IMPORTANT: Set your timer for 5 minutes for the first time. This will be a lesson to recognize how much you can accomplish in only 5 minutes (try this on a busy day).
Read a Devotional (Here are two copies from God Calling and God at Eventide) (other options: My Utmost for His Highest, Steams in the Desert, A Treasury of Devotion, and Jesus Calling)
God Calling– January 21st “A Crowded Day”
“Believe that I am with you, and controlling all. When My Word has gone forth, ALL are powerless against it.
Be Calm. Never fear. You have much to learn. God on until you can take the most crowded day with a song. ‘Sing unto the Lord.’ The finest accompaniment to a Song of Praise to Me is a very crowded day. Let Love be the motif running through all.
Be glad all the time. Rejoice exceedingly. Joy in Me. Rest in Me. Never be afraid. Pray more. Do not get worried. I am the Helper. ‘Underneath are the Everlasting Arms.’ You cannot get below that. Rest in them as a tired child rests.”
God at Eventide– November 27th “Spirit of Adventure”
“The path has been tried, every step has been planned with a view of your progress. Never erst you work by what others can accomplish, or by what they leave undone. Yours to master the test I have set before YOU. Go forward in My Strength and in the Spirit of Adventure. Undreamed of heights can be attained in this way. Never question your capability. That has been for Me to decide. No experienced Leader would set a follower a tasks beyond his power. Trust Me, your Leader.
The world would have you been won for Me ere this had My followers been dauntless, inspired by their faith in Me. It is not humility to hesitate to do the great task I set. It is a lack of faith in Me.
To wait to feel strong is cowardly. My strength is provided for the task, but I do not provide it for the period of hesitancy before you begin.
How much of My Work goes undone through lack of faith. Again and again might it be said, ‘He did not do my mighty works through this follow’s unbelief.’”
Read in the Bible: Start with Philippian’s Chapter 1:1-11. Read a few verses each day until something grabs you, a thought that you can carry with you during the day.
Commit your work for the day to the Lord: Proverbs 16:3- “Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established”
“Oh, Lord go before and prepare the way for me this day. I commit the following things to you that I have on my plate today”
“Lord please establish my plans. Is there a better way to do anything I have planned? Is there anything that should be taken away? Added? Please direct me today. Walk with me. Hold my hand. God I lift up the following concerns and people to you. “
“Lord, please help to today to be the person you want me to be. I love you.”
Further questions for Devotional time
General Starting questions:
- What is keeping me from focusing on the Lord right now?
- What do I feel guilty about/ ashamed of that is keeping me from wanting to connect with God?
- What fears are underneath my shame?
- What are 10 things I can thank God for today?
- Where did I see God working this week?
- How might God be using my challenges to shape me or grow me?
Reading the Bible & Reflecting:
- (Read passage in the bible)
- Initial reaction?
- What questions do I have?
- What are my frustrations with this passage?
- Where do I see a challenge for my own life?
- How can I apply this to my own situations?
Relationship:
- Who in my life is it hard to love right now?
- What comes up for me when I am around this person?
- How might God be using me/ growing me by putting me around this person?
- What am I uncertain about in relationships right now?
- What does God ask me to do in these relationship?
- Do my actions align with this?
Decisions:
- How do the options align with God’s calling in my life?
- Will each choice allow me to live a life according to my own values?
- What fears come up when I consider making one choice or the other?
- Will either choice allow me to further the Kingdom of God?