Passion for God's Word Challenge: Disciplines 9 and 10

This is my last day of posting these disciplines.  I hope they have encouraged you as they have me!  May God bless all of your days!

"9.  Purpose to get up.  For most of us there's only one way to enjoy time,  first time, and early time with God, and that's to set the alarm.  Surely, any woman with any passion for anything makes sure she gets up to enjoy that passion!  Save your sleeping-in for special days or for a reward for strenuous work finally finished.  (Even then your burning passion may not allow you to sleep in!)

10.  Aim for more time.  Two good principles for determining the amount of time you spend reading your Bible are:  Something is better than nothing and Always aim for more.  
     I can guarantee you that once you dicipline yourself to meet regularly with God for some time, you'll become like David in Psalm 63- you'll hunger and thirst for more time with the Lord.  Truly His Word is sweeter than honey and the honeycomb (Psalm 19:10).
     And here's another principle from Donna, the brave woman who took me on as a disciple.  Donna shared with me that she did not allow herself to spend more time in any personal activity (she specifically mentioned exercising and crafts) each day than she spent in the Word of God.  Of course, as she discipled me, that principle was passed on to me and became a part of my life, too.  And now it's my turn to pass it on to you!
     Which brings us to Susanna Wesley, the mother of John Wesley, who wrote, 

I will tell you what rule I observed...when I was young, and too much addicted to childish diversions, which was this-Never to spend more time in mere recreation in one day than I spend in private religious devotions.

     I must warn you, if you get serious about this discipline, it will change your life-your schedule, your priorities, your focus, your perspective, and your interests.  Beware...the ground is rumbling.
     And how would such a discipline work for a woman who spends the bulk of her day at a job?  Well, I would say that such a woman dare not go out into the world without spiritual preparation (and the more the better!).  And even if she is going to work in a Christian organization, her work-anywhere and everywhere and in all things-is done unto the Lord.  The goal is always to do our work-whether in a busy home or in a busy office or at the church-God's way and in His power.  And that, beloved, requires spending time with Him.  Time looking to Him.  Time in prayer.  Time in the Word.  Lots of time!  We simply must manage our busy days to ensure the discipline of time, time, and more time in these basic spiritual pursuits.  For truly, they are at the heart of it all, at the heart of discovering and living out God's plan with passion and purpose. "
                -Life Management for Busy Women,  by Elizabeth George, pg. 29-30.