to be so helpful.
Thanks bunches for sharing with Sweet Tea & Friends this month my dear friend.
xo
I know, right? There's something about speaking His Word out loud that makes it more powerful ... maybe because my mind and heart are focused on Him and what He is saying instead of straying away. We've become so used to skimming what we're reading that this is like a breath of fresh air. He deserves our 100% attention ... and adoration.
I always have stacks of books in more than one location, as well as different translations of the Bible. For me, enjoying God includes habits and spontaneity.
Oh this makes my heart sing, Debbie - not only the habits but the spontaneity. He is a God of love, joy, and peace and wants our relationship with Him to have those same characteristics.
Thanks for bringing the spontaneity to the table. Good stuff.
I LOVE everything about this post! I could relate to all you said. The enemy tries his utmost to keep us from sitting at Jesus' feet, and he knows how important it is that we do. What joy and peace we find when we persevere to make it a priority and press through all that tries to hinder us from getting there! The sweet communion with Jesus makes it all worthwhile. God bless your times in His presence, sweet friend.
For sure, the enemy of our souls prowls around, looking for whoever he can devour (1 Peter 5:8). Our best defense is investing in precious time with the Lord who fills us with His Spirit so we can live lives free of the enemy's tyranny.
Your joy in your relationship with Jesus is so evident, friend. It's like a sweet perfume. Thank you for bringing that passion to our conversation, to your writing, to your work.
It seems to me that knowing ourselves and how we are wired helps a lot when it comes to finding devotional rhythms that work for us. For me, when I miss a few days of physical exercise, it sends ripples through my mind and body. Same with my quiet time. I like structure and systems and eating the same thing for breakfast every day, which flows over to Bible reading and prayer. What works for me might be complete drudgery for someone else, though. I'm thankful there are so many different kinds of materials, like the ones you've shared here, that can meet different people's needs.
I am kind of fascinated how intertwined your daily rhythms of physical exerciese, breakfast, and quiet time are. It makes a whole lot of sense how one would lead to and bouy up the next. Lois, thank you for sharing how well this works for you. I'm inspired (again!).
I look forward to my nightly ritual of turning out the lights after midnight, lighting a candle, and having quiet time with the Lord. It creates such a peaceful and meaningful atmosphere. I feel more connected and present with Him in the stillness and darkness.
Veronica, candlelight is so serene and comforting and this practice so beautiful. Yes and amen to feeling 'more connected and present with Him in the stillness and darkness.'
Lovely.
Lately I have been listening to Lectio 365 with a single candle lit to create a sacred space. I have also listened to Sharon Garlough Brown (author of the Sensible Shoes series) speak a daily lectio divina (https://www.abidingway.life/daily-lectio-divina-1). Just as nature has seasons, so do I. When something becomes obligatory, I change it up. BUT...I notice if I have gone a few days without the life-giving practice of sitting in the quiet, listening and waiting and just BEING with God.
This, right here, Ellen -->'Just as nature has seasons, so do I.' And I can't help that the Creator of the seasons and of our souls smiles at your wise, truthful observation.
Thank you for sharing this reality of life and our growing relationship with Christ.
I'm slowly going through Mark. There is so much in the Gospels that I would like to grasp better. I keep returning to the Gospels because I, too, feel I need Jesus very near.
Amen to leisurely reading, writing, praying, spending time with God. There's no rush. He speaks in the stillness, the quiet, the gentleness ...
Linda, I normally awaken early around 5 a.m. This is my best time to study and pray. I am reading through an excellent book, “Knowing God” by J. I. Packer. My husband and I are currently reading through the book of Exodus together. I have read a lot of devotional-style books through the years, Paul David Tripp’s “New Morning Mercies” is my favorite. I definitely plan to order his new book. I also love Elisabeth Elliot’s writings.
Pam, I thought of you when I woke up shortly after 5 this morning. You're inspiring me ... again, as usual.
Happy Saturday, friend.
great resource. What i thirst for a deeper Bible study. My womens group post covid is getting more into that now than a year ago but I think I need to do more on my own. Thanks for the push.
Jean, you're right, we do best when we're meeting with Him individually, as well as in the company of others. There's a deep richness in both settings. A good reminder this afternoon, friend ...
I used to wonder what 'pray without ceasing' meant. How is that even possible? One would have to be like a monk sequestered in a monastery. But then, as I matured in the spirit, I realized that our spirit can pray 24/7 even when we are busy living our physical life. I think this dawned on me when I read someone's explanation of praying when you don't know what to pray - get quiet and let the Holy Spirit pray in the Heavenly language that we can't understand. We are told our prayers are like sweet incense at the Throne.
For me it's not about routine or habit or human commitment to doing a specific ritual at a certain time of day or week. I will always recall the epiphany I had the day I read Oswald Chambers words encouraging us to BE God's will, not just seek it. If it is embedded in you, then the ten seconds it comes all over you (while looking for something in the pantry), that you are so grateful to belong to Jesus, to acknowledge His blessings and constant companionship, that ten seconds is equal to an hour of being obedient to a routine. But that's just me - we all must find our connection in the way we are designed to be and do. Imagine the infinite variety in God's amazing creation.
This reminds me of the book by Brother Lawrence: Practicing the Presence of God. Every moment, every day, all day we can be in conversation with God.
How blessed are we.
This is difficult to explain to mind. Only the spirit can grasp the depth.
Amen.
Yes, let's hear it for encountering God in the pantry, out in the garden, wiping up the messes, folding the laundry, driving the car. We can pray, sing, read, or simply be in His presence. He's there, waiting to for us to invite Him to be with us in our dailyness, 'without ceasing.'
Thanks for taking us there, Meema.
I force away the quiet times
with Def Leppard and beer,
for when I only hear wind-chimes
I must face what I fear,
a judgement on my misspent days,
a stern rebuke of talents wasted;
even when I offer praise,
a bitter gall is what I've tasted,
and now it really is too much,
and there's still work to do,
but I long for God's soft touch,
and when all this is through
perhaps behind that final door
I will find a quiet shore.
Dear friend, don't be shy about claiming the promises He's given to you in His Word about who He is and His great love for you. You are loved, forgiven, precious in His sight.
'Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.'
- John 14:27
'So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.'
- Isaiah 41:10