What Are Daily Scripture Devotionals?

​While they may sound rather formal, daily scripture devotionals are enjoyed informally by Christians on a regular basis. Daily devotional books are simply publications either printed or available online or digitally that are meant for use for each calendar day. The content of a daily devotional 365 program is essentially a spiritual reading with a message or series of messages to continue for a complete year. 

The Structure of Daily Devotionals

​The average daily devotional will include a specific message or lesson, often written in first person and dealing with subject matter than just about anyone can relate to. Each reading is typically connected to a Bible verse or passage of Biblical verses that assist in telling the story or rounding out the point of the lesson or teaching. The average daily devotional for today is four or five-hundred words in total length making daily readings simple to complete any time of day.

Devotionals For Specific Readers

​There are very many different kinds of daily scripture devotionals available designed for specific kinds of readers and Christian followers. They include daily devotionals for men, women, teens and couples. Generally these ‘targeted’ publications will contain subject matter meant for the specific reader. For example, daily devotionals for women will contain messages and lessons aimed at concerns of women and their lifestyles. Daily devotionals for teens will cover items of interest to that age group and so on.
Custom Search

When Devotionals Are Used

​Daily scripture devotionals are an important part of a strong bond with God and the teachings of The Bible. It is why the readings are not long as they are intended to be used in conjunction with a daily time of prayer and meditation. Some devotionals are designed to introduce readers to a Bible reading plan while others are designed to teach various lessons backed up with scriptural references.

There Are Many Devotional Books to Choose From

​There are countless numbers of daily devotional books in the market affording anyone interested in additional teachings outside of a church setting or weekly Sunday schedule the opportunity to begin a deeper journey of faith. The list of authors is as extensive with some publications in print or online from major Christian and religious leaders right on down to ‘average’ churchgoers with a knack for writing.

Our Favourite Daily Devotional eBook

​One such ‘average’ churchgoer with an interesting collection of daily devotionals for today is W. George Elliott. Written over the span of six weeks, Elliott released his daily devotionals online as an eBook available at Amazon in the Kindle format. The Canadian author has published other eBooks but “Clarity: 365 Ways to Find Focus” is his most ambitious volume to date. The eBook of daily scripture devotionals is available for download today for $8.88 US/$9.99 CAN. 

Free Podcasts

W. George Elliott, author of the eBook "Clarity: 365 Ways to Find Focus" launched a Podcast Channel (Ninja on the Loose) in July 2016. Listen to his latest podcast by clicking on the embedded player below. There is no need to download any programming apps. Enjoy!

Top 6 Tips to Starting A Daily Devotional Plan

​One important element in a Christian’s life is a daily devotional plan. There is no standard format of what that looks like as it is different for each person. The most successful Bible reading plan is the one that fits best for you and the time you have to dedicate to it. The best part about a daily devotional plan is that once you get into a routine that is easy for you to follow, you will begin to look forward to the quiet time you put into studying the Bible.
 
Here are a few tips on how you can develop your own reading plan.

Tip #1 - When and For How Long

​Depending on your lifestyle and your time commitments, you will have to figure out what time of day works best for you and your Bible reading plan. For some, first thing each morning is preferred while others, such as myself, find the best quiet time to be late in the evening. Once you choose the time of day you will need to determine how much time you can dedicate to this program. A good way to start is by setting aside 15-minutes. This can easily be expanded to 30-minutes or more, if it fits into your setting and when you are reading. My devotional reading plan can range from an hour to more, depending on my evening.

Tip #2 - Where to Study

​Probably one of the most important parts of a daily devotional plan is where you decide to do it. My wife, for example, is up early each morning and uses the kitchen table for her Bible study. This way she can enjoy a cup of coffee and listen to the birds singing outside to set the mood for her quiet time. In my case, I sit reclined in the livingroom late at night in complete silence for my study time. Only you will know what works best for you and you may also find yourself changing your time and place once in a while to keep it fresh and interesting.

Tip #3 - What Kind of Plan

​There are numerous Bible reading plans to choose from. They range for reading in a daily devotional book to exploring daily devotionals online. While it may be tempting to just grab a Bible and reading random chapters, the best way to gain a better understanding of what you are reading is to use a devotional plan that has scriptural references attached to either a study or lesson. These kinds of daily devotional plans are more successful as they have a structure that may include personal application where you can put into action what you just studied.

Tip #4 - Prayer and Worship

​Prayer is so important to a Christian as it is the best way you will be able to communicate with God. Tell Him your fears, worries or talk about what concerns you most. He is always ready to hear from you and will speak to you through your devotional reading. Meditating on what you read allows Him to reach you and provide you with guidance. At the same time it is as important to worship God by giving Him praise. This is when you can thank Him for what He is doing in your life or showing you. The perfect time to share these things is during your daily devotional plan reading.

Tip #5 - Record Your Thoughts

​Depending on the precise style of Bible devotional plan you select, one way you may find it easier to focus during your quiet time is to journal or keep notes. My wife, Brenda, has a notebook she keeps a high volume of notes in. They are notes of things that occur to her during the week, word studies that have been inspired by these incidents, things to study or look into that come from conversations or other contact and notes on her findings from her studies. She has a very focused daily devotional plan as a result. It also gives her something to refer back to whenever she needs to. Your journaling may not be as extensive but will be effective for your specific study program.

Tip #6 - Commit To Your Plan

​It only takes twenty-one days of doing something daily in order to form a new habit. Starting a Bible reading plan is an excellent habit to develop as it will enhance your Christian walk. If you follow these easy tips, you should be deep into a reading plan that works best for you at a time of day that is perfect for you. It just takes a bit of planning and organization and once you get those things in place, the rest should fall into place.

Our Pick For Your Daily Devotional Reading Plan

​An interesting collection of easy to read and easy to understand daily devotionals is in an eBook by W. George Elliott. Written over the span of six weeks, Elliott released his daily devotionals online available at Amazon in the Kindle format. The Canadian author has published other eBooks but “Clarity: 365 Ways to Find Focus” is his most ambitious volume to date. The eBook can be the foundation of your daily devotional plan and is available for download today for $8.88 US/$9.99 CAN.