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Monday, March 9, 2009

Devotional!

Over the past decade I've tried a number of devotional books and pamphlets, but always find that something about them falls short and I end up tossing it aside and going back to the tried and true. That is, picking a book of the Bible (love Psalms and Proverbs), reading a few passages, making my own life application out of it and spending the remaining time in prayer. Lately I've tried something new. LifeWay has an online devotional that they will e-mail you each day. I love it because it's right there on my computer, which is where I land first thing each morning, so right after breakfast I can dive right in. Sounds great right? Wrong! While the devotionals are very good, and quite interesting, they really lack substance. If the purpose of a devotional is to spend time with God, then these devotionals are the equivalent of meeting God at the drive-thru window, picking up your order and jetting out. I like a devotional that 'invites' me to sit down with God, and enjoy some quality time to study, ponder and pray. I think a devotional for mom's might be great, because I should be able to relate to everything in it. Sometimes generic devotionals are too random and those are the ones I quit. If you've been through a devotional that you just love, please let me know the name of the book. I am willing to order it on Amazon, pick it up at the christian bookstore, or have it sent to me online - just send your suggestions........Yes Nina, I'm talking to you :)

7 comments:

Clare said...

I know what you mean about "drive-thru devotionals". I actually have had the greatest success by combining two methods: I subscribe to Proverbs 31 Woman via email (it is pretty short) and I read out of my Chronological Bible. That way I feel like I have a devotional "thought" but I also get the meat of the Scriptures. I think some day if I ever write a devotional I want it to have some substance, not be quick and easy! Those two words should never describe such an important part of a spiritual walk.

Lisa said...

My favorite, and I return to it year after year is Days of Praise. It is free from the Institute for Creation Research(ICR), not to be confused with the Creation and Research Institute. Of course you can make a donation if you would like. It has plenty of scripture and even more references to add others as well. It has no fluff so you have to yearn for the truth as you will find it in this great devotional. I have used it for at least 15 years. Give it a try.

Lisa said...

I looked up the site for ICR and it is www.icr.org and you can order the devotional online. ACTS and FACTS is interesting, too, but sometimes a bit over my head scientifically.

Rachel said...

Thanks for the information. I just spent the last 30 mins online looking at the website, and I already subscribed to the newsletter and daily devotionals. It's so interesting!!!!

Robyn said...

Aunt Dawn,
One of my very favorite devotional books I ever went through was a devotional for moms by Lisa Whelchel. I found it to be just enough to get me going and then she has a prayer at the end that makes you think. I also subscribe to Proverbs 31 ministries, but it is more to remind me than to supply me:)

Inspired 2 Smile said...

Good insight for my book. : )

SuzanneDeAZ said...

I read from a study Bible with map, time lines and other interesting bits of information. I started last week and just finished the book of Gen. The notes have a lot of meat to digest and apply to ones lives. I believe as Christians we will soon go through some hard times and we need to be really grounded in the Word so no drive by devotional is going to prepare us.