Now that most of the year is in the rearview mirror, it is time for reflection and a time to look forward to the new year ahead. With each passing year, there is something to learn from, new habits to adopt, and productive things to continue. Over the last several years, I have taken up the habit of starting my day reading a daily devotional and it has been one of my routines that has produced a positive outcome.
I love to enrich my life by discovering new things. I believe it is important to always learn and pursue things that can improve life. I’m all about being positive and creating that mindset. I am a firm believer that being positive can change YOUR life!!! Yes, it is true. One small part of that for me is my daily reading. This activity puts me in the right frame of mind for the day. Now some of you might be thinking, “I don’t need one more thing to do in the morning before I have to get ready.” However, before you nix the idea even before it has time to take root, hear me out. This is a powerful activity that can set your day on a positive course. These readings don’t take long to accomplish. Most are only one page long. You are literally talking about a couple of minutes of your day.
We all really do have a couple of minutes in the morning. Let’s take a look at all the time hidden in our schedules. How many of you grab for your phone the second you get up? You might check for text messages or scroll through social media. Have you really thought about how many minutes that takes? Instead of spending time checking out everyone else’s life, how about invest in yours and spend a few minutes reading your devotional.
If that is not your habit, how many of you sit down for coffee or breakfast in the morning? While you are eating or drinking, you could read your devotional. This would allow you to complete your reading without having to carve out any new time. Some of you might even take mass transit to work; you could read it while you are riding. You get the idea. We all have time for things we put value too. We often figure out a way to make time for it. Believe me this habit is worth finding time for.
Devotionals come in a range of topics; the options are plentiful. Spiritual devotionals often take a Scripture verse and explain it either through theological explanations or through a story that conveys its meaning.
Spiritual Devotionals
You can find others that focus on joy, peace, positivity, and the list goes on and on. By spending a few minutes immersed in a reading that can give you encouragement or provide help or perspective on a subject you may need more direction in is a great way to get you in a productive and positive mindset.
Variety of Topics for Devotionals
I relish my time reading my devotional. I often find the reading for the day speaks directly to me. It often touches on something I have been experiencing or struggling with. We all know that we can use a little guidance and encouragement to make it through the day. We are what we fill our minds with. If you fill your mind with goodness, you will experience more goodness. If you fill your minds with negativity that will be what you reap.
This year, I worked through the devotional by Mary Davis called Every Day Spirit: A Daybook of Wisdom, Joy and Peace https://amzn.to/2JvmIAS. I was searching for a devotional focused on positivity and encouragement. This was by far my most favorite devotional I have ever read. It was so uplifting and really gave me wonderful things to think about and put into action every day. It was a real treasure throughout the year.
I encourage you to find a devotional that fits your needs or desires. Find a time somewhere within your day (doesn’t have to be morning) to spend the few needed minutes to read the day’s selection. I think you will find those few minutes you devote to doing something for yourself and your betterment will be well worth the effort. I enjoy searching for a new one every year. I couldn’t imagine not doing this anymore. This is a habit you can continue or add for the new year which doesn’t need to take much lifestyle modification. It just requires your will to make it a priority. I promise you; you won’t regret it.
Join me in another year of devotion.
Other Devotional Selections for all Ages
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Mother of the Year: 365 Days of Encouragement By Kendra Smiley Mother of the Year will take you on a 365-day journey filled with purpose, guidance, inspiration, and encouragement to be the mom you want to be. Motherhood is the toughest job you’ll ever love, but you can do it! Gift-worthy hardcover that mom can pick up for a lift, every day of the year
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Jesus Calling for First Responders, Firefighters By Sarah Young Experience a deeper relationship with Jesus as you savor the presence of the One who understands you perfectly and loves you forever. Devotions from the beloved bestselling devotionals Jesus Calling. and Jesus Always have been compiled to create a one-of-a-kind edition especially for firefighters. With Scripture, personal reflections, and bonus material focused on first responders, New York Times bestselling author Sarah Young brings Jesus’ message of peace and joy-for today and every day. This special, hardcover firefighters edition includes an exclusive prayer, inspirational quotes, and an excerpt from FEMA’s Firefighter Code of Ethics. Jesus Calling for Firefighters is perfect for essential workers and everyday heroes in your life or as a self-purchase. |
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Daily Wisdom for Teens Biblical wisdom within your teens’ reach—anytime, anywhere! Featuring an engaging devotion and a related Scripture reading for every day of the year, this all-in-one resource is designed to draw 13- to 18-year-olds into God’s presence, and help them get to know the unconditional love of their Creator. 371 pages, 5.25″ x 7.5″ chestnut imitation leather from Barbour. |
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Saving Your Marriage Before It Starts Devotional: 52 Meditations for Spiritual Intimacy By Drs. Les & Leslie Parrott Saving Your Marriage Before It Starts Devotional helps new couples cultivate a strong spiritual union through fifty-two devotions from Drs. Les & Leslie Parrott, two authorities on marriage enrichment. Each reading consists of a devotional commentary, a Scripture passage, stories from well-known Christian couples, and a closing prayer to draw you closer to God. This is a newly expanded edition of Becomin g Soul Mates. |
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Jesus Calling: 365 Devotions for Kids (Boys Edition) By Sarah Young & Tama Fortner Jesus Calling: 365 Devotions for Kids (Boys Edition) is adapted from the bestselling Jesus Calling, with each day’s devotion having the same theme as the adult version, as well as written-out Scriptures. Featuring 365 devotions that are easy-to-read in kid-friendly language and are geared towards boys ages 8 to 12 years. |
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God Hears Her – 365 Devotions for Women by Women from Our Daily Bread By Our Daily Bread Ministries When you cry out to God, do you wonder if he’s listening? These encouraging devotions for women by women assure you that he is! Drawing inspiration from the story of Hannah in 1 Samuel, this collection of personal stories, Scripture passages, and uplifting quotes will remind you that God is bigger than the trials you face. 384 pages, hardcover from Discovery. |
Thank you so much for this wonderful list of devotional books! I love reading a devotional in the morning and one at night before bed!
It is one of my favorite things to do. I’m so glad you enjoy it as well.
This is a fantastic list of devotionals. I read my Bible daily in the mornings. It would be wonderful to end my day with a devotional where I can reflect on my day. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you so much. I’m glad that you enjoyed the list, and I hope that you are able to find one that you would love. It would be a great way to end your day!
Devotionals are so important. What a great list.
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I agree. Thanks so much.
I really need to get back in this habit! Thanks for the inspiration!
Thanks so much. Hope it helps. Good luck.
I love following a devotional. I need to have a plan when I am studying so your recommendations are great to have. Thanks!
Great. I’m so glad that you found the list helpful.
I think positive healthy (mental & physical) morning routines are so important for us. Because our societies are so hustle & bustle we easily lose sight of how important taking that me time is.
You are so right. Just a few moments can make a big difference.
I appreciate your recommendations! Great advice!
Thanks so much. Glad you enjoyed it.
I need to be better about not reaching for my phone first thing in the morning, instead picking up a good, wholesome book. Thanks for the inspiration!
Your welcome. I’m glad the post gave you inspiration!
I do believe in accentuating the positive in this life.
It does make all the difference.
My morning time on my mat is my time to reflect and connect. Positivity remains part of my morning mantras. You’ve curated a wonderful list of reads here!
Thanks so much. I’m glad that you have enjoyed them.
It’s crazy how just the right words can change your entire day 🙂
Indeed. 🙂
Thank you for this inspiration post. I might look for the Mother of the Year book.
Your welcome. I’m glad the post spoke to you and I hope that you find that book.
I am wanting to start a daily devotional, so thank you for listing some great ones to check out!
No problem. I hope you are able to find one that you would enjoy.
What a great way to start the day.
Thanks. It is a great way for me to start my day!
Very important to create calming and positive start to the day. It really can make all the difference.
Yes indeed. Glad you enjoyed.
My daughter gave me one by Melanie Shankle-Everyday Holy, that I’ve gone thru over and over. She’s so funny. Thanks for the list of new ideas!!
Thanks so much. I enjoyed putting it together. I will have to check out the one you suggested.
This warms my heart! I’m going to get one if the books you suggested! I want to start doing this! It seems wonderful!
I’m so happy for you Erica. I wholeheartedly believe you will love doing it.
This is a great read. Its so important to start your day with positivity. Instead of watching the news or playing with your phone, reading something to boost your happiness is a much better way to start your day.
Thanks so much. Very well said! 🙂
This is a great list of devotionals! My grandmother calls me frequently to tell me what she read in hers and I’ve been contemplating getting something to help me along the way to practicing a daily devotion.
That’s great. I send pictures of mine to my family as well. So hard not to share all the great things that come up in them. I encourage you to take the leap. It really doesn’t take that much of an adjustment in our lives to fit this in.
Thanks for this great list of daily devotionals and for reminding us how easy it is to adopt this practice.
Thanks so much. I have really loved this practice for myself and it really hasn’t taken a huge adjustment in my life, but it makes a big difference.
I always reach for my phone first, need to look at doing more positive things to get a better start to my day!
Reading a devotional is a great way to start your day.
I love to meditate and reflect in the morning.
It is a good way to start the day.
I really should get back to daily devotionals. I love them, it is such a refreshing way to start the day. And yet fir some reason I keep slacking. This is my reminder to go strong this year. Thanks fir the reminder.
Glad you found this post helpful.
This is so important and something I need to start doing!
I’m so glad that you enjoyed this and I hope you were able to find one that can get you started.
I used to read daily devotionals but haven’t for a while. Thanks for the nudge!
I’m glad you enjoyed it. I hope that you will return to your devotional reading as you seemed to enjoy. 🙂
This looks like a great list for those looking to delve into some devotional books.
Thanks so much. Hope you enjoyed it.
Thank you for these recommendations! Everything you said was beautifully written! I’m very guilty of picking up my phone the first thing in the morning. I’ve been putting my devotional right on top of my phone so that is what I pick up first!
Thank you for your kind words. What a simple but effective plan for doing your devotional first. Good luck on your devotional journey.
Always looking for devotionals. What a great list, thanks for sharing!
Glad you enjoyed the list of devotionals. Hope you could find something inspiring in it.
I’m definitely not a morning person! But I do sit and wake up for a few minutes before my shower every morning, usually looking at my phone… I have considered doing my Bible app devotional in the morning, but I’m always afraid I won’t be awake enough… But maybe a book devotional would be different? Either way, I do love devotionals, and I’ve had my eye on one for a while called 100 Days of Bible Promises! I think I’ll get it soon and try it out 🙂
That could be a good alternative to your morning routine. I have not heard of the 100 Days of Bible Promises. Sounds interesting. I will have to check it out. Good luck with choosing your new routine.
This has been my goal, to start my day with a daily devotion. Thanks for the great recommendations!
Glad you enjoyed the recommendations. Hope you are able to start this habit. It is such a great way to start your day!