Later this week you will see the first of many "Thirty Second Devos. What are they? First let me tell you what they are not.
Thirty second devos are not an effort to help you get your spiritual "duty" of the day done quickly. They are not meant to give God short shrift so we can get on with our busy lives. God is not satisfied with second, third, fourth, and certainly not last place on our to-do lists.
Imagine the state of your marriage if you tried that with your spouse. "I'm really busy today, honey. Here's thirty seconds of my attention. Hope that's sufficient." Imagine your relationship with your children and the state of their souls. Thirty seconds is a far cry from, And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates. (Deut 6:6-9)
No, the only time these thirty second devos are meant to save you is the amount of time you spend in front of your computer or looking at your phone. These devos are short and punchy, something you can quickly read that will stay with you throughout the day, something you can think about and meditate on as you do mindless chores, during a coffee break or lunch hour, or on the treadmill. They are meant to fill your mind all through the day with possible applications, or to spawn a prayer, or create a determination to change a bad habit, a reckless thought pattern, or even set aside a besetting sin. They are meant to last all day, not just thirty seconds.
So what exactly are they? Some are quotes from other writers.
Some are questions I have asked or statements I have made in classes. Some are a little humorous, but still sharp enough to make a valid point—if you think about it awhile, which is the whole idea. All are accompanied by a scripture which the quote might make you see in a new light.
Your first Thirty Second Devo is scheduled to appear on this blog on Wednesday, August 22. I hope you are a regular enough reader to catch a few, one or two a month, and then let me know what you think.
Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. (Ps 1:1-2)
Dene Ward
Thirty second devos are not an effort to help you get your spiritual "duty" of the day done quickly. They are not meant to give God short shrift so we can get on with our busy lives. God is not satisfied with second, third, fourth, and certainly not last place on our to-do lists.
Imagine the state of your marriage if you tried that with your spouse. "I'm really busy today, honey. Here's thirty seconds of my attention. Hope that's sufficient." Imagine your relationship with your children and the state of their souls. Thirty seconds is a far cry from, And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates. (Deut 6:6-9)
No, the only time these thirty second devos are meant to save you is the amount of time you spend in front of your computer or looking at your phone. These devos are short and punchy, something you can quickly read that will stay with you throughout the day, something you can think about and meditate on as you do mindless chores, during a coffee break or lunch hour, or on the treadmill. They are meant to fill your mind all through the day with possible applications, or to spawn a prayer, or create a determination to change a bad habit, a reckless thought pattern, or even set aside a besetting sin. They are meant to last all day, not just thirty seconds.
So what exactly are they? Some are quotes from other writers.
Some are questions I have asked or statements I have made in classes. Some are a little humorous, but still sharp enough to make a valid point—if you think about it awhile, which is the whole idea. All are accompanied by a scripture which the quote might make you see in a new light.
Your first Thirty Second Devo is scheduled to appear on this blog on Wednesday, August 22. I hope you are a regular enough reader to catch a few, one or two a month, and then let me know what you think.
Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. (Ps 1:1-2)
Dene Ward
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