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Life, and all of the craziness that goes into raising a family and working to pay the bills, often gets pretty noisy. There are so many distractions – so many messages popping up in my face all day long – that it is fairly common for me to completely forget to devote some time to my spiritual well-being.
Morning routine
When my alarm goes off in the morning, I grab my iPhone, turn the alarm off, and immediately open my email.
After email, I check twitter and a few other apps on my phone. Then I roll out of bed and pray.
It never occurred to me before last week that I could – and probably should – use that first-thing-in-the-morning time for my daily devotionals, too.
Daily devotionals with the Jesus Calling app
A week ago, I downloaded the Jesus Calling app on my iPhone. Each morning (or any time of day, for that matter) I can open the app and read a quick but powerful devotional, related scripture, and then make notes or share what I’ve read on Facebook or Twitter. I can also search topics or passages of scripture.
I am loving that I have found a simple way that I can add a simple step into my morning routine – before I even get out of bed – to start my day off on the right foot.
The updated Jesus Calling app for iPhone or iPad comes directly from author Sarah Young’s best selling book by the same name. The Jesus Calling book itself has sold over 1 million copies over the last several years. The app gives you a complete, digital version of the book.
Why I’m loving this app
As much as I love the feel of a book in my hands, I really appreciate the app’s ability to search for keywords and Scripture references. In other words, if you’re looking for something about forgiveness, you can search for all the references to forgiveness in the book.
I also appreciate the fact that, no matter when I start or whether I miss a day, I can always stay on track because of the way the app is organized by day. It’s easy to scroll back to read missed days (or scroll ahead if I feel like it).
Starting my day with a devotion has made all the difference.
How do you fit gospel study or devotionals into your day?We’d also love to hear from those who have already read Sarah Young’s book, Jesus Calling. What was your experience and what did you love about Jesus Calling?
Written by 5 Minutes for Mom managing editor Lolli. You can find Lolli blogging at Better in Bulk and tweeting at @1momof5.
Note: We are being compensated for our time to field test the Jesus Calling app and let our readers know about it, but as always thoughts, opinions, and morning routines are uniquely our own.
karen says
I started reading “Jesus Calling” with my Bible Study Group, eventually making it part of my morning prayer. Last Christmas, I gifted a copy to each of our kids/spouses, writing a personal note in each book sharing how I pray for them and their children every morning along with my Jesus Calling reading. When I got an iphone last March, it was the first app I added and love the option of setting a reminder…if I don’t hear it at 6:45, my husband will call out: “Hey! Jesus is Calling you!” Recently, however, my app was inadvertently deleted (grandkids playing games on my phone). Anyone know how I can retrieve it???
Tina says
Great idea! It’s always challenging to fit devotions in. Don’t have an iPhone but I’ll look for the book.
Tam Rich says
What a great idea! My oh my it is so nice to see when technology is used in a good way.
Kasey says
I love this book! It has gotten me through some really good times and some really bad times. Sarah has a way of knowing just how to speak to your heart through God’s words. The app look equally exciting!
Deanna Sellers says
I love the book and just downloaded the app. Can’t wait to start using it.
Erica Mueller says
If this was available for Android, I’d try it!! Looks so cool!
MageeMommy says
WOW! that’s great!!! I try to read a proverb a day with my kids at breakfast. Sometimes they listen and sometimes I just read to myself. I’m also starting to read the little devotionals that have been stuffed in my son’s bag he’s carried to Sunday School. For some reason I kept them all and never really looked at them. Now we are each morning at breakfast. They are called “Bible Teaching for Kids Early Bible Steps Learner Guide 2010 from Lifeway Christian resources of the Southern Baptist Convention. I’m thinking of ordering a book of these tear out pages whenever we got through what all he has so far. 🙂
Corrina says
I just recently downloaded this app and I love it! Time with my journal and the Bible is a must also, but there are some days that are go go go and my kids are up with the sun it seems and opening this app while I’m downing my breakfast or when I first sit at my desk at work helps center me. And I find myself thinking back later in the day and if I can’t quite remember what I read, I will open it again. Such richness in the words and great scriptures.
Margaret says
I use the YouVersion App which is a bible and devotionals wrapped in one.
Emily says
I just do it the old-fashioned way: sit down with the Book and read while I eat breakfast. 😉