SEVEN GOLDEN TIPS ON HOW TO DO YOUR DAILY PERSONAL DEVOTION.

Many new Christians haven’t yet discovered that spending time with God is a privilege that we get to do not a chore or an obligation that we have to do. Getting started with a daily devotional simply takes a little bit of planning.
There is no set standard of what a daily devotional time should look like.

1)      Decide On a Time.

If you view your time spent alone with God as an appointment to be kept in your daily calendar, you will be less apt to miss or skip it. There is no “right” and “wrong” time of day. I prefer having devotions first thing in the morning as this is the least likely time of day for an interruption. Whatever time of day you choose, let it be the best time of day for you. Perhaps a lunch break fits better into your agenda.

2)      Decide On a Place.

Finding the right place is key to your success. chose a comfortable chair with a good reading light. Next to it put a basket with all of my "tools" - the Bible, pen, journal, devotional book and reading plan. When you get up in the morning, simply go to the place and everything is ready.

3)      Decide On a Time Frame.

Once again, there is no standard time frame for personal devotions. You have to decide how much time you can realistically commit to each day. Getting started with 15 minutes a day can quickly develop into more. Some people can commit to 30 minutes, others an hour or more a day. Start with a realistic goal that you feel you can meet. If you start with a plan of 2 hours a day, failure to meet the goal will quickly discourage you.

4)      Choose a Bible Reading Plan or Bible Study.

This may take some time, but choosing a Bible reading plan or study guide will aid you in having a more focuses time of reading and study. If you just pick up your Bible and start reading randomly each day, you may have a difficult time understanding what you read, or applying it to your daily life.

5)      Plan to Spend Some Time in Prayer.

Prayer is simply two-way communication between you and God. Talking to Him, telling Him about your struggles and cares and then listening for His voice. Some Christians don’t realize prayer includes listening. Remember to give Him time to speak to you in His still small voice (I Kings 19:12, NKJV). Also, one of the loudest ways God speaks to us is through His Word. Spend some time meditating on what you read and letting God speak into your life.

6)      Commit to Follow Your Daily Devotional Plan.

Keeping your commitment is probably the hardest part of getting started. Determine in your heart to keep it up, even when you fail or miss a day. Rather than beating yourself up when you mess up, just pray and ask God to help you. Always, be sure to start over the next day. The rewards you will experience as you grow deeper in love with God will definitely be worth it!

7)      Be Flexible and Willing to Make Changes to Your Plan.

If you get stuck somewhere, consider going back. Perhaps the plan you’ve chosen is not right for you. Change it up until you find the perfect fit.