Daily Devotionals

 

There is no easier way to get into the habit of spending time each day with God than by using a daily devotional.  There are literally hundreds available, but if you wish to avoid the trouble of searching, we've highlighted a few here.

 

Books:

 

My Utmost For His Highest by Oswald Chambers

No list of devotionals would be complete without this all-time classic.  Chambers came to Christ in his teens by way of the ministry of the great Charles Spurgeon (visit the Spurgeon Archive).  Although the devotions originated with Chambers, it was his wife than edited and complied them into this devotional after his death.  From the Amazon review: "This acknowledged classic contains 365 daily readings that take heady doctrine and make it practical, realistic, and intensely personal. With humor and humility, Chambers speaks plainly to the common man struggling with devotion to Christ in daily living. Worldly cares and self-serving desires begin to lose their appeal as Chambers aides the reader in transforming his mind by viewing life through the instruction of God's Word. Richard Halverson, former chaplain of the United States Senate, attests to this: "no book except the Bible has influenced my walk with Christ at such deep maturing levels."

 

Jesus Calling: Enjoying Peace in His Presence by Sarah Young

Far and away the best selling devotional at Amazon.  From the Amazon review: "Jesus Calling is a devotional filled with uniquely inspired treasures from heaven for every day of the year.  After many years of writing in her prayer journal, missionary Sarah Young decided to listen to God with pen in hand, writing down whatever she believed He was saying to her.  It was awkward at first, but gradually her journaling changed from monologue to dialogue.  She knew her writings were not inspired as Scripture is, but journaling helped her grow closer to God.  Others were blessed as she shared her writings, until people all over the world were using her messages.  They are written from Jesus' point of view, thus the title Jesus Calling."

The main criticism of this devotional is its emphasis on the 'soft' side of Jesus while neglecting his 'hard' side. 

 

The One Year Uncommon Life Daily Challenge by Tony Dungy and Nathan Whitaker

From the Amazon review by LHB:

"The One Year Uncommon Life Daily Challenge focuses on seven themes: Core, Family, Friends, Potential, Mission, Influence, and Faith. The devotions rotate through each of the seven themes and each devotion stands on its own.
Each day's reading begins with a passage of Scripture. Not just the reference, but the entire verse or verses, already printed on the page. I love that!
The devotion that follows ties to the verse and the theme for the day, usually with a story from either family or athletic life. Each day concludes with an Uncommon Key - a brief take away or action point based on the day's reading.
I found the devotions to be straightforward and easy to read. The devotional is geared toward men (and I think that's great!) but I found the readings to be quite applicable to me as a mom as well.
While I like the book, I like the purpose behind the book even more. Coach Dungy is challenging men - and women - to live Uncommon lives and the key to beginning that process is to spend time with God. EVERY DAY."