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 We all know that devotional time should be our number one priority each day. How quickly we forget, though! We wake up late, rush to get ready or get the kids ready, run out the door to our daily activities, rush home, eat dinner, finish work or homework, and then off to bed. Somewhere in there comes dinner meetings, sports, school functions, charity work, church attendance, helping friends, visiting family, and a million other little things. Suddenly, we lie down in bed, close our eyes, sigh, and say, "Oh! God! I'm so sorry; I forgot!"
Starting your day off with God sure makes it run more smoothly, and brings the peace and organization needed to live at this frantic pace. Just 5 minutes can get you started on the right track, and ministries have recognized that life is what it is for many of us, and even giving the Lord 5 minutes of devotion is better than nothing at all. So, on those mornings when is seems you only have time to get out of the shower, pass the coffee pot, and grab your keys on the way out, remember these tips for brief devotionals designed to get your mind headed in the right direction, even if your morning board meeting isn't. Purchase a morning-evening devotional Bible or book of commentary. The lesson is broken up into small parts to give you something to think and pray about during the day, then talk to God about at night. Any bookstore that sells Bibles has these books. If cost is a prohibitive factor, you can often find morning-evening devotionals in thrift stores or used book stores. What does it matter if it says 1995 on the cover? God's Word never changes. Download brief devotionals to your computer or iPod so you can listen in the car or during your morning break. These sources have free downloads available each day: Most national and international ministries have daily devotionals, as well, available either by podcast or e-mail. If you have a favorite megachurch minister or television preacher, be sure to check their website for downloads or to sign up for daily e-mails. You can find some of the webpages in the Ministries Directory on this site. Lastly, if you find it difficult to have a set time for devotions due to work or family schedule, put one of the small pocket Bibles in your bag or your car's glove compartment. These small Bibles usually contain the New Testament plus Psalms and Proverbs. If you don't know where to start, ask God. He has an uncanny knack for leading us exactly where we need to be at a certain point in time. Pray before opening your Bible for His blessing on your reading and see where it leads. You may find a passage you have never heard before; or it may be an old favorite that you need to hear again at that time. Make time and let Him lead, and your devotional life will become the most important part of your day.
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