Time Well Spent: A Practical Guide to Developing Your Daily Devotions

by Colin Webster

When it comes to devotional life, we can struggle to get started for all kinds of different reasons. We may have heard that a regular devotional time is important, but we don't know where to begin. Perhaps we feel so busy that we can't possibly add yet another thing to our 'to-do list'. Or maybe Bible study time feels more like a strain on the brain rather than fuel for the soul, and we wonder if it's worth keeping going. In Time Well Spent , Colin Webster takes on these concerns, tackling them head-on. This short book will not be a magic wand that sets you up with a great devotional life, but it will show you what a devotional involves, how to set aside common distractions, and why our time with God really is time well spent. Let this book spur you on with gentle encouragement and practical advice and fuel your desire to set aside time with God. Contains helpful studies to guide you through common quiet time elements.

Genres: Christian

80 pages, Paperback

Published May 17, 2021

Reviews

[Emma S · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great little book - would be ideal for reading with new Christians, but also as a refresher for people who have been walking with Jesus for a while. Moves us away from legalism and towards grace, whilst offering practical suggestions for how to set aside and use time for daily devotions. I liked the fact that he included a few devotions at the back to help put it into practice.

[Max Soole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quick read, nice and accessible

[Tracy Adair · Rating 4 out of 5]

Does what it says on the tin. Starts off with some what and why, then moves into more practical ideas. There are plenty of scripture refs and helpful reflection questions throughout. The last section has 8 studies to work through, which set out how some of the suggestions can be put into practice. I think this would be a great little book to give to or work through with a new Christian, but it was certainly refreshing for me, too.

[Jonathan Downing · Rating 3 out of 5]

A useful, very practical guide to quiet times. Great to hear a few creative ideas as well as just affirm the key parts. A good reminder of their importance too.

Can be read in about 90 minutes.

[Hollie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a good book, really talks about why quiet time is so important and really made me think about why devotionals are so important.

Would highly recommend to any christian readers wanting advice 🤍

[Diksha’s Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Informative but very practical. Webster explains not only why we should have time for daily devotions but how to make time and how to get the most out of your devotions in an easy to comprehend way!

[Ethan Moehn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Simple, with tons of application. Disagreements here and there but would recommend to a new Christian.

[Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short and sweet. If you need some new ideas and fresh motivation in your daily quiet time, this is a lovely and helpful little book. 8 short devotional guides at the end including some hymn suggestions, which is a nice idea. I think this would be helpful to give to new believers who are just beginning to spend time with God in prayer and Bible reading!

[Richard Farmery · Rating 5 out of 5]

"So, how are your quiet times then?" This the first question asked in the book Time Spent Well by Colin Webster, God may be never-changing but I certainly am not! There are days when we're on fire (spiritually) and times we feel far from God. How do you make sure each day we can connect to God, learn and become more Christ-like each day.

We need to make sure we're fitting in quiet times with God. This book does not give you 'the solution', but it can help form your thoughts on how to make these times effective. God wants us to draw closer to Him. As Webster says in the book: "if my walk with God was going to change, then it was going to take time, effort and commitment on my part. We don't like those three words because we live in such an instant world." But it's vital we do! For if we truly are devoted to Christ, with faith in God who made the world, God who died for you; why wouldn't you dedicate time each day thankful to know God more.

Psalms 143:8 CSB
"Let me experience your faithful love in the morning, for I trust in you. Reveal to me the way I should go because I appeal to you."

I found the way he talks about sitting in the Scripture, not just reading it, but meditating on it very helpful. How often do you just read the text like a fiction book, or a informative text book? I do sometimes but I want to find the place where I am "led to confession, thanksgiving, intercession, or supplication (humbly asking)" (chapter 4) in meditating on the Bible.

So if you, like me, need advice on how we can get the most of these quiet times, I'd recommend this book.

[Shiny · Rating 5 out of 5]

A clear, concise, quick read on daily Quiet Time. Done useful suggestions like prayermate app in this little but powerful book. I like how reading Bible is emphasised throughout and how devotionals should be used as just an adjunct not replacement to Bible and prayer. Wonderful beginning of year read which has truly spurred my personal time with God.

[Megan Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this little book. It was full of super encouraging and practical helps to support and build your personal quiet times and devotions. If you have felt stuck and unsure of the reason behind personal quiet time, this book is a great quick read to get you back on track.

[Faustina Edward · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good reminder of spending Quiet Time with God. Particularly love the idea of a Quiet Day!

[Celina Marscham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exactly what I needed to read and be aware of right now

[Dorcas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short and practical.

[Tyrrell Maye-Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Helpful prayer guidance

[alwayss.rejoice · Rating 3 out of 5]

Short practical book

[Ruth · Rating 5 out of 5]

A quick read but needs working through again and again and putting into practice

[Rob Byron · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short, refreshing reminder

[James · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really helpful practical book for how to improve your morning time with God.

[Sarah W. · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very short and practical book on how to prioritize time with God. Webster gently debunks every barrier that we place before our "quiet time" in Scripture and provides steps to achieve time in devotions even with the busiest schedule. Highly recommend for anyone looking for practical advice beyond "if it's important you'll make time". Read and reviewed for my church library.