“Typically, a Bible that is falling apart belongs to someone who isn’t,” said somebody. I like it. So let’s chat about Scripture and daily devotions with God.
Often, Jesus withdrew to be alone with the Father in prayer (Mark 1:35; Luke 5:16). While there, Jesus prayed that we would be sanctified by God’s Word (John 17:17).
Following Jesus’ example of withdrawing to be with God, and His desire for us to be transformed by the Word of God, here are five musts for devoted time with God:
* Commit the time. Let’s not be legalistic about this thing. Your devotional time can vary according to your commute, your work hours, your kids’ needs, and the like. So whether 5:00 am, noon, or 9:00 pm, nail and plan the time. Make that time non-negotiable.
* Declare the place. Visualize right now where you’ll meet with the Lord. What room? What chair? Ideally, it should be an isolated place (Mark 1:35). That place needs to be comfortable and serene, readying you to meet with your God.
* Choose your food. Ever felt starved and scanned the fridge to figure out what to eat? It’s frustrating. Don’t approach the Bible like that. Don’t wait until your devotional time to scan Scripture and decide what you’ll feast on. Be prepared long before. Even better, land a long-term reading plan and stick to it. Try the YouVersion Bible App, or check out these Bible Reading Plans from Navigators.
* Ready your tools. The night before, put your coffee cup under the Keurig. Have the water vat filled to the rim and your k-cup ready to go. Have your journal, pen, and Bible ready and waiting. Remove every obstacle and time-stealer from your time with the Lord. Turn off your phone, or at least the notifications if you’re reading from your phone.
* Savor don’t Surf. You’re busy. But surfing Scripture to check off “Bible-reading and prayer” is a no-no. Always try to walk away with some sense of eternal perspective, deeper wonder in God, and application for your life. That won’t happen in a hurry. If verse four (for example) of the chapter grabs you, stop on verse four! God is specifically speaking to your heart about the matter. Savor the Truth like a Jolly Rancher slowly melting in your mouth. If one verse takes all your devotional time, so be it. The God of heaven and earth is speaking to you !
[Post updated 12/31/2021]
Great perspective for starting the New Year off right by spending selfish time with the Lord..Thanks for the recalibration after a busy holiday season..Great tip!!
Thank you, Dan!