Unlike the . . . ahem . . . personal issues in Tiger Woods’ life, there’s a professional golf career achievement that has gone virtually unnoticed. It happened slowly, unfolding throughout seven years. During that period, Tiger qualified in 142 consecutive tournaments—more than any other player in the history of U.S. professional golf.
What a testimony to commitment and consistency, to dailyness.
Consistency seems dull, but it’s the key to so much growth and development in our lives, including relationships. And that definitely includes our faith.
There are certainly great spiritual events in our lives, but it’s time spent with the Lord on a daily basis that builds and fortifies our foundation of faith. Daily, rather than dramatic devotion.
I’ve got a pretty reliable pattern established to fill my mind with God’s word each day. I spend about fifteen minutes each morning, before starting my work day, reading the Bible or a devotional. My favorite right now is John Stott’s Through the Bible, Through the Year (Baker). Later in the day, usually when I’m walking the dogs, I’ll listen to Discover the Word or a sermon podcast. You could say I sort of “bookend” my days. It works!
What works best for you? Have you found a pattern that helps you keep up a daily habit of spending time with God? A favorite book, a special place in your house, a cafe latte? I’d love to hear! Leave a comment below with your tips, and I’ll pick one person who comments to win a signed book from me.
[Tweet “The key to building and fortifying your faith? @SuzanneWFisher shares:”]
~~~
Be sure to buzz on over to my contest page and enter to win a back-to-school pack (including an iPad Mini and a $100 Target gift card) from Lily Lapp!
Are you new here? You might want to subscribe to my email updates, or follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Google+, or Instagram.
I am currently using “Jesus Calling” devotional by Sarah Young, along with a hymn/hymn story from “The One Year Book of Hymns” from Tyndale House Publishers, and “Today in the Word” from Moody Bible Institute. I like this mix of devotional encouragement, a song of praise/worship with the history of that particular hymn, and the study of the Word, and feel it enhances my daily growth.
In times past I have used other devotional books, such as “Share My Pleasant Stones” by Eugenia Price, “Streams in the Desert” by Mrs. Charles E. Cowman, and others, all of whom have been wonderful blessings in my life.
Great suggestions, Shirley! Love your “combo” approach. Music is so significant. Thanks for commenting!
I start my day out but getting on my knees and thanking God for the day, for waking me. I have all day conversations with Him sometimes. The verses that always pop into my head throughout the day are …Proverbs 3:5-6 about trusint Him with everything for everything and not relying on yourself. I talk to Him while I walk, while I work, and even during those busy times. I read Amish books a lot and there are always verses that help me get through my day. I also pray at the end of the day. I keep an open line of communication between the two of us.
Like an on-going conversation, Melissa!
I forgot to mention I have been reading Created to Be His Help Meet and have a few different devotionals – Jesus Calling. And am starting a new Book by Debbie Alsdorf called A Woman Who Trusts God. I am trying to start my days off by spending 15 to 20 minutes rwading it in the quiet of the morning after the kids go to school and the busyness of the day starts.
I’ll check that book out by Debbie Alsdorf, Melissa. She’s a Revell author, too. Lives kinda close to me. Thanks for the tip!
I start my day with several devotionals, one of which is Jesus Calling. Prayer time occurs on my drive to work. After work when I do my walking, I listen to southern gospel and worship songs.
Interesting how many people have mentioned “Jesus Calling!” That book seems to resonate. Thanks for sharing, Barb!
Starting the day with prayer and reading the is very important. The devil wants more than anything for us to not have a personal relationship with our Savior which only comes by spending time with Him each day. I am currently reading ” At The Feet of Jesus” a story about Mary Magdalene. I like to end my day with prayer and the reading of scripture. During the day while in my car or working at home I like to listen to a christian radio station. Therefor my thoughts are always on Jesus! In my spare time I enjoy reading christian amish fiction . Blessings to you Suzanne and thank you for this chance to share!
Will check out your book suggestion, Lisa! And I listen to K-Love a lot, too. Thanks for adding your thoughts!
Good morning Suzanne, I actually have extra copies of the book. If you would like one I can send it to you. Send me an e-mail or pm and let me know. I also listen to K-Love. Have a good day
I go to sleep at night talking to God and when I wake up first thing I do is spend time with God.Thanks for sharing your post.jackie_tessnair@yahoo.com
Every morning my husband wakes me up before he leaves for work and we read the scriptures together for about 20 minutes. Perfect start to the day and makes us more united.
I say a prayer every morning, but I don’t read from the bible or a devotional every day, but I want to !!!! Such a great idea Suzanne, thank you !!!!
So many wonderful ideas here !!!!
Have a blessed night …. Rosemary
I find daily scripture study with my husband a wonderful time to learn, reflect and just talk to each other. A couple can’t do enough talking!
I get up earlier than my husband and go to my private room (which just happens to be in the bathroom – on the toilet) and read my devotional called New Day, New You by Joyce Meyer. This one time and one place that I know I can be alone with God. I have a time of praise at different times throughout the day, sometimes with singing, other times I’m humming, admiring different things in the sky such as a bright ring around a cloud, a beautiful sunset etc. I also read Amish books that bring a scripture to mind that has a special meaning (new or old) to me. At night I lay in bed and read. I’m just getting ready to read a paperback called A Prairie Christmas Collection by Tracie Peterson – – 9 historical Christmas romances from America’s Great Plains. I then have my prayer time with God before sleep. During the day I’ll read from my Kindle Fire HD – The Divine secrets of the Whoopie Pie Sisters.
Judy F
On nice days i go out to the patio and watch the sun rise or the morning fog lift off the lake. I take a cup of tea or cocoa and use the quiet time to thank & praise God for His blessings and creation. Then i read His word and lift up prayers for whatever or whoever is on my heart . I listen to Christian music or teaching cd’s while i work around the house or drive. In winter i retreat to a comfy chair in my room. I have learned that without putting God first i struggle through the day.
At the end of the day, I draw a warm bath with wonderful scents added to the water. As I begin to relax I start my prayer. There I have time to reflect on the day and all I am thankful for and all those I need to pray for. It is a peaceful time for me and a time that brings me joy.
I have quilted for forty years. My quilts are hand pieced and hand quilted and donated. This is a blessing to me to share my God given talent with others. People always ask me why i dont sell them. I patiently explain that if i sell them, im not doing God’s will. Even though my income is less than four hundred dollars monthly on disability, i am blessed, and that is what inspires me to read and study my bible. I love reading books about amish because they inspire me to read my bible. But like buying fabric, i cant afford to purchase these great reads. blessings, Barbara babscorbitt@ gmail dot com
Wow, Barbara…you are an INSPIRATION! I LOVE quilts, especially hand-stitched ones! Bless you, dear lady!
I spend some time each morning, at my desk and pc, studying scripture online, with David Guzik’s commentary. He explains the scriptures so clearly, and also has other commentator’s thoughts with his. I also listen to The 700 Club daily, and like to listen to Joyce Meyer’s broadcast.
I pray at work, at home, whilst working or laying in bed.
I have the Our Daily Bread right here beside me at my computer
and am going to start that reading.
I have devotions written at the top of my to do list. Then I have a devotional book on top of the books I am currently reading. The Lord is so good and I could never make it through the day without Him.
My prayer time is at night before I go to bed. The Lord and I have many wonderful times together at night. In the morning is my Bible and devotion time with the Lord. The Lord has been so good to me and I honestly don’t know how people survive without the Lord.
barbmaci61(at)yahoo(dot)com
I spend time in prayer throughout the day and am so thankful we can go to God at any time! My time for reading and studying the Bible is before bed.
I try hard to let Scripture be the first thing I read in the morning. I use an online daily Bible and try to read through the Bible in a year, every year.
I have numerous bible translations, right now am reading from The Message – no easy to understand. I like to read it late at night, when it is quiet. I listen to praise & worship while I am working on my computer, it gives me joy, & helps keep me in a spiritual mood. I pray & talk to God off & on during the day – whenever the need arises. I find that reading the Christian fiction author blogs, & comments – also helps me keep in a more spiritual frame of mind, & I pray for them on a daily basis , also – often while I am at my computer.
bonnieroof60(at)yahoo(dot)com
These days, God has allowed me to be in a situation where spiritual matters are prominent in my life right now. So there are prayers throughout the day. My main prayer time is every night before bed.
ischu9@aol.com