Our Spiritual development is enhanced by our daily devotions to Almighty God. This idea is generally known among believers. While known, too often guilt covers struggling saints like a blanket on their beds. These type of confessions are frequently uttered: I know that I should be more attentive to my private devotions, but it is so easy to get side tracked. How, then may one advance from guilt to glory in the area of personal devotions? Hopefully, the solution may be discovered by following the simple formula for having a meaningful devotional time with our LORD Jesus Christ.
First, Recognize the pressing need for daily devotions. As one requires basic food in order to sustain his physical body, so believers must have the daily nourishment of feeding upon the Bread of life. Jesus explained in HIS renowned sermon, commonly referred to as "The Sermon on the Mount" found in Matthew, chapters five through seven. Note Matthew 6:6, "But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly." Please note: Jesus is not saying we should not pray in public. Christ is emphasizing the urgency of private devotions which are sure to bloom into a fruitful public ministry. Morning devotions also are in keeping with the principle of seeking God's kingdom first. (Compare, Matthew 6:33)
Secondly, Rationalism must be promptly acknowledged. Admit to God that all the excuses for not obeying HIM in this matter are simply expressions of sin. Many people make the claim: I am not a morning person. While their mental and spiritual faculties may become more alert as the day progresses, the first thirty minutes of the day set the tone for what is to follow. Several friends have openly admitted to me how that they have fallen asleep during the devotions when doing them at the end of the day. Our LORD, you will recall, was up a great while before day praying. In this as well as many other areas of life, Jesus is our example. (See: 1 Peter 2:21)
Thirdly, Read the Scripture in a systematic fashion. Book by book through the entire Bible. If this is a new exercise for you, begin at first with fifteen minutes allotted to an uninterrupted reading of the Bible with prayer.
Fourthly, Review in your mind what God has stated in HIS most holy Word. Reflect upon how it applies to your set of circumstances. Examine yourself, at this stage, whether your life is in conformity with the faith. Attitudes formerly held, announcements brazenly heralded, and activities aggressively engaged in should be each reconsidered in light of what God's Word reads.
Perhaps these two passages may prove useful to you: 2 Corinthians 13:5; "Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?" 2 Corinthians 10:5-6,"Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;{6}And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled."
Fifthly, Record your findings in a spiral note book. Were there sins from which repentance is required, then state them. Are there promises which you are resolved to claim in faith, then write them down. Be sure to record the passage of Scripture you were reading, the date, and the resolves made to God as a result of reflecting upon the will of God.
Finally, Resolve in daily prayer unto Almighty God to surrender your life unto HIS guidance and control, which is possible by God's grace. In this daily praying, confess known sin. Review these Scriptures: Psalms 66:18, "If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear [me]:" Proverbs 28:13,"He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh [them] shall have mercy." 1 John 1:9: "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us [our] sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." Next, give yourself back unto God, according to Romans 12:1-2, and share your discoveries from God's Word with others, in this way you shall be glorifying God - that is making God's presence known unto those with who you encounter.
Friends, it is my earnest desire to be used of God. These ideas are shared with that intent in mind. May God be glorified in each of our lives!
Sincerely,
Pastor Brown
"I am only one, but I am one. I cannot do everything, but I can do something. And because I cannot do everything, I will not refuse to do the something that I can do. What I can do, I should do. And what I should do, by the grace of God, I will do." - Edward Everett Hale
You are welcome to visit my web site, if you do let me know.
http://www.link2000.net/~preacher/ or email me preacher@link2000.net