Spiritual Growth

Preparing for my Quiet Time is a pretty simple affair. I fix a glass of water, grab a few items from the bookshelf, and settle down at the table. I’ve found that while I don’t need a lot of gadgets around me, it helps to have a few simple tools to aid me in my study.

-A notebook. This could be a leather bound journal, a hardcover book with a verse scrolled on each page, or a simple ten-cent spiral notebook. I usually use the cheap spiral notebook. It doesn’t really matter what I use, so long as I actually use it. I copy down verses from scripture, quotes from books I read, and personal thoughts on what I’m learning. It can also be a great place to keep track of prayer requests. The act of writing notes down helps me to think a little deeper and gives me a record to look at later.

-A colored pencil. I like to write in books. There. I said it. Some people cringe at the thought of marking up their Bible or the books they’re reading, but I like it. It’s nice to be able to grab a favorite book and browse through the passages that stood out to me the first time around. Also, since I’m actively searching for things that are especially meaningful or that I’ll want to read later, it helps me to stay focused. I also write in my Bible. I usually use a red pencil for writing in books and a blue pen for marking in my Bible. Just personal preference. There is something very comforting about opening to a page in my Bible and having an underlined verse jump out at me (especially if it’s a verse I’ve been searching for but couldn’t remember the reference!).

-Index cards. I will often copy Bible verses or passages from books onto index cards to have out during the day. Just having them on the table in front of me is a reminder of where my heart and mind should be. And, since I can’t usually remember what happened five minutes ago, they bring to mind what I was reading several hours earlier. The act of writing something down pushes it a little further into my brain, and reading it throughout the day helps keep it there.

Finally, a key to using the right tools is having them available when you need them (as anyone who has spent half an hour searching for a screwdriver knows). I have a large bookshelf where my Bible, notebooks, and pens are kept. I’ve seen others use a basket beside their favorite chair. Take a minute to consider where you enjoy spending your Quiet Time and what you can use as a “tool box” so that you can use your time searching the scriptures instead of searching for a pen!

Photo credit: tribalslamdance

As I'm getting back into my Quiet Time routine, I'm really enjoying reading a good book. But another great way be productive during my early morning time with God is to simply dive into scripture......over, and over, and over again.

A few years ago, I heard a godly man at my church talk about choosing a book from the Bible to read in its entirety every day for a month. That next week I chose the book of Colossians and began my month-long reading. I was amazed at the things that jumped out at me each day. I would usually take the time to read the notes from my study Bible, underline particular passages, and write some verses in my journal. God used this book to convict my heart and draw me closer to Himself in a way I never could have imagined.

I've usually picked a shorter book from the New Testament for a month of reading. But you could also do this with a longer book that you break into smaller sections. You might be amazed at how quickly you can read through four to six chapters, leaving you plenty of time for prayer and for digging a little deeper into study notes or related passages. It can seem a little overwhelming for the first couple of days, but stick with it. The more familiar you become with the themes and verses, the easier it gets.

But doesn't it get "boring" to read the same thing every day? Nope. As a matter of fact, I missed reading it when the month was over, and when my pastor decided to preach through the book a couple of months later, I was able to glean so much more from his teachings because I was already very familiar with the passages.

So, what's stopping you? Pray. Think about it. Then set that alarm and dive into the Bible tomorrow morning. You'll be glad you did!