(from Lady Theophilus)
I know we talked about “When should you have your quiet time?” in the last issue of GGN, but I thought of a couple other things to share about that question.
When it comes to having daily personal time with the Lord, we need to make it a HABIT: a part of life that never gets left out (just like eating or sleeping). At the same time, we need to be careful that we do it for the right reasons, not BECAUSE it’s a habit. Go to your Bible reading time, not because you “have to”, but because you want to. There are days when we might not FEEL like it, but we want to be with God because we love Him.
Another thing to note is that God is not just waiting for us to miss a day or have a change of schedule, so He can “yell at” us. We need this set-aside time each day, but there are some days when you’ll have to do it at a DIFFERENT time then usual. Don’t let the devil beat you up about it, but put yourself into whatever time to you have with God. For instance, if your family is leaving at 3:00am for a trip, don’t get up earlier than you would’ve just for your devotions. You’ll probably have a chance to read and pray while driving (or flying).
See KEY THOUGHT.
We need to establish devotional habits at this time in our life, before we have greater responsibilities that come with age, and would make habit-building much more difficult.
(from Mark Cravens)
The place—Where should you have your devotions?
- Where it is quiet.
- Where it is private.
- Where you are least likely to be interrupted.
- Where it is conducive.
Where can you concentrate and commune with God without getting distracted? A place with audio or visual distraction would not be good.
A conducive place: appropriate for the needs of a devotional time; not distracting; helpful—Perhaps a chair or table on which to read, versus a bed that would draw you to sleep instead of study.
(from Mark Cravens)
The tools—What do you need for devotions?
- Study Bible
- Hymnbook
- Worshipful Music
- Devotional Material
- Notebook/Journal
(from Lady Theophilus)
Please don’t use “just any Bible”. There are so many versions available that are not truly God’s Word, but are rather paraphrases—what someone summarized from God’s Word. This is not good. Its words will not have the power of God’s word as listed in 2 Timothy 3:15-16. King James Version is good as far as accurate TRANSLATION, though our family prefers New King James Version for accuracy AND clarity.
As far as “study Bible” goes, that is something to be careful about to. Most modern commentaries have very unbiblical content, and would harm Bible study. We’ve liked the Wesley Study Bible (which isn’t available anymore), but even that has a couple of comments that disagree with Bible text (God’s Word). The Thompson Chain reference Bible doesn’t have commentary, but has “links” for verses of the same topic. This can be helpful in STUDY versus READING.
A hymnbook can be used for prayer and meditation, as I’ll mention on the 4th page.
If it’s not distracting, but rather helpful, you can listen to Christ honoring, music—probably gentle instrumental.
Devotional material should be used in addition to Bible reading, but should never replace it.
A notebook can be used for listing things you’re praying for or learning or for journaling. It is optional, but may be helpful.
(from Mark Cravens)
The plan—How do I do devotions?
BIBLE READING
- Daily
- Selectively
- Prayerfully
- Imaginatively
- Meditatively
- Purposefully
- Inquisitively
- Obediently
(from Lady Theophilus)
Selectively: don’t read passages chosen at random. Don’t just read the feel-good passages. Read all the way through a book of the Bible, or study a subject throughout the Bible. Prayerfully: Pray before you start, then listen to God. Imaginatively: Picture the situation. Purposefully: You want to learn, to grow, to listen to God. Inquisitively: Ask questions. Obediently: see James 1:21-25
(from Mark Cravens)
MEDITATING
- Reflect on what you have read during your devotional time.
- Think of ways to apply what you have read to your life.
- Write down key verses or ideas and read them throughout the day.
(from Lady Theophilus)
Allow God to search your heart and teach you, not just when you’re reading, but throughout the day. Don’t let activities, etc. make you forget what you’ve read and thought about.
Another way of meditating is reading through a hymn or spiritual song and absorbing its truths or praying its words.
KEY THOUGHT (from Mark Cravens):
Your daily time alone with God must never become disconnected from the rest of your daily walk with God.
When it comes to personal
devotions, remember
Keep it simple.
Keep it personal.
Keep it meaningful.
Keep it joyful.
Keep it do-able.
Keep yourself
accountable.
~ Mark Cravens ~
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