One of the great benefits of being a member of what I hear being called “The 5am Club,” is that waking up early (no alarm-clock needed) offers a nice block of quiet time to focus on spending time in God’s Word. Over the years I’ve discovered and used some wonderful resources for daily study. Some I have gone through once. Others are books that I have or will revisit years later.
When someone recently asked me for a list of those I’ve found to be especially helpful, I thought it might be a good idea to offer some recommendations for everyone. And so, I’ve pulled a few off the shelf to share here. Most of the books you see pictured are from this year and years past. The little grouping of three stacked books are those that I plan to open every morning during 2025. You’ll see John Stott’s Through The Bible Through The Year (which we will be going through in our CPYU Together In The Word Facebook group in 2025), The Banner of Truth’s The Puritans Day By Day (I’m really looking forward to this one as the Puritan’s drop nuggets of pure devotional gold!), and Tim Keller’s Go Forward In Love (anything by Keller is good, and you’ll see a couple of other Keller books that I’ve used in the past pictured).
In addition, sitting on the tabletop are three every day of every year devotional helps: Scripture Union’s daily Encounter With God (this is one that’s been a daily companion for 35 years), and the Ligonier Ministries TableTalk. Both of these are so, so good! In addition, there’s the little Valley of Vision book of Puritan prayers. Those Puritan folks could pray!
I encourage you to carve out time each day in 2025. What you do everyday will become a habit. . . and it will form you! Have a blessed and reading-filled 2025!
