5 Easy Devotionals for End of Summer

I love old friendships—the kind where time and distance have no bearing. Do you have a friend like that? You haven’t seen them for weeks or months or even years, and yet when you get together, it’s like no time has passed. You pick up where you left off and wonder why you ever let the friendship lapse.

What if I told you that God is like that? An old friend, ever constant, never condemning, always welcoming you with loving arms and an invitation to “sit a spell” no matter how long it’s been since you last spoke.

“‘I no longer call you slaves, because a master doesn’t confide in his slaves. Now you are my friends, since I have told you everything the Father told me.’” John 15:15 NLT

Are You Ready to Come Back?

In the busyness of summer, I wonder—how long has it been since you talked with God? Are you wondering if He’s still there, still listening?

You might even feel embarrassed at how long it’s been since you opened your Bible or breathed a prayer. You may have popped into church a few times over the summer months, but there’s a void in your life. You’re missing the sweet fellowship of your Father.

With kids returning to school, there’s a sense of change in the air. Fresh starts. New opportunities. Isn’t it time to get back to the heart of God? To establish anew your relationship with Him—special times with your Father, your Friend?

5 Reading Plans to Draw Close to God

One of the easiest ways to regain communion with God is through daily Bible reading. His Word is life! It’s where you’ll find His good will for your life, His perspective on the world, and His unconditional love for you and your family.

From our sister site, iDisciple, here are several Bible reading plans that make it simple to pick up your Bible again. Each Growth Plan will help you establish a rhythm of reading and listening to rekindle your closeness with God. God’s been waiting for you to come back.

1. The Comeback by Louie Giglio

We all know what it feels like to have life disappoint us and not work out as we’d hoped. We all know what it’s like to long for something different, something better, something more.

The good news is that God is in the business of giving fresh starts to people.

The Comeback by Louie Giglio is a seven-day Growth Plan that celebrates new beginnings. Start here.

1. Spiritual Disciplines for Spiritual Growth

Practicing spiritual disciplines will help you grow in your faith as you draw closer to God. They are called disciplines because they do not always come naturally; instead, you must intentionally incorporate them into your daily routine.

For this in-depth Growth Plan, iDisciple gathered some of the best content to help you implement the disciplines of the Christian life. Cultivate a deeper and more meaningful faith now.

1. The Will of God by Charles Stanley

God’s will for you doesn’t have to remain a mystery. Your heavenly Father wants to reveal the plans He has for your life. In this study, Dr. Charles Stanley teaches you how to discern God’s will and recognize the different ways God communicates.

Step into God’s will for your life. Start this seven-day Growth Plan here.

1. Flourish in Prayer

This five-day plan will help you focus on the beautiful opportunity you have called prayer. Prayer is about spending time with God— talking, listening, and becoming familiar with His character.

Prayer is meant to be profoundly reciprocal, and this Growth Plan will help you experience a new intimacy with God. Start today!

1. Changed: A 5-Day Guide to Living a Transformed Life by Laura Woodworth
   Sometimes life can get the best of you. Challenging situations, peer pressure, and even messages from the media about who you should look like or be like can bend you into a person you never intended to become.

If you’re frustrated or depressed about the person you are—or simply know there’s a better version of yourself—my five-day growth plan will connect you to God’s transforming power. Start here.

Get Back to the Heart of God
Like a trusted friend, God has been patiently watching and waiting for you. I pray you’ll step towards Him today through these iDisciple Growth Plans.

About the Author

Whether you need inspiration or motivation, Laura Woodworth will inspire you to expect great things and do great things for God! Her book Through the Valley—Move Your Life Forward in God will help you walk out of your valley and into your future. Her newest book, Write Above the Noise—Keys to Develop Your Best Writing will inspire you to write and finish the book, blog or script God has laid on your heart. Get free inspirational and writing resources and more at LauraWoodworth.com.