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[Poll]
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Personal Devotional Time
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| I never miss my personal devotional time |
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| I rarely miss my personal devotional time |
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| I have a personal devotional time several days a week |
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| My devotional time is hit and miss |
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| I do not have a specific personal devotion time |
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| Praying throughout the day and reading my Bible occasionally is enough |
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| I just can't seem to find the time for focused prayer or Bible study |
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| Other, explain |
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Total Votes : 18
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(last vote on : 10/19/2008 3:10:56 PM)
(Poll will run till: -- )
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Personal Devotional Time - 10/5/2008 2:25:56 PM
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cynthia
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This is in the homeschooling folder, because I want to know specifically for homeschool mothers if you have a daily personal devotional time. I’m not talking about Bible study with the children or family. I am specifically referring to a time when Mother sits down to be alone with the Lord to both read His word and to pray.
If a woman is going to be able to juggle all the cares and responsibilities of running a household, educating her children, perhaps even holding a job outside the home, and (for those who are married) being a good mate for her husband, she has to have a source of power and wisdom. Just crying out to the Lord when overwhelmed isn’t going to cut it. She has to have a foundation and a spring to draw from. This spring doesn’t come out of nowhere. It is something she must drink from daily.
For those struggling in their lives, the first thing that must be addressed is to establish a personal daily devotional time. Without it, it is awfully difficult to adequately function on any level of wisdom and strength, let alone joy and prosperity.
Please answer the poll and let’s discuss the importance of a daily personal devotional time and what it means to your life or how you can start one.
< Message edited by cynthia -- 10/5/2008 2:32:54 PM >
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RE: Personal Devotional Time - 10/5/2008 2:59:37 PM
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shadowspring
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Psalms 1 and Joshua 1:8 are the foundational verses for my devotional life, which I rarely miss. The key points from these scriptures that have changed my life are:
meditate on God's Word: to think purposefully about it and what it means; not a casual read-through
day and night: super-important to me: to start each day honoring God in prayer, Bible memory, praise, thinking on virtuous, praiseworthy things- and then to end each day on the same note. I do not always accomplish this, but I strive to do so on a daily/nightly basis
so that I might obey it: to offer praise for His promises, take heed from His warnings and practice His wise counsels
Then I will make my way prosperous and find good success. Then I will be like a tree planted by rivers of water, who brings forth her fruit in season, whose leaf will never fade or wither.
After a personal time of prayer and Bible reading (I am not a 'through the Bible in a year' girl- I go way slower than that!) we watch a Christian teaching as a family each morning. I also have my women's Bible study to keep up with as well on my own.
In the evening, we read a portion of scripture (most recently Luke 12) or a chapter of a Christian book (most recent book: The Martyr's Song by Ted Dekker).
I only have one child away from home so far, my daughter in college. She is continuing on with our family's morning/night habit- though without the Christian television programs.
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"Blessed is the man...whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law meditates day and night. He will be like a tree planted by rivers of water..." from Psalm 1
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RE: Personal Devotional Time - 10/5/2008 3:29:54 PM
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amybreit
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I voted rarely miss my personal devotion time, but I have to say that I have gone through periods when I was less faithful about it.
I usually pick a devotion or Bible at the beginning of the year to do. This year I am reading the Chronological Bible. It is a Bible in a year, but set up chronologically. I am considering what to do next year & feeling like Shadow said that I need to go slower, to allow myself to truly meditate on the word.
I also keep a prayer journal that I write during my personal time. I ask for prayer for family, friends, our country etc... but also journal thoughts on what I've read in the Bible or heard in a sermon etc...
The one thing I feel I am lacking is giving God time to speak to me. Getting quiet is a hard thing for me (I seem to always be thinking about what I need to do next). This is something I am trying to make an effort to do!
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RE: Personal Devotional Time - 10/5/2008 3:57:21 PM
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cynthia
Posts: 7988
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From: Beautiful Puget Sound Region
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I find that when I have let go of my personal devotional time in the past, I have become unable to cope well with running the household. Things don't run smoothly and the atmosphere in our home is not as good. When I am in the word and prayer daily, it's like a vitamin for my spirit and my soul. It makes all the difference.
The funny thing I've found is that when I'm busy and think I don't have time for my personal devotions, things do not get better by skipping it, they get worse. No matter how busy I am, if I take that time to have my personal devotions, things go better.
I have been trying very hard to keep up on this. I have a prayer box and have lately been working on my prayer cards. I write the name of the person or group at the top of the card, then list the specific things I want to pray for. It helps me to remember and to keep focused. I can make up new cards as needed. I also keep scriptures for memory work in it.
BTW: This thread is not to make people feel bad. It is to encourage you to take the time and to get answers on your questions about this subject.
_____________________________
My husband and I have a motto:
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RE: Personal Devotional Time - 10/5/2008 4:10:43 PM
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Jenny-Fair
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I can't remember the last time I did this.
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RE: Personal Devotional Time - 10/5/2008 4:22:17 PM
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amybreit
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Cynthia - I agree with you so much! I have often had days when I skipped personal devotion time because I "didn't have time" for it! But things went awfully & I believe I'd have done more that day & had a better day if I'd have taken that time in the morning. I have sometimes come back & spent the time in the afternoon after realizing that the day had gotten away from me!
Jen - I've gone through long stretches of time when I didn't have a personal devotion time. I decided long ago to quit beating myself up when I had lapsed for a while & just to start again. I bet there are 100s of entries in my prayer journals that begin with "I'm sorry Lord for it being so long since I've written here".
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<------ Staci & Stoli, our k9 kids!
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RE: Personal Devotional Time - 10/5/2008 5:05:14 PM
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cindybode
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From: Northwest PA
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I voted hit and miss. My schedule is just so crazy that I have yet to find a system that works for me. I don't do well in the morning, and if I'm working there's often nothing I can do. Since I keep CW open at work, I try to read through a devotional here if I have time, but I can't always do that.
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RE: Personal Devotional Time - 10/5/2008 5:28:15 PM
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cynthia
Posts: 7988
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From: Beautiful Puget Sound Region
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I agree that guilt over not doing it has caused me in the past to feel like I'm a failure and not to even try. That's part of the devil making us think he's winning and we believe him.
Cindy, Had you thought about listening to scripture on CD or tape in your vehicle? There are all sorts of options out there for that. If you have a tape player in your vehicle, I may be able to send you some tapes, if I can find them. And if you use your driving time for prayer also, who says that's not personal devotional time!
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My husband and I have a motto:
We are the leader. We are one.
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RE: Personal Devotional Time - 10/5/2008 5:31:22 PM
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Jenny-Fair
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I actually lost my desire a couple years ago. It has caused me to doubt my salvation--you hear so often that a true Christian will WANT to read their Bible, pray, etc, and most of the time, I just haven't. I can remember a time when it was the desire of my heart, but I can't go back.
I am going to cry now, but I don't want you to feel guilty, Cynthia, because this actually was a train of thought I had this morning in church and probably needed to continue, anyway.
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Ziva: It is possible. I do not remember all their names.
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RE: Personal Devotional Time - 10/5/2008 5:42:16 PM
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cynthia
Posts: 7988
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Jennifer, Normally I'd say cry and get it all out, but I'm concerned it will only make your more stuffed up.
Don't believe you have to feel like all warm and fuzzy over your personal devotion time. The idea that you have to be totally in love with the Lord and panting for your devotional time in order to get anything out of it is simply not true. In order to grow closer to the Lord, we have to spend time with Him. Don't put the cart before the horse and think you have to have all these warm feelings before you even begin. Just get to it and make a commitment daily to visit with the Lord through His word and prayer. Many times the feelings will follow the actions, but if you aren't putting anything into it in the first place, you will surely be like a desert.
_____________________________
My husband and I have a motto:
We are the leader. We are one.
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RE: Personal Devotional Time - 10/5/2008 5:51:36 PM
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Jenny-Fair
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From: WA
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You are right. (and you made me laugh, lol)
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Tony: Ziva, did you kill Houdini?
Ziva: It is possible. I do not remember all their names.
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RE: Personal Devotional Time - 10/5/2008 6:03:10 PM
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amybreit
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I have felt at times like I was being hypocritical or just doing it to "check it off my list" or to "be a good Christian", but I really think that being faithful to my personal devotion time even when I feel dry & don't feel like I'm getting anywhere with it, is OK. In fact, when I get to the point where I admit my lack of enthusiasm to God, I end up crying & feeling a lot closer to him in the end.
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<------ Staci & Stoli, our k9 kids!
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RE: Personal Devotional Time - 10/5/2008 6:14:19 PM
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shadowspring
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Lest anyone think I am some sort of uber-Christian because of my morning/evening schedule, let me tell you my motivation:
I am a total screw-up without Jesus. Seriously.
I NEED his help everyday. I am like a blind man; I gotta have a guide to get me through this life. I cannot make it on my own.
In fact, I still regularly screw things up even with my morning/evening check in with the Lord.
Can you imagine how bad my life would be without it?  
I can. I have lived it before. Addictions, hatred, anxiety, resentment, jealousy, bitter regret, selfish ambition, self-indulgence- and no I am not looking to sound humble. It is really true. Sad to say, but it is really true.  
By grace we are saved through faith, and that not of ourselves, it is the gift of God.  I can't afford to neglect his free offer of love. I run to Him each day, looking for his acceptance, love and help.
Seriously. I am that desperate. 
_____________________________
"Blessed is the man...whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law meditates day and night. He will be like a tree planted by rivers of water..." from Psalm 1
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RE: Personal Devotional Time - 10/5/2008 6:14:23 PM
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cynthia
Posts: 7988
Joined: 3/31/2005
From: Beautiful Puget Sound Region
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{{Jennifer}} Don't believe the enemy. The Lord wants to be close to you. Take the time to visit with Him.
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RE: Personal Devotional Time - 10/5/2008 6:18:27 PM
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cynthia
Posts: 7988
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From: Beautiful Puget Sound Region
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quote:
ORIGINAL: shadowspring
Lest anyone think I am some sort of uber-Christian because of my morning/evening schedule, let me tell you my motivation:
I am a total screw-up without Jesus. Seriously.
I NEED his help everyday. I am like a blind man; I gotta have a guide to get me through this life. I cannot make it on my own.
In fact, I still regularly screw things up even with my morning/evening check in with the Lord.
Can you imagine how bad my life would be without it?
I can. I have lived it before. Hatred, anxiety, resentment, jealousy, bitter regret, selfish ambition, self-indulgence- and no I am not looking to sound humble. It is really true. Sad to say, but it is really true.
By grace we are saved through faith, and that not of ourselves, it is the gift of God. I can't afford to neglect his free offer of love. I run to Him each day, looking for his acceptance, love and help.
Seriously. I am that desperate.
Me too. That sentiment is what inspired me to start this thread. When I don't keep up with it, everything falls apart. I have been seeing some amazing answers to prayer lately, but I wouldn't see those answers if I hadn't been praying! Also the word has been so alive to me lately, I've been able to minister effectively to those around me who are in need.
_____________________________
My husband and I have a motto:
We are the leader. We are one.
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RE: Personal Devotional Time - 10/5/2008 6:20:18 PM
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Jenny-Fair
Posts: 6273
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From: WA
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Part of my problem in the past is that I sit down with my Bible and, other than reading the Proverbs for the day, I have no idea what to do with it.
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Tony: Ziva, did you kill Houdini?
Ziva: It is possible. I do not remember all their names.
My Blog
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RE: Personal Devotional Time - 10/5/2008 6:29:01 PM
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cynthia
Posts: 7988
Joined: 3/31/2005
From: Beautiful Puget Sound Region
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No credit necessary. He doesn't take cash or check. Free, free, free.
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My husband and I have a motto:
We are the leader. We are one.
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RE: Personal Devotional Time - 10/5/2008 10:56:39 PM
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PrincessDonna
Posts: 10433
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From: Cow country, Upstate NY
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quote:
If a woman is going to be able to juggle all the cares and responsibilities of running a household, educating her children, perhaps even holding a job outside the home, and (for those who are married) being a good mate for her husband, she has to have a source of power and wisdom. Just crying out to the Lord when overwhelmed isn’t going to cut it. She has to have a foundation and a spring to draw from. This spring doesn’t come out of nowhere. It is something she must drink from daily.
Absolutely!
I chose several days a week. And that is only because I am in the middle of a women's Bible study for church and I'm one of those people who canNOT show up for class without doing the homework. LOL Seriously though...it has always been a big time struggle for me to have consistent time with God. I don't know why, other than the fact that satan loves it when we're not in close communication with our Daddy God. 
Jen, I have so been where you are. For me, being in a Bible study serves two purposes...it gives me a focus and it gives me accountability. I don't have to choose what to study, I just follow the study and go extra places if I'm lead there. Can you do something like that with a church group or just a friend or two?
I have started just leaving my Bible and study book upstairs by my bed. I do it when I am supervising Hannah and Levi laying down to sleep (they won't stay in their beds unless I am right there  ). When I was bringing my book back downstairs all the time, I'd forget to bring it back up and end up doing sudoku instead.
As for prayer...well, our study right now is on prayer. I've never been a sit quietly and pray person though. And I'm not a big official prayer sounding person either. I just talk to God...when I'm doing my dishes, when I'm cleaning my floors, when I'm in the shower, when I'm nursing the baby in the middle of the night. Most of those things are mindless and also times when the kids aren't pestering me.
Cynthia, you forgot a huge part of daily time with God...WORSHIP! For me, worship prompts me to prayer, and also aligns my heart to God's, if that makes sense. I like to leave Air1 on the kitchen radio pretty much all day, take TV breaks often and let the kids dance around and sing, and definitely in the car! Worship is huge in our house. Huge. It's hard to bean your sibling upside the head while singing praises. I notice my kids are a lot better behaved when we have worship as the constant background in our home, and my attitude is tons better too.
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RE: Personal Devotional Time - 10/6/2008 12:31:12 AM
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cynthia
Posts: 7988
Joined: 3/31/2005
From: Beautiful Puget Sound Region
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I agree that worship is very important, but I put worship in with prayer. I don't think worship is only singing. When we pray, we ought to worship as well. However, for those who enjoy singing, (like me) worship music is really great too. I would like to listen to more worship music and have been thinking about that. It seems that I don't play my own music anymore and would like to start that back up again.
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My husband and I have a motto:
We are the leader. We are one.
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RE: Personal Devotional Time - 10/6/2008 7:53:53 PM
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Ellie-Mae
Posts: 3740
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From: The EMPIRE state!
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I picked other.
I do pray all during the day. I will also steal away to my room to pray in private here and there throughout the day. I can barely get a moment to myself lately and usually one of the kids or my mom will come looking for me.
Devotions... I read what I can and then I chew on it all day long. If I can get two minutes to myself lately, I am usually too distracted to concentrate (which is hard to do anyway). even now as I am trying to post this, I am surrounded by kids. I think some of it has to do with Russ' long hours this semester. I think that they are more needy than usual. I have a lot of demands on me right now and I am not doing a good job of juggling it all right now. I feel like I am starving lately.
It really bothers me because I think of mine and Russ' relationship. We talk all day long while he is home and we are doing all that needs to be done. When he isn't here, we still keep up with each other all day long on ichat and through emails and quick calls on the cell phone. BUT I feel depressed if we don't have real conversations where we discuss life and solve problems and reconnect on a deeper level (without being interrupted). That is how I feel with my devotion and prayer time right now.
< Message edited by Ellie-Mae -- 10/6/2008 10:08:01 PM >
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You don't have to have a plan or some Bible scholar approach, just pick something and start reading. Aim for a chapter per day and see how that works for a while. Begin by telling the Lord you are surrendering to Him and need His inspiration and help. Afterall, you aren't supposed to do it on your own anyway. He is our strong help.
