One of the most used Bible devotionals in print today is My Utmost for His Highest. This Christian devotional takes the reader through a year's worth of devotional readings. The readings are gleaned from the teachings of theologian Oswald Chambers. This book is the most often read Christian book other than the Bible itself. My Daily Bread is a monthly Christian devotional that provides commentary on Bible passages each day.
What is the purpose of Christian devotionals? Christian devotionals become a part of the daily devotion time of the Christian. Why is a devotional life important for the Christain? Often it is difficult for the Christian to be disciplined to have devotional time.
Devotional time is important because it allows the Christian to be closer to God. Through reading the Bible and Bible devotionals, the Christian learns more about the Person and character of God. Learning about God is the most important thing in the Christian life!
Second, devotional time is important because the Bible gives the Christian the guidelines to living the Christian life. We cannot understand the mind of God and what His will is for our life if we do not spend time in His word. Christian devotionals take the Scripture and help apply it to modern life.
Finally, having a daily time with the Lord helps anchor the Christian in their trust and confidence in God. The time spent doing devotions helps to settle the mind of the Christian and allowing God to handle problems and worries. This is key in learning to rely on God for all needs.
A good devotional time consists of Bible reading, prayer, and singing. Bible reading can be complimented by the use of a Bible devotional, but the devotional should not replace the Bible reading. The devotional time needs to include time spent in prayer, as prayer is our way of talking to God. Finally, singing helps get the heart, soul, and mind into the peaceful state needed to truly walk with God.
Here are some tips on establishing a daily devotional routine. First, find a Christian devotional that appeals to you. Make sure that the author is a good, trusted theologian. If you cannot tell, check the publisher. It should be a well-known Christian publisher. Next, pick a time that you will set aside each day for devotions. Allow yourself at least thirty minutes to spend in your devotions. If you have family that tends to distract you, let them know that during that time each day, you are not available. Have a special place that you go to have your devotions, that is away from distractions. This is key, as Satan will tempt you any way he can to get your mind off the subject of your devotion-the Lord! Have a plan of what you are going to read and sing each day. The Bible devotional will help you to keep on track. Have a prayer list that you refer to when you pray. These tips will help you to be consistent in your daily devotional time.