7 Best Devotionals for Homeschool Moms to Keep Jesus Close

ArynChristian Nonfiction, Faith, Family8 Comments

Today, let’s talk devotionals for homeschool moms. We get overwhelmed, and we don’t need to be!

There is a certain pressure in life, that we’ve gotta do it all. Keep a well-run house, play with the kids, educate them both academically, spiritually, and with morals and life skills, take care of our husbands and extended families, and have a rich spiritual life at the same time. We feel responsible for maintaining balance, being ‘all-in’ where we are in the moment, and juggling everything. 

But we can’t. We can’t do it all. Be all. That’s Jesus’ job. And if we keep drawing close to Him, He promises to stay close to us (James 4:8). He calls us to Be still and know that He is God. (Psalm 46.10)

I’ve found some awesome devotionals for homeschool moms that will ease the pressure. They help you draw near to Jesus in all areas of life. These devotionals for homeschool moms meet the main qualifications busy homeschool moms have: 

  • Short
  • Deep
  • Re-centers Focus
  • Encourage 
  • Inspire
  • Challenge
  • Affordable

Please note that this post contains affiliate links for your convenience. If you make a purchase through one of the links, I may make a small commission. I only recommend books and resources that I’ve enjoyed personally, or believe that you would like. You can read my full disclosure here. You will also find information on Scripture translations there.

The Best Devotionals for Homeschool Moms

Here are some of the best devotionals for homeschool moms. They fill your cup without exhausting your limited time and $. You can get as much out of them as you’re willing to put in, and many of the lessons stick with you for a LONG time. Which is awesome, when devotionals for homeschool moms can accomplish that. And if you’re wondering how to do devotions with the time you have available, I’ve got you covered!

I Prayed for Patience, God Gave Me Children

  • Funny, but with purpose
  • Repeatable
  • Practical
  • Ebook or paperback

I Prayed for Patience is a great devotional! Each short Inspirational devotion has a punchy header (He who rules with an iron fist breaks a lot of furniture. Or, Mama said there’d be days like this, but she didn’t say there’d be so many.) and a practical story and a well chosen set of scripture to look up. I highly recommend taking the time to read the scripture passages, even though many are familiar. The context is very helpful. The closing thought and prayer makes it great devotional package.

The parenting insights are very helpful, but it also helps to picture ourselves on the receiving end of the parenting, as we are God’s children. For that reason, I think that this is an excellent book for all Christians, whether you are a parent or not.

I think my favorite devotional was the teenage Robin Hood. The teen had a big heart, and was sponsoring an orphan. But he was using his lunch money, without permission, then making up for lost calories as soon as he got home from school. His mom had to talk to him, because he didn’t recognize that misappropriation of funds was basically stealing.

The point? Sin likes to hide in the pretense of good. Discernment is needed, to be able to recognize the difference. It’s something we can ask our good good Father for.

Click here to get your copy!

*I received a copy of the book from #celebratelit, and chose to review it here. All thoughts are my own.

Leaving Your Mom Legacy: 

  • 30 Devotions
  • Challenging Daily Reflection Questions
  • Scripture Passages Included
  • Repeatable
  • Ebook or Print work well

Leaving Your Mom Legacy is one of the best devotionals for homeschool moms, or any mom, really. Kristina Gorr talks to us in a very conversational way, and is ‘preaching to herself’ as much as she’s talking to us. 

“Mommas, we need to frame the type of mom we want to be around God’s Word.”

“There will always be a unique and special connection between us and our children. Even those who grow up to be big shots like King David!”

“When a famous preacher (pick your favorite) was in diapers, do you think that person’s momma thought “I am cleaning up the poop explosion of someone who will bring hundreds of people to Jesus”? Probably not.”

One of my favorite devotions was Day 16. Be a Mom That is Content. She is so real here. Defines Content as peaceful happiness. Laughs. Then points us to the scriptures, and dependence on Christ alone. 

You can read my full review of this awesome homeschool mom devotional here.

The Wife Who Prays

  • 31 Days
  • Simple Prayers
  • Room for Journaling
  • Repeatable
  • Paperback

Jenna Kosters gave me a copy of her prayer journal, The Wife Who Prays recently. I think it’s awesome, so I’m sharing it here. Most homeschool moms are wives too, so it fits. Especially since we get so busy doing life, and don’t want to neglect our marriage, we need more devotionals for homeschool moms that focus our attention on our husbands!

This little book doesn’t have a lot of words, but the ones it does have are powerful. Each prayer is short but more natural than many pre-written prayers I’ve seen. We are able to express gratitude to God, cover ourselves and our man in prayer, and turn our focus forward instead of backward.  

I found this to be helpful whether your heart is whole or if you’re in an emotionally painful relationship. Covering subjects as varied as “His Tongue” “Our Finances” “His In-laws” and “Our Fun” Jenna gently guides us to change our focus, and seek God’s covering. 

There’s also a Scripture to explore each day, so as a homeschool mom devotional, it’s definitely awesome!

Praying the promises of the cross

Restful Homeschool Resolution: 

  • 21 Short Devotions
  • Includes Practical Challenges
  • Room for Journaling 
  • Repeatable
  • Best as Hard Copy

I started reading this homeschool mom devotional based solely on the title. Didn’t know anything else about it. But whatever it was, I wanted it. No, I NEEDED it. I mean, Restful Homeschool Resolution!

Confession: When I figured out it was one of those prayer devotionals for homeschool moms, I was a little bit surprised and disappointed. (Embarrassing, since I have been a Christian for decades.) 

I wanted practical advice. How do I go about being a Restful Homeschool Mom?

Here’s the thing. It is extremely practical and so powerful that I hope to repeat this annually. 

The devotions are great, the prayer prompts and guidance are powerful. And the intersection of prayer and practical was eye-opening. We say that we believe Jesus cares about every part of our lives; that he wants to be a part of all. But do we include him in it? 

  • Is he invited to the Homeschool planning session? Maybe. 
  • How about meal planning or mealtime (beyond the blessing)? 

After covering so many areas of our lives in prayer, focusing on seeking Jesus first, I have a much better idea of what Rest really means, and truly appreciate the encouragement to pick One of the challenges to make a habit.

That the author challenged her readers to experience many types of prayer challenges, and does not make you feel guilty for not doing them all, all the time, is an example of Grace. 

She wants us to make changes and improvements, to grow spiritually, but in manageable ways. Something devotionals for homeschool moms should do well.

Note, I received an advance copy of this homeschool mom devotional from the author. I chose to review it here, and all thoughts are my own. 

Among all the devotionals for homeschool moms, I would absolutely recommend this book to any mom, homeschooling or not.

Q&A With the Author: Aimee Hutchinson Smith, Restful Homeschool Resolution, A Homeschool Mom Devotional

What inspired you to write this homeschool mom devotional? 

The inspiration was a series of individual moments over several years. I didn’t realize I was writing a book when I actually wrote it. I just kept taking the next step as God seemed to guide me. 

In the fall of 2014, He seemed to call me to “tell my story”. So I purchased a website domain, joined some writing classes, and started practicing. My blog, however, remained empty. The night before my church’s 21 days of prayer in 2016, I heard His voice again to “just begin”. So I started blogging the next morning. Every morning, I woke up and wrote a blog post as part of my personal prayer and worship time with the Lord. I did a quick edit, published it, and shared on social media before I could change my mind. 

Those 21 blog posts became the 21 chapters of the homeschool mom devotional. It wasn’t until three years later I realized it was a book! Again, God seemed to whisper “write the book”. So, the inspiration is really just sharing my personal journey with drawing close to Jesus and taking one small step of obedience at a time. 

What was one of the most surprising things you learned/discovered in the process of writing and publishing a homeschool mom devotional? 

I was most surprised at the emotional slump I encountered right after publishing the book. I expected it to be a mountaintop experience filled with joy that I had an actual book. However, I suddenly felt very exposed, vulnerable, and fearful. I poured my heart out in the book, and then released into the world. It took about a month for me to actually be excited I was a published author!

Hardest Thing? 

Since I self-published, the hardest part was learning “all the things”. Writing is my gift, but I also had to learn formatting, design, publishing details, and so much more.

How often do you struggle with remembering the Restful part of the journey in your own life?

Not nearly as much as I used to! In general, I am far more restful than I was just a few years ago. Various forms of unrest – anxiety, weariness, etc – are certainly still real struggles. Perfect rest doesn’t come until heaven! But I don’t stay there as long anymore. After years of building habits of seeking Jesus consistently, I return to Him faster than I used to.

What would you say to the homeschool mom who’s feeling overwhelmed? 

First, You’re doing well!  The fact that you’re overwhelmed is evidence you love your family and want to serve them well! Relax and trust that God will take the seeds you have planted and produce His fruit out of those seeds.

Second, Talk to someone!! This could be your husband, another homeschool mom, a friend, a mentor. It is crucial to share with someone how you are struggling and ask for an outside perspective.

Third, Keep seeking Jesus!! Pour out your heart to Him and talk with Him about your struggles. Again and again, go back to Him, even when it feels like He’s not responding. Draw close to His heart and trust His timing.

Aside from your own, what 2-3 devotionals for homeschool moms would you recommend?

Honestly? I don’t really use devotional books. I prefer to spend time directly in God’s Word. The one devotional I have used in several different seasons of life is Oswald Chambers’ “My Utmost for His Highest”. Because of this, I was actually hesitant to publish a devotional book. Publishing a book, however, is about the readers, not the author. I received enough feedback to know many other moms appreciate devotional style books, so this is for them.

Free Planner includes daily, weekly, monthly and 12 week planner pages, year at a glance pages, reading log, stewardship log. Make a plan and follow it imperfectly, or fail to plan and just let life happen to you...

Best Devotionals for Homeschool Moms that Love Fiction

Some of the best devotionals for homeschool moms, well, for this homeschool mom at least 😉 come from reading fiction. I’ve gathered a collection of the most fun women’s devotionals (Christian Fiction Style), including Liz Curtis Higgs “Bad Girls of the Bible” series, and an amazing story called “Roadtrip, Sidecar Adventure with God” which is both hilarious and very thought-provoking.

Basically, devotionals for homeschool moms don’t have to look like a standard devotional.

As the Stars ✨ 

  • 45 Biblical Fiction Short Stories
  • Story Comments (Devotional)
  • Questions for Discussion
  • Repeatable
  • Kindle or Print Work Well

And here’s my newest favorite-As The Stars! The combination of Biblical Fiction that makes Bible Stories feel 3-D with insight and thought-provoking questions makes this an unforgettably fun homeschool mom devotional. Katrina Hamel does such a good job!

Each chapter is about a 5-minute read and begins with a Bible scene carefully retold in fiction. Then is the Scripture reference, with a recommendation to go read it. This will take a little bit of time, but well worth it! 

Some historical background is presented next, and wow! The author does an excellent job of explaining in an approachable way. Whether you are a long time student of the Bible or brand new, you are likely to learn something. 

Lastly, discussion questions. Where the rubber hits the road, or where the written Word affects your life. This part makes the book perfect for an informal book club / Bible study. 

You could read one chapter (with Scripture) and discuss it at your meeting, or do a few at home and discuss later. It would work well if you do devotionals for homeschool moms together with your homeschool group.

It’s really hard to choose, but I think my favorite section is the series of chapters related to Samuel. From Hannah’s first appearance to Samuel’s last, I could not put it down. 

I never really considered what might have been running around in Eli’s head when Hannah shows up with a preschooler and says ‘Here, he’s yours to raise. I promised God.’

I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Biblical Fiction, and wants to be more consistent with daily devotional times! It’s also one of those great devotionals for homeschool moms to share with our families!

Other Devotionals for Homeschool Moms to Enjoy:

Best Homeschool Mom Devotionals for Family Time

Devotionals for homeschool moms can also be something we can share with our families. Sometimes we just need to sit down with the family and spend a moment together in God’s word. Here are a couple of devotionals for homeschool moms to grab hold of in those moments:

Grace for the Moment: 365 Devotions for Kids by Max Lucado

  • 1 Minute Read
  • Great for the Whole Family
  • Growing In Grace Challenges
  • Repeatable 
  • Kindle or Hardcopy

Grace for The Moment Devotions are super short devotions, each one takes about a minute to read. It reminds me of the gentle way Mr. Rogers would talk to us, exactly on our level of understanding, but opening up the world to help us understand more. 

The topics are cohesive, but all over the place, just like our lives. But the last paragraph is a challenge. Growing In Grace. It’s something simple, practical, and something mom, dad, kids, we all need to do. I love this part! 

This may be somewhat creative for devotionals for homeschool moms, but we have to be creative to get enough time with God!

*See also the devotionals in this list of Christian books for children!

1 Minute Bible Guide: 180 Key Names of God

  • 1 Minute Read
  • Great for the Whole Family
  • Detailed without Overwhelm
  • Repeatable
  • Paperback

This 1 Minute Bible Guide is pretty cool. You can go through 1 a day as a devotional, or use it as a springboard for research. Or you can read it in less than three hours, straight through. There’s a verse with the name of the day, and mention if that name is used elsewhere. Historical context and explanation is concise but enlightening.

I didn’t realize that Jesus was called “AMEN” until reading this (and yes, I’ve read Revelation. Just missed this point). I knew it was an agreement or “let it be true” as in prayer, but wow! Jesus is Truth, and He is The Amen. 

As for devotionals for homeschool moms (or any mom), this is awesome for family time. I’m learning things WITH my kids, and that makes it more fun!

* I received a copy of this book from @NetGalley and chose to review it here. All thoughts are my own. 

Crayons, how to pray the scriptures for your Children

Family Time Subscription Boxes

The Faith and Family Box comes complete with a themed Bible study, Conversation questions, games, and a snack, making family night just that much more meaningful.

HelloBible has a Subscription box for kids ages 3-10, that includes an Arch Book Bible Story, with fun crafts and activities that go along with the story and a parent guide with teaching suggestions. Looks really neat, I think!

Where to Find The Best Homeschool Devotionals

Best Homeschool Mom Bibles

Devotionals for Homeschool moms are important, but we also need the Bible, straight up. I admit I have quite a few Bibles, though most were presents as I grew up. It seems like the real Easter story was ‘A new Bible, some sandals, and candy in the Easter Basket’ was the standard. 

I’ve grown very attached to a few, and I think you’ll like them too. I’ve discovered that most of my life has been focused on individual stories in the Bible, not necessarily the big picture. How about you? Using a Chronological Bible, or something without headings every other paragraph can be hugely helpful in getting a better feel for context.

NIV has been where I have spent most of my time. But in the last few years, I’ve branched out a bit, and it’s been amazing. I still love the NIV, but hearing familiar passages in other translations is really enlightening!

NLT Chronological Audio Bible: Listening to a daily portion most mornings before I get out of bed is fun. I can reach out and grab my Kindle Fire, stick my earbuds in, and hit play. A 7-15 minute passage plays while I’m waking up. Or I can play it while I’m washing the dishes, or whatever. This is great! I just got into Joshua, but Leviticus through Deuteronomy was more interesting this year than it has been in the past. God is in the details!

The Story: The Bible As One Continuing Story of God and His People: This isn’t exactly a Bible but still rates highly with me. Large selections of the NIV in Chronological order, without verse/chapter markings to disrupt the flow of the story. 

There are periodic explanations/commentary, but that is always in a different type of font, so you don’t confuse it with the actual scriptures. These serve as helpful connections and transitions. (Here’s a 31 session study guide to go with it. And a Children’s version too!)

I’m seeing devotionals for homeschool moms to do with their families. Score!

The *NIV Rainbow Bible has been my favorite since I got it for Christmas in 1997. I love the way the verses are color-coded to help you connect certain truths together. I can often remember ‘oh, that’s a yellow (family) verse’ before I remember the reference. The only downside to that is that it’s harder to get big-picture context sometimes. Which is why I’m loving those other two Bibles these days.

*Also available in CSB and KJV.

I recently discovered the joys of a Coloring Bible too, and Wow! It’s pretty cool!

Woman studying her Bible. Bible study methods 7 Ways in 7 Days.

Best Bible Study for Homeschool Moms

Devotionals for homeschool moms are great because they’re short. Usually.

In the early years especially, don’t expect to be able to do deep Bible study every day. That will just set you up for disappointment. Which, too often, leads to giving up. But in that precious hour that the kids all have something else to do (with dad, grandma, or whatever), we can indulge in more than a homeschool mom devotional.

We can enjoy a deeper time in the Word than most devotionals for homeschool moms allow. Here are a few to choose from, but remember, the suggested timeline is just that. A suggestion. It could take you 3x that length of time, or more, and that’s okay. Don’t give up!

The Bathsheba Battle is one we all face, and this study is excellent for helping us through. It’s short, but power-packed. I’m not sure if it should be counted as Bible study or devotionals for homeschool moms, but either way, it’s well worth your time!

I recently had the privilege of studying 2 of Shadia Hrichi’s Bible studies, and wow! Remember my newfound fascination with context? Both the Hagar Bible study and the one on Legion, which shows God to the Rescue, were incredible.

These were both 6-week studies, 5 days each. I think they took me closer to 12 weeks each. A couple of times I had the house to myself for a while, and did about 5 lessons in one sitting because I couldn’t put it down! These make for great Bible study for homeschool moms or anyone else!

And here are several Bible studies to help you choose Faith over Fear. It’s not easy sometimes, but it does get easier with practice!!!

While this is not exactly a Bible Study, Gratitude Journaling can make quite a difference in both moms and kids, so I would love it if you’d check these Journals out!

Homeschool Devotional Time for Moms is a Special Time of Biblical Encouragement!

Not every day has to look the same, but we homeschool moms do need daily Biblical encouragement. I hope you’ll gather a few of these suggestions of the best devotionals for homeschool moms to work through and remember, use the one that is most appropriate to the day.

And don’t stress about fitting a longer study into a day that can’t handle it. Homeschool devotionals for homeschool moms can refocus your eyes on Jesus and stop comparing yourself to others. They can encourage you when you need it most.

Tell me, which homeschool mom devotional is your favorite?

Until Next Time, Love God, Love Books, Shine The Light!!

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8 Comments on “7 Best Devotionals for Homeschool Moms to Keep Jesus Close”

  1. Aryn, you put so much time into putting this resource together. Very valuable. My daughter is a Home School Mom of three Littles, and not because of the virus outbreak. Devotionals that will also help her and all homeschool moms keep Jesus close and also refocus attention on their hubbies would be so wonderful! Thank you … ❤

    1. You’re so welcome Donna!! I had fun pulling these devotionals for homeschool moms together. As a homeschool mom, each of these devotionals has meant a lot to me personally, and I thought they needed to be shared!

  2. What an awesome resource!! I love this list and wish I had it 6 years ago when we started homeschooling!! Excited to check out these ideas and will be sharing this with my friends. The Restful Homeschool Resolution calling my name!

    1. Erin, that one is incredible! A homeschool mom devotional that really took the pressure off. She gives solid strategies, and encouragement without adding to the burden!

  3. Excellent post, especially for those who have had to become homeschooling Moms in the last few weeks. You made so many wonderful points that should help them relax and know that they don’t have to be perfect. Lots of great resources also.

    1. I’m glad you found these devotionals for homeschool moms helpful! I know I have struggled with relaxing in this role, but these books have been a big help for me.

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