Onancock Baptist Church

why daily devotions?

Daily devotions or quiet times are time spent each day dedicated to relating with God. When people speak of daily devotions, they are usually referring to a time of reading their Bible, doing a Bible study, or reading a devotional book, accompanied by a time of prayer. Some may simply pray. Some also include musical worship. No matter the format of a daily devotional time, it is important.

Most Christians firmly believe in the importance of spending daily regular time in God’s Word and in prayer. Yet, so many of us struggle to do this consistently. Perhaps that’s because we think this time with God has to be a monumental, mystical experience. In fact, you can begin developing this spiritual discipline in as little as 10-15 minutes a day.

Do not become devoted to the habit, but to the Savior. Do it not because other people are doing it—not as a spiritless duty every morning, not merely as an end in itself, but because God has granted the priceless privilege of fellowship with Himself. God desires relationship with us. He created us and has redeemed us for this very purpose. Jesus, prior to His crucifixion, prayed, "Father, I desire that they also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am, to see my glory that you have given me because you loved me before the foundation of the world" (John 17:24).

When we spend daily devotional time with God, we submit our will to His. It is in that time that we surrender our lives to God. We surrender not just the overall trajectory of our lives, but each day. God is in the details of our lives (Matthew 6:25-33). He cares about the details of each day with the love of a father or spouse and also with the interest of a master. We seek to further God's kingdom. Coming to Him each day is one way to know which direction to move.

Daily devotionals also teach us truth. When we spend time in God's Word, we gain wisdom and understanding. It has been said that the best way to recognize a counterfeit is to study the real thing. Satan is the "father of lies" (John 8:44). If we are not steeped in God's truth, we are more easily duped. When we know the truth, we experience freedom (John 8:32).

Daily spending time with God is a way to worship Him. Time is a limited resource. What we spend our time on is an indication of what we value. When we spend time with God, we demonstrate that we value Him. We claim that He is worthy of attention and of praise.

God is our refuge (Psalm 46). Life is often chaotic and confusing. When it is, we run to God. If we desire to truly find rest and safety in God, it is helpful to know Him well. Such deep knowledge comes from daily time spent with Him. Sometimes the best way to use a refuge is to go there before things get messy.

Daily devotions is a spiritual discipline that helps us get to know God, that ensures we stay connected to Him (John 15:1-8), that teaches us truth, that provides a place for worship, and that functions as a daily shelter in the midst of the storms of life.
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how to have daily devotions

Getting Started:
You need to select a place and a time that works for you.  Since consistency is the key, having a set place and time of day that is comfortable, practical, and maintainable is essential.  It may take you a week or more of 'trial and error' to figure out what works best for you.
You should consider selecting material to help you.  There are many devotional aids in the Christian bookstore.  Over time, you will likely need to experiment with different things to keep your experience 'fresh' and help you maintain motivation.
We have a whole page dedicated to listing FREE strong resources to help you get started in your daily devotions.

The ART of having a quiet time
  • A = Ask God to speak to you
  • R = Read God's Word and listen
  • T = Talk with God in prayer
  1. Ask God to speak to you: begin by praying and asking God to help you understand His Word, by the power of His Spirit, so that your mind and heart are open to His instruction.
  2. Read God's Word and Listen: Read the day's verses.  If something 'jumps out at you,' make note of it (underline it, highlight it, or write it down.)  Meditate on what you've read.  Sit quietly and think about the verses, especially things that 'jumped out' at you.  Ask yourself if there is a command to obey, a promise to claim, a sin to repent of, and so forth.  Commit to do what you've read.  Make a decision to obey the command, claim the promise, confess the sin, etc.
  3. Talk with God in prayer (A.C.T.S.)
    1. Adoration: tell God what you appreciate about His character, creation, etc.
    2. Confession: Admit sins that come to mind.  Ask for forgiveness/cleansing.
    3. Thanksgiving: Thank God for His provision, love, blessings, presence, help, etc.
    4. Supplication: Ask for God's help with the needs of your life and in the lives of others.

devotional resources

Bible Gateway:
A great resource for Bible Study online with passage lookup in many if not all translations.  There are daily devotionals and bible reading plans as well as inspirational writings.

Devotionals
Reading Plans
Our Daily Bread:
Daily devotional resources with a daily passage, through the bible in a year readings and an inspirational devotion to go along with the daily passage.

Devotional
Application
Blue Letter Bible:
A great resource for those desiring to do extensive Bible studies and word searches.  This resource has everything from commentaries, to devotionals, to reference materials and even theological resources.

Devotionals
Application

Sunday Schedule:

10:00am - Worship Service
5:30pm - 7:30pm - Awana for children 4yrs old - 12th grade (September-May)

Tuesday Schedule:

9:30 - 10:30am - Tuesday Morning Prayer

Wednesday Schedule:

5:30pm - 8:00pm - Youth Group for 6th - 12th grade
6:00pm - 8:00pm - Tweens for 3rd - 6th grade

Onancock Baptist Church  |  1 Crockett Avenue/PO Box 36 Onancock, VA 23417  |  757-787-4348
Office Hours: Mon-Fri 9am - 3pm

  • Home
  • I'm New Here
    • What To Expect
    • Next Steps
    • Get Directions
  • About us
    • Our Strategy
    • Our Story
    • Our Team
  • Worship
    • Sermons
    • Sermon Notes
    • Church App
    • Church Online
  • Connect
    • Life Groups
  • Grow
    • Why Daily Devotions
  • Serve
    • What Is Your S.H.A.P.E.
  • Give
  • Members Corner
    • Church Documents
    • Church Bulletins
    • Events