Jesus said, “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me (Luke 9:23 NIV).

At age 24, I had never really disciplined myself to have a quiet time even though I’d been a Christian for almost 15 years. Then one Sunday our Pastor said, “I think every Christian ought to spend at least 15 minutes a day reading the Bible and 15 minutes a day praying.”

I squirmed in my seat, wanting to stick my fingers in my ears and say, “I can’t hear you!” Our twins were two years old and the only time I could call my own was during their naptime. Sewing and making clothes for our family was what I loved to do while they slept. Surely God wouldn’t expect me to give that up!

However, since I had recently made a commitment to make Jesus the Lord of my life, I decided reluctantly to take five minutes a day to read the Bible and five minutes a day to pray–during naptime. At first, I spent a lot of time peeking at the clock, but after my mother gave me a Living New Testament, the reading and praying became easier. Eventually, thirty minutes a day didn’t seem like enough.

Even though it was small, I look on that ten-minute commitment as one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. If I had waited until I had a large amount of time to spend with the Lord, it’s likely it would never have happened, but wonderful things took place when I gave Him what I had.

Father, help us be willing to deny ourselves even of the things we love to do if by so doing we would come to love You more. Amen.

 Photo: Robb & Angi, about two years old, wearing clothes I made for them.

 (Devotional from Homespun Faith, Reflections from the Seasons of Life, copyright 2014 Daisy Beiler Townsend. Available as paperback or ebook: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Xulon Press. Locally at Fresh Grounds, M & M Grocery, Leanna’s Books, Penn Alps in Grantsville, Maryland, or from me 724-373-8445 or donaisy@neo.rr.com.)