Before I had kids, I had the time to sit back with my Bible and journal in a comfy chair, taking my time doing devotions. Now, that just isn't my reality. I have struggled on and off with actually doing them, let alone being awake enough to understand what I'm actually reading!
I want to encourage you to take the time (whatever time you have and whenever you have it) right now. Don't wait. The days I have felt the least excited about the doing my devotions are the days I need them the most.
Having a close relationship with God only comes with spending time in His WORD, in prayer and listening to what He has for us.
In a Bible study recently, I was really convicted about how much I let others around me influence me. Sometimes it's good, even great. Sometimes it's biblical. But, I needed the reminder that I need to use the Bible as my source for truth, understanding and guidance. It needs to be studied, not just read. How can we guard against anything false if we don't actually know what the truth looks like??? And let me tell you, the world can be awfully convincing. Being swayed happens little by little, oftentimes without us noticing. So, I'm writing these things for me just as much as you. Let's open our Bibles, learn the truth and get fed spiritually!
Below, I've shared my favorite devotionals from the YouVersion app. These are the ones that have really impacted me and helped me grow in my faith.
Before we get to those, if you are or have been in my shoes where you are struggling to make devotions a regular thing, here are some things that have worked for me:
Same time of day - I have found that this really makes a difference. If I do it right away when I wake up, I don't have the opportunity to forget later on in the day. My schedule always changes day-to-day but my mornings always start the same. When my kids were babies, I honestly could not stay awake long enough at night to read anything.Devos on my phone - I love being able to have my devotions with me anywhere I go. When I am breastfeeding, I track the time I start on an app on my phone. I typically would just go straight from that app to the YouVersion app and get them done right then and there.
Accountability - In the hard days, it's nice to have someone doing a devotional with me. I've done several with my sisters and mom and also with Ryan, too. I really like having the encouragement of seeing when others complete a day and we can share notes, too. A little nudge from my husband or family is necessary, sometimes.
I know devotionals are not supposed to be a checklist item - it's so much more than that! But, the reality is, we need to put them in our day no matter what. Getting in the Bible will be an encouragement and sets our sights on what really matters - honoring and serving God.
Here are some of my favorite devotionals on the YouVersion App (click on the name to go to the devotional)...
Christian Life:
Making Today Matter
My Utmost for His Highest - Holy Week
Doing Things That Matter
Renew: Romans 8 with Timothy Keller
Enjoying Peace in His Presence
Every Day in His Presence
God Guides You
Living the Surrendered Life
Finding God in the Hard Places
Living on Purpose
Ephesians
Nothing Else Matters
Savor
All About Attitude
Grow: Becoming More Like Jesus
Uncluttered - Free Your Space, Schedule and Soul
Overcoming Thoughts of Suicide and Self-Harm (If you are not personally dealing with this, it is helpful in knowing how to talk with someone who is going through something similar.)
Marriage:
Making Marriage Beautiful
Seven Deadly Sins and Your Marriage
Breathe Spiritual Passion into Your Marriage
Healthy Conflict in Marriage
Parenting:
Parenting with Wisdom
A Daily Word for Parents
Developing the Fruit of the Spirit in Your Child
I hope you find these useful, but even more -- that your relationship with God deepens and grows! Share your favorites in the comments if you have your own. I'd love to try some new ones, too!
Happy Studying!Brittany
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