90 comments

Nancy Leigh DeMoss

Starting the Day Off Right

Posted on 05.18.11 by Nancy Leigh DeMoss | Twitter: @NancyDeMoss
Topics: Relationship with God

As Father’s Day approaches, I’m reflecting on the legacy I have received from my father—some of the principles he taught and modeled that have shaped my life.

As a little girl, I learned about one of the most essential ingredients in nurturing a relationship with God, as I became aware that my father began each day with a practice that he called “devotions.”

A businessman with many demands on his time and active in ministry of many kinds, my father was not one to spend time frivolously. Yet somehow, in the midst of an extremely active and busy household and with incessant demands of travel and meetings, there was one constant in his life—he never got started into the business of the day without first having spent an hour or more alone with the Lord, in the Word and on his knees in prayer.

I don’t recall ever actually being with him during those times—though I did frequently see him reading his Bible—but we all knew that this time was more important to him than any other activity of his day.

When he was a new believer in his mid-twenties, someone challenged my dad to begin giving the first part of every day to the Lord in the Word and in prayer. From that day until the day he went to heaven twenty-eight years later, he never missed one single day of this devotional practice.

Nothing was more important to him than cultivating his relationship with the Lord, and he believed strongly that nothing was more essential to maintaining that relationship than a daily time alone with the Lord in the Word and prayer. 

Daily devotions was not something my parents forced on us, but the influence of my dad’s example and training in this area was profound. Although he has been with the Lord since 1979, the image of a dad on his knees before the Lord is indelibly etched on my mind and in my heart.

I know many people feel they just can’t find time to set apart for a daily devotional time with the Lord. The fact is, we have time for Facebook and TV and movies and socializing with friends. If we are too busy to get to know the God of the universe who created, redeemed, and owns us, then we are too busy—something else has got to go. 

In every season of life, no matter how old or how young you are, there will be something that will conspire to keep you from having a daily devotional life. I wrestle with this almost every day.

I get in my quiet time chair and all of a sudden I’m thinking of fifty other things I’ve got to do. I get a new burden for housecleaning! It’s incredible what things come to my mind. I’m convinced the enemy knows that if he can get me distracted and derailed there, he’s going to throw my day and my life off-kilter.

Over the years, I have spoken on this subject of a daily devotional life scores of times. In each case, 80-95% of the people in the audience (including Christian leaders, Bible study teachers, pastors’ wives, etc.,) have acknowledged that they do not currently have a consistent devotional life. What about you?

It’s not too late to start. Start today. Start tomorrow morning. Set your alarm a little earlier. Ask the Lord to waken you when He wants you to meet with Him, but make a determination in your heart that you will begin to order your life around the priority of God’s Word. Make your number one goal to get to know God, to seek Him, to develop a relationship with Him, and to grow spiritually. I am convinced that you and I cannot become the women He created us to be, apart from consistent, daily intake of God’s Word into our lives.

You may already have a consistent quiet time habit, you may have had it in the past, or this may be new for you. Regardless of where you are on this, I want to give you a simple 30-day challenge: Would you resolve that every day for the next thirty days, you will spend some time alone with the Lord each day, in the Word and prayer? 

If you are willing to take this 30-day challenge, let me know that in the comment section below. On Friday, May 20, we’ll randomly pick five of you to receive a copy of my book A Place of Quiet Rest: Cultivating Intimacy With God Through a Daily Devotional Life. This is the first book I ever wrote, and I believe the most important. You’ll find lots of practical help for beginning or enhancing this practice of spending time with God each day. 

PS: If you take the 30-day challenge and miss a day—don’t give up! Start again the next day. You may find it a battle, as I often do, but I can assure you this is a battle worth fighting!

Comments

  1. Thank you so much for sharing this! I am willing to take the 30-day challenge, even though it's already 18 days into May. I pray that, by God's grace, this challenge won't end after 30 days, but continue for a lifetime.
    posted by Annie Joy
    on Wednesday, May 18, 2011 at 7:24 am
  2. I love the time spent in God's word...but I do find myself putting it off if I wake up late, or if something unexpected comes up. I will accept this 30-day challenge. I pray that it will become a rest-of-my-life challenge! :)
    posted by Jennifer
    on Wednesday, May 18, 2011 at 7:25 am
  3. I figured out that the enemy is not going to allow me to have a quiet time during the day...However, I have made it a point to get up early in the morning and have my quiet time with the Lord.

    I haven't made a 100 but I'm gonna do this 30 day challenge so that I can learn to be consistent with this time. I do good during the week but somehow on the weekend I'm so tempted to sleep in because nothing is on the schedule except for church on Sunday. I know that I do so much better in my day in keeping focused when I have my quiet time with the Lord.

    Jodi C.
    posted by Jodi C.
    on Wednesday, May 18, 2011 at 7:45 am
  4. I'm in!! Thanks for the encouragement :). May we be blessed as we hold fast to His word. Amazing how time with Him is exactly what we need and how everything keeps us from it. Psalm 119:37
    posted by Amanda M.
    on Wednesday, May 18, 2011 at 7:58 am
  5. What perfect timing this devotion is for me. Let me explain... in the past week and a half I have found myself wide awake anytime between 330am and 415am. Intially, I was frustrated because I couldn't go back to sleep. This week I began to embraced this time to spend time with God in scripture and prayer. Its been a blessing to start my day this way. My mind is clearer and the house is quiet with less interuptions. I will take this challenge glady and praying for the rest who also decide to. Thank you so much for todays devotion.
    posted by presa
    on Wednesday, May 18, 2011 at 7:58 am
  6. Sign me up
    posted by Pauline
    on Wednesday, May 18, 2011 at 8:05 am
  7. This is exactly what gets me off course and is something God has been teaching me for quite a few months now. I have to communicate and seek Him out so that He can draw closer to me... The most important relationship I will ever have is the one with my Creator! I am learning that there are no "vacations" and distractions that should ever be a priority over the "life" He gives me when I am seeking Him out.His mercies are new each day so my goal this year is to stay focused on cultivating the most vital relationship with my God! :)
    posted by Barbara
    on Wednesday, May 18, 2011 at 8:12 am
  8. Nancy this devotional challenge is truly on time. Before I read your message today I literally was complaining about my lack of time with my Heavenly Father. I told my husband I have spent more time with trying to get our three kids together with another on the way than with Him. In preparing for our unexpected blessing I have neglected my time with the Lord above all else.
    I realize now the enemy is truly busy keeping me busy! However, I'm putting him on notice! God has shown me incredible grace and mercy. Oh how I miss Him so! Please pray for me ladies!
    posted by Aja
    on Wednesday, May 18, 2011 at 8:16 am
  9. I too, struggle with consistency in my daily quiet time and know this is the one area of my life that needs to be protected the most. Thank you for the challenge and reminder that nothing should undermine my time alone each day with my Lord and Savior.
    posted by Tricia
    on Wednesday, May 18, 2011 at 8:21 am
  10. Yes, I am ready for the 30 day challenge. Thank you so much for your site that encourages me every day. I do get up early but am surprised at how quickly the time flies and before you know it, I'm thinking of all the things I want to accomplish for the day. I need discipline and hope that this challenge will keep me focused on my time with The Lord coming first.
    posted by Debbie
    on Wednesday, May 18, 2011 at 8:21 am
  11. I'm reminded of the Nike ad "Just Do It." Sometimes what may start out as duty turns into delight and desire. Making a conscience choice to "treasure" God' s Word will change your heart. "Where you treasure is there will your heart be also."
    http://www.momsheart48.blogspot.com
    posted by Susan McCurdy
    on Wednesday, May 18, 2011 at 8:52 am
  12. I accept the challenge.
    posted by Jule
    on Wednesday, May 18, 2011 at 9:01 am
  13. How sweet is time with the Lord. Think of the possibilities of thousands of women commiting to time with Him for the next 30 days! I cannot wait to see all He will do in hearts and lives and communities.
    posted by Gerry
    on Wednesday, May 18, 2011 at 9:01 am
  14. I hope to give my daughter the example your father gave you.
    http://herimpressions.blogspot.com/
    posted by Hannah
    on Wednesday, May 18, 2011 at 9:17 am
  15. I am commiting to do this... thanks for the encouragement..
    Revive Our Hearts
    posted by Janie
    on Wednesday, May 18, 2011 at 9:30 am
  16. Sometimes we get so busy sometimes we forget the how important Psalm 46:10 is. "Be still and know that I am God."

    I am committing myself and my family to this essential time with God.

    Thank you Nancy for sharing all that you do!
    Revive Our Hearts
    posted by Kathleen
    on Wednesday, May 18, 2011 at 9:53 am
  17. Looking at my devotional journal from the past year I see far too many "skipped" days. I want to be able to look at my journal next year and see that I have not skipped a day. The Lord deserves my devotion to my devotions. I will take the challenge!
    posted by Carrie
    on Wednesday, May 18, 2011 at 9:58 am
  18. I would love to take the challenge. Nothing is as importantn as growing cooser to my Lord.

    l
    posted by Liz Lynn
    on Wednesday, May 18, 2011 at 10:13 am
  19. I cannot start the day without HIM... I'm too weak!
    posted by Laura Gonzalez-De-Chavez
    on Wednesday, May 18, 2011 at 10:16 am
  20. I am so thankful that many years ago (over 30)I made the commitment to pray, study God's Word and spend time with Him first thing in the morning. There have been a few days that I have missed over the years I will admit. But nothing is as sweet as having that personal intimate contact with my Father! I encourage all of you just to keep on even after you may have missed a day or two. HE's still there waiting for you to come to HIM!!
    posted by Sue
    on Wednesday, May 18, 2011 at 10:29 am
  21. I am ready to accept the challenge and to see what God has in store for me....
    posted by Nicola
    on Wednesday, May 18, 2011 at 10:59 am
  22. Here I go once again....resetting my mind and life...committing to turn my focus above. Lord be my strength!
    posted by angie
    on Wednesday, May 18, 2011 at 10:59 am
  23. I am taking the challenge with all of you. Sign me up. Karen S
    posted by Karen S
    on Wednesday, May 18, 2011 at 11:00 am
  24. Thank you for posting this devotion. I need to make a change for consistent time with God- I don't know how but I'm going to accept this challenge or maybe I should say, I accept this blessing!
    posted by jan
    on Wednesday, May 18, 2011 at 11:03 am
  25. Challenge accepted.
    posted by jodi
    on Wednesday, May 18, 2011 at 11:28 am
  26. This has been weighing on me and I have been putting it off to be consistent. Thanks for encouraging word and your story. I accept the challenge.
    posted by Joyce
    on Wednesday, May 18, 2011 at 11:38 am
  27. challenge taken.
    I need to move some of my quiet time with God to the early morning. I changed my commuting habits at the begining of the year so that, although longer and requires of me waking up earlier, I can use the time to read the Bible. Now there is time to start starting a day in prayer. :)
    posted by Anna Ludwika
    on Wednesday, May 18, 2011 at 11:44 am
  28. Thank for doing this challenge and, yes, I am ready to do this by God's grace.
    posted by Ruth
    on Wednesday, May 18, 2011 at 11:46 am
  29. I accept the challenge. Romans and Psalms is where I will be reading.
    posted by Kristy
    on Wednesday, May 18, 2011 at 12:06 pm
  30. This is something I need to work on doing daily. I know how important it is but have yet to make it a daily part of my life. Maybe this challenge (with the Lord's help ofcourse) will get me on track.
    posted by Stephanie
    on Wednesday, May 18, 2011 at 12:08 pm
  31. Thanking God for you and your ministry! Your challenge will not be easy because I am already feeling like a failure in so many areas of consistency/discipline in my life. My current INconsistent times with the Lord are always so sweet and refreshing....as well as convicting! Why oh why does my flesh so quickly respond FIRST to all the "duties of the day"...ready to so quickly believe the lie that I can do it on my own?! Pray for me as I truly want to follow through on this challenge....
    truewoman.com
    posted by Cindy Karsten
    on Wednesday, May 18, 2011 at 12:09 pm
  32. I have been battling with this for quite some time... I want to spend time alone with the Lord every day! I know it is possible. I am going to take this challenge. I need to be cultivating my relationship with the Lord if I am professing to love God and want to obey Him. I have just begun reading the blog after watching how it has affected my mom and other ladies in our church. By the way, I would really love to own that book, Nancy! I think it could really help me. Thank you for your ministry! I am donating for the first time to you today! :)
    posted by Beth
    on Wednesday, May 18, 2011 at 12:38 pm
  33. I am willing to take this challenge and will strive to start each day in prayer and in the Word. This, indeed, will be a challenge as I am so not a morning person. However, the days when I have made God my top priority have been better days. The connection felt to the Lord is wonderful! With God's help, I can do this and do it joyfully.
    posted by Nancy
    on Wednesday, May 18, 2011 at 12:40 pm
  34. Thank you for this challenge. There is something about committing to someone or in writing that makes you accountable. I go about my day praying but my intention is to have a set morning quiet time and I consistently fail. I know I will not grow in the intimacy with my Lord and hear His still small voice with these failed attempts. So many times I desire a mentor, but realize, God is all that I need. Why is it so hard to get started and commit to the Creator of our soul, the One that extends so much love, grace and mercy to us. I think I still see God distant as my earthly Father and can't seem to trust His love for me. I know this is a sin that I often confess over and over. I want to hear from Him and don't. I pray for His guidance.

    Thank you for such an uplifting post that gives hope to those of us that didn't grow up in a godly home environment.
    posted by Donna
    on Wednesday, May 18, 2011 at 1:13 pm
  35. I'm in, but already have the book so please give it to someone else.

    This is going to be difficult but I'm going to do this. I used to do this until I started taking my husband to the train at either 5 or 6 a.m. My whole schedule changed and I've never gotten back to a first thing in the morning routine. I go right from the train to the pool to swim, then come home and find a million things to do.

    So, thank you, I for one needs this encouragement to get back into the daily, first thing habit. I will be asking God to help everyone who starts this to finish, with His help!
    posted by Juliep
    on Wednesday, May 18, 2011 at 1:29 pm
  36. What a great reminder to put first things first! The day goes so much better when I start it by seeking God and His wisdom. It is so easy to get distracted! I love your challanges; it keeps me focused on the goal. Count me in for this one!
    posted by Jan
    on Wednesday, May 18, 2011 at 1:31 pm
  37. Thank you, I was just about to let house-cleaning sweep me away... I would love to take this challenge!
    posted by Emily
    on Wednesday, May 18, 2011 at 1:45 pm
  38. We are never too young to start this. My 11 year old son has been getting up at 6:30 every morning for over a year to read from God's Word. He read the whole New Testament and is in Exodus now. This past week, his 7 year old brother started getting up and reading a Psalm each morning and underlining the verses he liked in each chapter. They challenge me to keep time in God's Word a daily priority!
    posted by Tracy
    on Wednesday, May 18, 2011 at 2:48 pm
  39. I was just thinking that I need to be diligent this summer to help my children in working on their devotional life...and that it starts with being consistent with my own. Thanks for the reminder...
    www.chroniclesofgrace.wordpress.com
    posted by Jennifer W.
    on Wednesday, May 18, 2011 at 3:02 pm
  40. I'm doing it!
    posted by Heather H
    on Wednesday, May 18, 2011 at 3:42 pm
  41. I will take the challange :) What a timely message to read. Thank you!
    http://savedbygrace30.blogspot.com/
    posted by Tiffany
    on Wednesday, May 18, 2011 at 3:44 pm
  42. I already have committed to a daily quiet time and for the most part I am consistent with it. Weekends are the hardest for me because it's the only time I get to sleep in and by the time I do get up there are so many things demanding my time. So for me this will be a commitment to stick it out even over the weekend. And I want to take it a step further and commit to having my daily time early enough and in a place that there won't be any distractions and interruptions. If I try to have my devotions after the rest of my family is up, I am not focused on studying the Word and praying like I should be. Thanks for the encouragement to make my time with God the most important part of my day!
    posted by Beth Anne K.
    on Wednesday, May 18, 2011 at 4:03 pm
  43. I am definitely in! This was a great reminder. As a mom to two little ones, it is easy for me to justify not spending time in God's Word. But if God is going to be my first priority, then I have to make sure I am spending time with Him.
    http://www.momforless.com
    posted by Crystal
    on Wednesday, May 18, 2011 at 4:45 pm
  44. Today I met with my Pastor's wife to speak to her about some personal things going on in my life. I have a two year old and a 3 month old, and find it very hard to get even a second to myself. She told me that most of her adult life she got an average of 4.5 hours of sleep a night. She told me I really need to have quite time with God every day. I am ready, and devoted to growing closer to Jesus. She also told me that I should look you up. I am glad that I listened. I will take this challenge. Thank you!
    posted by Mary
    on Wednesday, May 18, 2011 at 5:05 pm
  45. Thank you for yet ANOTHER challange!! My quiet time is usually at night when my 4 small children are in bed. It is a wonderful time(when I'm not distracted). However, I keep trying to do something in the morning to start the day off but it dosen't seem to work. I think I will put posted notes in the bathroom to remind myself of the challange. I pray this will help us all to keep our thoughts on Jesus throughout the day!
    posted by Nicole
    on Wednesday, May 18, 2011 at 5:16 pm
  46. Thank you for sharing your story...very inspiring and I will accept your 30 day challenge too. I am going to focus on prayer because I already read God's Word most mornings, but I often (usually) do not leave time for prayer. I am going to pray FIRST for 30 days, then read the Word. Praying while doing mommy chores is good, but I want to dedicate some time to prayer alone. Thanks for calling us to a higher place!
    posted by Libby
    on Wednesday, May 18, 2011 at 8:17 pm
  47. Thank you for this challenge. What a blessing it is to have the Creator of the Universe, Savior of our soles,
    and our Gracious Father to call us into a relationship with Him. I will take this challenge. I have a quiet time an average of 5x/week. I struggle with doing every day. How I miss it when I don't have it!
    posted by Amy
    on Wednesday, May 18, 2011 at 8:28 pm
  48. As a teenager and young adult, I regularly enjoyed a rich time alone with God. Once married, it became harder and I've often been derailed. Even though I just found this challenge, I'm taking it! Tomorrow is my 30th birthday and I eagerly want God to be more apart of this next decade than He was this last one. Accountability is such a welcomed relief in this decision! Thank you for setting up this challenge.
    posted by April
    on Wednesday, May 18, 2011 at 8:37 pm
  49. Thank you for this reminder! I just finished my semester at school (I've gone back to school now that my children are older) and sadly my daily devotional time has taken a back seat to studying. Unfortunately, the lack of time with the Lord is evident to those around me. Father forgive me!

    I'm taking the challenge!!!!!
    posted by Suzanne
    on Wednesday, May 18, 2011 at 8:46 pm
  50. Dearest Nancy,

    Just a quick note to let you know how happy I am that you are doing this series on the TW blog. I have the printed paper from ROH you wrote entitled "A Father's Legacy: Twelve Important Things I Learned From My Dad". It is posted on a cabinet in my laundry room, I thought it was so meaningful! Now to have you expand on that paper is just such a blessing!

    If my name is drawn for the free book, please give it to someone else, as I plan to buy it myself anyway.

    Blessings to you all at ROH! Jude 24-25

    In His love,
    posted by Leslie S.
    on Wednesday, May 18, 2011 at 9:34 pm
  51. P.S. Amen to the truth of the importance of daily time in the Word and prayer! It has transformed my life perhaps more than any other habit, by His grace. But I am inspired by this post to be sure I'm intentional about what Nancy has written above (and I so agree!):

    (from Nancy's post): Make your number one goal to get to know God, to seek Him, to develop a relationship with Him, and to grow spiritually. I am convinced that you and I cannot become the women He created us to be, apart from consistent, daily intake of God’s Word into our lives.

    Amen!
    posted by Leslie S.
    on Wednesday, May 18, 2011 at 9:40 pm
  52. I'm in! There is nothing that is more important then cultivating a relationship with our creator!
    posted by Heather
    on Wednesday, May 18, 2011 at 10:33 pm
  53. It amazes me often how spending time with the Lord first thing in the morning sets the course for my whole day. I will admit that I don't always recognize it until I miss a day. Just yesterday I got out of bed late and had to jump into the day with the kids already up. My entire day was one gigantic downward spiral. It was awful. I failed continously. It was evident that I was operating in my own strength all day. I did take it to the Lord (several times) and he redeemed the moments but once you are on that downward spiral and everything feels out of control, its so hard to recover. You better believe that I was up early this morning
    posted by Amber
    on Wednesday, May 18, 2011 at 11:11 pm
  54. I'm up for the challenge. It's been easy recently to spend time in the Word and then to simply move on with my day. But to spend time in the Word AND in prayer - this is a challenge I need.
    posted by Catherine Watson
    on Wednesday, May 18, 2011 at 11:22 pm
  55. Thank you ROH for helping me to get with it daily. I've been reading my One Year Bible most every night THIS YEAR! Then I have time watching the news & a movie with my husband. Our four sons & daughter are asleep. And one son works nights. My husband & I do good on daily time together. I get up later than I'd like to start my day. But it's God's schedule for this season in my life. And it's consistent by God's marvelous Grace. (Hi & hugs to Leslie S. Too)
    posted by Leslie.n
    on Wednesday, May 18, 2011 at 11:23 pm
  56. Please count me in on the challenge! I have been needing to be more consistent with my devotions lately. Thank you for challenging us to be in God's Word more!
    posted by Lexie
    on Thursday, May 19, 2011 at 2:05 am
  57. This is a real challenge as i always have the desire to spend most of my time in His presence. Am not late this because God allowed me to see and hear you today. Thank you. Am willing to take the 30-day challenge. Thank you. I know my life is getting transformed and others too.
    posted by Anne
    on Thursday, May 19, 2011 at 9:28 am
  58. I feel a sense of conviction because I know that you are so right about us having time for everything and everyone else but our Heavenly Father. I am ready to accept this challenge
    http://www.nancymariegauna.blogspot.com
    posted by Nancy Marie
    on Thursday, May 19, 2011 at 10:27 am
  59. One of my greatest struggles has always been to slow down and take some quiet time with the Lord. I'm always running around and trying to check off everything on that never ending to-do list. But yeah, you're right. There's always time for facebook and email, isn't there? I'm totally guilty and now feel (more than ever) convicted to change this.
    So I accept this 30 day challenge. Thank you for this (and the many other) message, Nancy. :)
    posted by Amber Martin
    on Thursday, May 19, 2011 at 11:13 am
  60. The Lord was so faithful to meet with me and guide my prayers this morning! I'm hoping that morning prayer will become an essential and intentional part of my daily routine.
    posted by Melissa SL
    on Thursday, May 19, 2011 at 12:10 pm
  61. I'm convicted! I have quiet times with God, but I can allow other events to interfere. If I don't get it done in the morning, normally it's no big deal to do it later, and then later can sometimes turn into the next day.... I want to take this 30 day challenge and make it a habit to meet God consistently at the same time every day. I love your recommended prayer to ask God to wake me up so that I can meet Him. I need this prayer, as that is normally a big challenge for me. I am excited to set this goal, and I pray to God that I can achieve it. Thanks
    hamptonroadschurch.org
    posted by Raven
    on Thursday, May 19, 2011 at 2:16 pm
  62. Yes, I want this and I need this. I want to stay faithful to the God who is always faithful to me.
    posted by Julie
    on Thursday, May 19, 2011 at 4:24 pm
  63. That testimony was such a blessing! Over the years I have gotten away from spending daily quiet time with God and those weeks where I do not do it - I can definitely tell the difference in my life. Everything seems more stressful, I have less patience with people, and I forget about all the things that God has done in my life.

    Thank you for the challenge - I plan on starting in the morning and not only that - I have planned a 4 day retreat to just go to a cabin and spend the 4 days of Memorial Day weekend in complete devotion to God.
    posted by Elizabeth
    on Thursday, May 19, 2011 at 4:31 pm
  64. i will be doing the 30 day challenge. thanks for the encouragement and the challenge. God bless those who sharpen others.
    posted by Ellen
    on Friday, May 20, 2011 at 2:31 am
  65. i will take the challenge.
    posted by Jeanne
    on Friday, May 20, 2011 at 9:15 am
  66. This is an encouraging post! My husband and I were just talking over dinner about how we would like to be more consistent in our time with the Lord. I'd love to take the challenge!
    posted by Ashley
    on Friday, May 20, 2011 at 9:48 am
  67. Thank you for the encouragement. I need the push and challenge to do what I know and believe in my heart the most important part of my day needs to be and that is spend time with the Lord in His word.
    TRUE WOMAN
    posted by Rhetta
    on Friday, May 20, 2011 at 10:10 am
  68. Thank you, this was so encouraging! My fiancee and I are constantly talking about the importance of battling for and resting in the importance of the daily time in sitting at His feet!

    This could not have come at a better time!
    posted by Anna
    on Friday, May 20, 2011 at 11:30 am
  69. I am with you on this! Though I find it of utmost importance it is still very easy to skip or more often rush it. From now until June 21st your post will be the prod to stay and be quiet and listen to the Lord...not just quickly check off a box.
    Thanks for encouraging us!
    http://www.challies.com/a-la-carte/a-la-carte-520-2?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+challies%2FXhEt+%28Challies+Dot+Com%29
    posted by Eliza Huie
    on Friday, May 20, 2011 at 12:58 pm
  70. God created us dependent upon Him but we tend to forget this crucial fact. O how much better my days go when I spend time with Him first! I may know my agenda for the day but only God knows exactly how each day will play out. His Word prepares me to handle what comes my way and serves as a much needed reminder of what He has done for me.
    posted by karen
    on Friday, May 20, 2011 at 1:42 pm
  71. Congrats to Donna, Debbie, Amanda M., Ruth, and Cindy! Look for an email in your inbox with details about how to get your book, “A Place of Quiet Rest.”
    posted by Paula Hendricks
    on Friday, May 20, 2011 at 1:52 pm
  72. I'm in! :)
    posted by Britany
    on Saturday, May 21, 2011 at 7:08 am
  73. I'm in for this challenge - thanks for your post!
    nypb.wordpress.com
    posted by Matt
    on Sunday, May 22, 2011 at 11:48 am
  74. am a pastor's wife and mom to 3 little ones.I also work full time night shift 12 and its hard to have daily devotions when I get home.but I will keep this challenge.thanks for the insight.
    posted by nana
    on Sunday, May 22, 2011 at 10:56 pm
  75. I know that if I write down my commitment to get up 30 minutes early and have a pray & devo time...I will do it so here it is... my commitment to start my day out right and study & pray every morning.
    posted by Patt
    on Sunday, May 29, 2011 at 6:12 pm
  76. I just came back from a trip from my home country and I would say that being there has been a struggle for a daily time with the Lord. Though I attended church there and had fellowship with Christian friends, I would say I started falling into the trap of daily chores and the busyness of meeting people. I am craving so much for a meaningful time with Him but I feel that I am struggling and finding it hard to pray lately. I wanted to take this challenge.
    posted by Elizabeth Bueno
    on Monday, May 30, 2011 at 10:53 am
  77. I know that this is confirmation that God is telling me that I need to spend more time with Him and to stop making excuses. I am going to take the challenge starting tomorrow morning. I thank God for ROH Ministries.

    Posted by Lucinda Ellis
    on Tuesday, June 21, 2011 @ 2:01 pm
    ROH
    posted by Lucinda Ellis
    on Tuesday, June 21, 2011 at 3:09 pm
  78. I am in!!!
    posted by Sandy Storm
    on Friday, March 16, 2012 at 5:44 am
  79. As a Bible study teacher, I know that quiet time with the Lord is very important. I take the challenge. Thank you for reminding us all of our pipeline for daily strength
    posted by Karen Mills
    on Friday, March 16, 2012 at 11:58 am
  80. I too struggle with putting time aside each morning. I pray for discipline in many areas of my life. However, I know spending time with God in quiet, praying and listening will have and continue to have the most important impact on my life.
    posted by jean bates
    on Friday, March 16, 2012 at 12:30 pm
  81. Thank you. I want to be a part of this challenge. I have struggled in this area for years and I find that when I am consistent, my life is so positively affected
    posted by Tare E
    on Thursday, March 29, 2012 at 2:48 am
  82. this post was a perfect timing for me. I was too busy working that I really don't find time with the Lord. Until I felt this strange feeling of tiredness that no matter how I rest I'm still tired. i know the answer by heart...The Lord is telling me cause you don't want to yake a rest in my presence. So i decided to change my schedule and put God first in my everyday life by spending time with the Lord.
    posted by Katrina Sadim
    on Monday, April 23, 2012 at 5:04 pm
  83. What a beautiful response, Katrina. Your response to the Lord speaking is an inspiration to all of us! God bless you!
    posted by Sarah, with the TW Team
    on Monday, April 23, 2012 at 10:13 pm
  84. I accept the challenge and pray that I will not stray from this path I have chosen...I am a new believer and have experienced much hardship in my life. It is comforting to know I am not alone.
    posted by roberta
    on Tuesday, May 1, 2012 at 8:41 am
  85. I accept the challenge, i was saved at the age of 12. I love the Lord and wanted to be a missionary. i went on a mission trip in 2010 what a humbling experience. i now have a women's prayer group at my church.I love the Lord.
    postedby kathy
    none
    posted by kathy steelman
    on Saturday, May 19, 2012 at 10:32 pm
  86. Thank you for posting this. I was enlightened and encouraged and in my heart I really wanted to do this amidst all the demands of time for my family and work. So, please help me God, I want to know you more.
    posted by hazel t. magpantay
    on Saturday, June 2, 2012 at 2:55 pm
  87. I am a newly reborn Christian. I am seeking Lord Jesus and it leads me to this website. It is very encouraging to read this ministry. I am learning to spend the first part of my mornings with God. But I am still struggling with it as you have experienced yourself - my mind is being distracted with many other things while I am having the quiet time with God. I do not yet know how to defeat these distracted thoughts as I do sincerely just want my time to be only between me and God strictly and not with things that cloud my mind/thoughts.
    I would like to take this 30day challenge and grow deeper in my relationship with God.
    I pray for my desire to know God more.
    posted by Kimberley
    on Thursday, July 26, 2012 at 4:00 am
  88. Kimberly, we are so thankful that the Lord has brought you to our sight and is encouraging you in your new found faith with what you are finding here. We are thrilled to hear of your desire and commitment to spend the next 30 days in God’s Word. You could not have chosen a better way to get to know God and grow in your relationship with Him. It is through His written Word that we come to know Him.

    We want to assure you that you are not alone in your struggle with distractions during your time with the Lord. Keeping a notebook and pen close by where you can write down what is distracting you is a great way to keep your distractions from monopolizing your thoughts. It seems that once you get it written down, it is out of your mind and you can once again focus on the Lord. We encourage you to try this simple step and pray that you will find it as beneficial as many of us have.

    Our enemy does not want us to grow in the grace and knowledge of Christ, so you can count on him doing everything he can to discourage and distract us from that process. Keep battling on, Kimberley! Your relationship with Jesus is worth the battle!

    Stay in the Word, sweet friend! It is the lifeline for your soul!
    posted by Lorree, with the TW Team
    on Thursday, July 26, 2012 at 3:35 pm
  89. I will gladly accept the challenge. cos i know it will benefits my Own spiritual strength. i pray that God will help me to this battle..
    posted by jovy
    on Sunday, January 6, 2013 at 2:31 am
  90. I just made a video about this... Check it out!

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B-QEgejr3mI
    https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8K0corc1VFkRVegcp-1hhw
    posted by Linda Munoz
    on Tuesday, April 30, 2013 at 1:28 pm

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