Listen to God's Voice
Daily devotions are important. They help us spend time with our Creator which helps us build a relationship with our Savior. Here are just a few ideas on how to help the relationship grow on a daily basis:
- Realize that personal devotions have to be a choice. If we have a relationship based on a “have to,” then it is more like a work relationship than a love relationship. Devotions have to be based on love.
- Do devotions as soon as you wake up. At this time you are still relaxed and setting the tone for the day; spending time reflecting on God’s Word must be included in this.
- Have a set place for devotions and a variety of ideas on how you will “do” your devotion.
- Start by listening to God, read the Bible, and spend time meditating on it. Devotional time is not a good time to follow a reading plan; otherwise you will get sucked into a “have to” and not spend time listening to God. However, a separate Bible reading plan is useful as we need to know what God is saying and know how to place Scripture in context, but this is different from a time of personal devotions.
- Involve prayer in your meditation; you can pray verses or converse with God while reading the Bible; just make sure you are also listening to what God might be saying. A relationship is two-way. Meditation should include quiet reflection and an open heart.
- Set out to read a passage of Scripture rather than a verse or two as context is important; if you do find that one verse has a lot to say to you, allow yourself the flexibility to meditate on one verse. A relationship needs flexibility.
- Do not beat yourself up about missing a daily devotional time; make sure you complete it later in the day if at all possible. God is not an angry dictator but loves you enough to understand.
- Keep a devotional journal. It can be a very useful tool for remembering how things touched you, and for reflecting further, or at a later date. A dedicated notebook and pen or pencil are useful for this and should be kept with your devotional Bible.
- Go through a few questions before starting, such as: Do I need to forgive anyone? Do I have to ask anyone to forgive me? Is anything in my heart blocking me from getting the most from this personal act of devotion? Do I need to confess any sin?
- Enjoy the relationship. What a great way to start the day—by talking with God!
Things You’ll Need
- Bible
- Pen or pencil
- Blank notebook or artist sketchpad
- Time
- Comfortable chair
- Bible concordance
Source: http://www.wikihow.com/Have-a-Personal-Christian-Devotion
Think About This . . .
If we know Jesus Christ, we have all the power we need to pursue personal and spiritual excellence.
Trouble is only temporary. The lessons it teaches are permanent.
“For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory” (2 Corinthians 4:17).
My Bible, My Friend
Cultivating a meaningful habit of reading your Bible:
- Make time for Bible study
- Look for the teaching of the Holy Spirit
- Read the Bible methodically
- Read your Bible with a pen in your hand
- Turn from the printed page to prayer
(Thoughts taken from Rev. F.B. Meyer (1847-1929): The Best From All His Works)
http://www.newlibertycreation.com/5-tips-on-how-to-read-the-bible-the-right-way-my-way/
