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Using "Self-Denial" to Improve Your Quiet Time Habit

"Self-Denial" can help you develop a regular quiet time. This 1-minute devotion explains.

For years I've heard it takes twenty-one days to form a habit.

 However, I recently discovered that this "fact" is based on 1960 research that showed amputees needed twenty-one days to adjust to a missing limb. As you can imagine, being forced to live without a limb is more compelling than improving your exercise program, eating healthier, or having a regular quiet time.

But if you are genuinely longing to have a quiet time habit, let me suggest something that works for lots of folks. It's based on the biblical principle of self-denial (Luke 9:23-24). 
"Self-Denial": You might be surprised at how effective this "trick" is for forming a better Quiet Time Habit, and it also helps us in other ways.
An example: If you love your morning cup of coffee, don't allow yourself to have it unless you're reading your Bible.

Or, if you love your daily run, don't allow yourself to have it if you missed your quiet time the day before. 

What works for one person won't work for another.

But denying something you enjoy can help you get into the habit of a regular quiet time. It not only helps improve your quiet time habits, but it can also help you develop better self-control in all areas of life.

And a quiet time is a wonderful reward! (Proverbs 8:34; Psalm 16:8).

I suggest you check out these additional devotions:



https://www.amazon.com/Wisdom-Life-Devotional-One-Minute-Reflections/dp/1087775760

I encourage you to check out the Wisdom for Life Devotional. It contains 100 one-minute devotions to challenge, encourage, instruct, and inspire your love for God's Word. Read the story behind Wisdom for Life HERE. And find out about the two free Bible studies with purchase HERE. You can read the first four devotions in the book by clicking "look inside" on Lifeway or Amazon. In addition, you can buy the book in Kindle format on Amazon and as an e-book on Barnes and Noble.
 
I also encourage you to sign up for a free subscription to Bible Love Notes and get a free e-booklet. Find out more HERE. 

"Self-Denial": You might be surprised at how effective this "trick" is for forming a better Quiet Time Habit, and it also helps us in other ways.




Bible Love Notes

8 comments:

  1. KateJuly 16, 2014 at 9:39 AM

    I love the idea :-) Except I have to have the coffee first; otherwise I can't keep my eyes open and nothing makes sense.

    ReplyDelete
  2. joanieponytailJuly 16, 2014 at 2:42 PM

    I always wondered why that 21-day rule never worked for me. Your suggestion seems like a good use of a biblical principle. This would not be the first time (and, sory to say, probably not the last) time I have learned God's word had it right all along., if only I had been paying attention.

    ReplyDelete
  3. GinaMarch 30, 2020 at 7:59 AM

    Thank you so much for this. Ive prayed and asked God to help me improve the time i spend with Him. Asked Him to show me what to do and ho. You are a blessing and i always look forward to your posts. Thank you so much and thank you God!!!!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  4. GinaMarch 30, 2020 at 7:59 AM

    Thank you so much for this. Ive prayed and asked God to help me improve the time i spend with Him. Asked Him to show me what to do and ho. You are a blessing and i always look forward to your posts. Thank you so much and thank you God!!!!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Biplob BiswasMarch 30, 2020 at 8:28 PM

    Thank you so much. These are wonderful ideas.

    ReplyDelete
  6. UnknownApril 2, 2020 at 8:13 PM

    Im trying this tomorrow. What a great idea. I already know i am going to start by reading proverbs.

    ReplyDelete