Help me welcome author Dennis O Shepherd as he shares why devotionals books and quiet time are so important in the lives of believers in the risen Christ.

           Many Christians use daily devotionals as part of their quiet time with God. The selection is beyond vast; there are monthly devotionals, quarterly, seasonal, special topics, yearly, flip calendars, and those that are used over and over. Devotions are usually short with one to a few Scripture verses to focus on. Most begin with a brief story or antidote followed by a short spiritual application.

           Some people use only a devotional and say a prayer at the close. Others combine two or more devotionals and meditate a few minutes on each of them. There are Christians who use a devotional in conjunction while reading the Bible through in one year.

           Many have their quiet time in the morning and others in the evening. The temptation to read what the contributor wrote with haste is a struggle that faces most of us. Time is demanding and schedules are hectic. We rush through and get the job done.

           We make devotionals count when we pause with no interruptions or rush. This may mean we postpone our quiet time until we accomplish quality moments with God. We make devotionals count when we enter God’s presence with an open heart and mind for genuine fellowship. Routine and set hours are fine, but only when we motivate ourselves to “be still and know” God.

           Be devoted to devotion with the same devotion we place on our relationships with family and close friends. The Holy Trinity is our family; Creator Father, the Son with whom we are joint-heirs, and the Holy Spirit, who live within our hearts. We take our family and friends serious; our God is no less but the greater.

           We make devotionals count when time spent with our Lord results in His character becomes our character. We spend meaningful time with those we love, and or devotion to Him is most important. The closer we are with family and friends, the more we unknowingly adapt sayings, quirks, and gestures of the other. Our positive devotion to God, Jesus, and the Spirit brings adaptation of His ways, thoughts, truths, and life.

           We use whatever devotional and when and wherever our quiet time takes place, our commitment to the Lord shows in our everyday life. Enjoying and sitting in the presence of God while we focus on Him reveals our dedication. Devotion is not a ritual of reading and praying; it is an action intent to develop a stronger and deeper relationship with the Holy One. 

BOOK SPOTLIGHT:      

DEVOTED LIVING for Every Day is a daily devotional book for every day of the year. It covers general topics. The devotions include a Scripture passage. It is different from most devotionals, in that, these do not begin with a short antidote story and a brief explanation based on that story. The DEVOTED LIVING series expounds on the Scripture more like a commentary or Bible study. Each strives to encourage and enhance one's day-to-day life with insights and thought-provoking explanations.

Whether used as one aspect of your quiet time or used alone, you'll end each devotion with a prayer stating a desire you have in relation to the writing. Each also has a longing to develop a closer and more personal and meaningful relationship with God.

Learn more or purchase here:

https://www.amazon.com/Devoted-Living-Every-Day/dp/B0CM621H55/ref=sr_1_2?crid=23LHID5P0FTN4&keywords=dennis+o+shepherd&qid=1698909224&sprefix=dennis+o+shepherd%2Caps%2C101&sr=8-2

Connect online: www.facebook.com/authordennisoshepherd

About Dennis:

Dennis O Shepherd was stationed in Germany and served as a Chaplain Assistant in the U.S. Army. He traveled to several States and to Haiti and Guatemala as an Independent Missions Worker. Music, writing, and hiking are a few of his hobbies. Originally from Shepherdsville, KY, Dennis now resides in Southeastern Indiana.