I’m not really sure where the wording for the name “God-and-I-Time” originated. I am sure, however, that I’ve heard it used at most of the Christian camps I’ve attended. Where it began is insignificant for our purposes in this post. Implementing it, however, is significant for our lives!

God-and-I-Time is a term used to describe the time devoted to Bible reading and/or Bible study and prayer. Because of the time that is devoted to this particular Christian discipline, it is often called “having devotions.” Among other terms, it is also referred to as “Bible Time” or “Quiet Time.”

The tagline for this blog is “Ideas and Resources for Everyday Christian Living.” So this morning I’m sharing a few thoughts on the most important resource we have for everyday Christian living—God’s Word. Like any resource, we must actually use it in order for it to accomplish what it was intended to do.

The main reason most women give for not using this incredible resource on a daily basis is this: “I don’t have time.”  Did you know that it only takes two minutes and twenty-four seconds to read the entire first chapter of the Book of Titus? [This is the time of the audio version on biblegateway.com.]

If I don’t have 2:24 to spend with the Holy God of the Universe Who created me, loves me, and calls me His own, then I have bigger problems than time management!

So here are two simple ways to help each of us not only make the time, but also take the time to read what God wants to tell us about Himself through the Scriptures.

1. Schedule your God-and-I-Time.

If I don’t plan when, and for me, even where, I will have time with my Lord, something else is certain to take its place. For this reason, there are many who teach that you must have your quiet time first thing in the morning. Some even teach that your devotional time must be the very first thing you do in order to demonstrate that you put God first in your life.

I disagree . . . sort of.

The “sort of” part is because that may be true for some individuals. If that is true for you, please please please have your time with the Lord first thing in the morning. You must follow God’s leading for your life. If giving Him your “first time” is first thing in the morning, then don’t change that!

The “I disagree” part comes from the fact that I believe that when we give the Lord our “first time” it refers to first in quality or to its being superior in ranking. I don’t think it is talking about literal time of day. I think, instead, that our “first time” refers to our “best time.” Trust me, my first moments of the day are not my quality time, nor are they my superior moments for thinking!

My mom often shares that her quiet time comes after the the busy activities of her morning are complete—breakfast dishes washed, clothes in the washer, house tidied up. It is at this point of her day that her mind is most alert and when she can be totally focused on her time with the Lord. That is her best time!

So find the time that is best for you. Do not merely schedule an obligatory reading the minute your feet hit the floor. Time with God is not about placing a check next to “devotions” on your to-do list. It’s about actually devoting time to Him!

2. Simplify your God-and-I-Time.

I used to refer to “having my devotions.” However, I now refer to it as “God-and-I-Time.” This term reminds me that it’s not about anyone else. It is time for me to listen to, talk to, and be focused on my Creator.

Someone recently reminded me that sometimes we spend much of our time with Him telling Him what He already knows, when, in reality, we should just be quiet and listen to the One Who knows all things! When that thought took root in my mind and in my life, I was able to simplify, but deepen, my time with the Lord.

Yes, there are times to go into deeper word studies or topical studies. But before any of that, we need to “be quiet and listen to the One Who knows all things.” After reading His inspired words (as they are called in II Timothy 3:16-17), then spend time talking with Him in prayer.

Creating a complicated time with God often becomes about all the things that make it complicated rather than the actual time with God. So keep it simple: listen to Him by reading His words, and then talk to Him by praising Him in prayer and bringing your requests to Him.

Bottom line? Schedule it and keep it simple! Best time. Focused time.

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Thank you for taking time to read today’s post. Have you found your best time?